This pattern is part of the Fall 2017 Malia CAL (Crochet-Along). To view the other patterns in this collection (including a slouchy hat, infinity scarf, and buttoned cowl), please visit the Malia CAL Homepage.
Winter is coming, and that means… hat season! I love hat season, especially on school mornings, because between getting the kindergartener and the first grader ready for school and feeding and dressing the baby, I never have time to do much more than throw my hair up in a pony tail. (Yes, I could wake up earlier, but I value my sleep.) But when it’s cold enough to switch out the hair tie for a hat, a pretty winter beanie adds a little cuteness to the hot mess look, amiright?
I experimented with this design quite a bit because I knew I wanted it to be worked vertically to achieve the design I had in my head, but honestly, I’m not a huge fan of the work-flat-and-sew-to-cinch method. I’ve used it in a handful of my patterns because it’s the only way I knew how to achieve the vertical design, but sometimes I feel like I can’t close the top securely enough and the cinch often looks a bit unbalanced. So after some thinking, I thought up another method (which I’m sure has been done before by others) to combine my favorite top-down method with a vertical design and I’m really happy with how it turned out. It’s a little confusing to explain, but I’ve made a video tutorial for this pattern in case you need a little help! The video tutorial follows the large pattern size, but all you need to do differently for the smaller size is follow the first 3 rounds from the “Teen / Adult Small” pattern and then continue on with the video instructions.
Free Printable Tags
I made some cute printable tags for this pattern that you are welcome to use! If you’re selling or gifting this hat, a tag or wrap just ups the professionalism, in my opinion. I included a wraparound label (shown in the photo) as well as a smaller tag that can be attached to a piece of decorative string wrapped around your finished product, by punching a hole through the corner and threading the string through before tying a bow to secure. Print on cardstock for best results!
Prefer a PDF?
This pattern is also available as an ad-free, printable PDF! And if you love PDFs, you might want to check out my All Access Pass. It’s an awesome deal! (Or, scroll down for the free version!)
MALIA BEANIE (2 SIZES)
Difficulty: Easyish
Finished Size: 8.25″ tall x 18.5″ around (teen / adult small), and 8.25″ tall x 20″ around (adult medium / adult large)
Yarn: #4 aran weight. Individual yardage listed under each size in the pattern. Yarn used in sample photos is Yarn Bee’s Rustic Romantic in “Faded Porch Swing.” (See Malia CAL Homepage for substitution suggestions.)
Hook: I (5.50 mm) or whichever hook is needed to obtain correct gauge
Gauge: The importance of checking your gauge for this project cannot be understated. Because of the construction of the hat, it is difficult to adjust mid-pattern if you discover it is turning out too large. Even if you typically do not complete gauge checks, I strongly encourage you to do so this time. To ensure the best results, the gauge check is a swatch taken straight from the pattern. Upon completion, you should have a 4” square. If yours is larger, consider using a smaller hook or a thinner #4 yarn. If yours is smaller, consider using a larger hook.
Pattern for Gauge:
CH17.
Row 1: SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. (16)
Row 2: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) 7 times. SC in final ST. (16)
Row 3: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (16)
Row 4: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 14 STS. SC in final ST. (16)
Row 5: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (16)
Row 6: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (LBS in next ST, SK next ST) 7 times. SC in final ST. (16)
Row 7: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (16)
Row 8: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 14 STS. SC in final ST. (16)
Row 9: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (16)
Rows 10-16: Repeat Rows 2-8. (16)
You’ll also need: Yarn needle, optional faux fur pom pom
Terms and Abbreviations:
MC (magic circle – view tutorial here)
ST/STS (stitch/stitches)
SL ST (slip stitch)
SK (skip)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
HDC (half double crochet)
LBS (large bean stitch – see “Special Stitches”)
BLO (back loop only)
3rd LOOP (work stitch into 3rd loop only – see “Special Stitches”)
Special Stitches:
Large Bean Stitch (LBS)
Insert hook into stitch, yarn over and pull through (2 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over and pull through (4 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over and pull through (6 loops on hook). Yarn over, insert hook into same stitch, yarn over and pull through (8 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull through all 8 loops. Chain 1 to close the stitch. (Because this stitch creates two sets of loops – one when creating the bean, and one when closing the stitch – each completed Large Bean Stitch will count for two stitches in the row or round’s final stitch count.)
3rd Loop Only
Half double crochet stitches have a 3rd loop that we utilize in this pattern. When working in turned rows, as in this pattern, the 3rd loop can be found just below the front loop on the side of the work that is facing you. When instructed to work in “3rd loop only”, insert your hook into this special loop. This creates a delicate braided look on the opposite side of the pattern.
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) CH1s at the beginning of rounds and rows do not count as a stitch in the final stitch count.
(3) Click here to view a video tutorial for this pattern.
(4) Individual instructions are listed first, followed by seaming instructions at the bottom, which is the same for both sizes.
SIZE: TEEN / ADULT SMALL
Finished Size: 8.25″ tall x 18.5″ around
Yarn Total: 160-175 yards
To Begin: Make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 12SC in MC, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (12)
Round 2: CH1. 2SC in each ST around, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (24)
Round 3: CH1. 3SC in each ST around, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (72)
At this point you should have a very wavy circle. We are now switching to vertical rows, and working them one by one using the stitches from Round 3.
Row 1: CH29, turn. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH; row is complete. Being sure that the wrong side of the circle is facing you (because we turned), SL ST to the base of the CH29, then SL ST to the next ST along Round 3. (28 + 2 SL STS)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the CH1 and the 2 SL STS along Round 3, SC in each of the first 22 STS of the previous row. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (28)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) 11 times; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (28 + 2 SL STS)
Row 4: CH1, turn. HDC in each of the first 22 STS. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (28)
Row 5: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 22 STS; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (28 + 2 SL STS)
Row 6: CH1, turn. Skipping over the CH1 and the 2 SL STS along Round 3, SC in each of the first 22 STS of the previous row. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (28)
Row 7: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (LBS in next ST, SK next ST) 11 times; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (28 + 2 SL STS)
Row 8: CH1, turn. HDC in each of the first 22 STS. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (28)
Row 9: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 22 STS; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (28 + 2 SL STS)
Rows 10-65: Repeat Rows 2-9, in order, 7 more times.
Rows 66-72: Repeat Rows 2-8.
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing the seam.
SIZE: ADULT MEDIUM / LARGE
Finished Size: 8.25″ tall x 20″ around
Yarn Total: 190-210 yards
Note: This size was originally published as the only available.
To Begin: Make a magic circle; CH1.
Round 1: 14SC in MC, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (14)
Round 2: CH1. 2SC in each ST around, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (28)
Round 3: CH1. 3SC in each ST around, join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (84)
At this point you should have a very wavy circle. We are now switching to vertical rows, and working them one by one using the stitches from Round 3.
Row 1: CH29, turn. SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH; row is complete. Being sure that the wrong side of the circle is facing you (because we turned), SL ST to the base of the CH29, then SL ST to the next ST along Round 3. (28 + 2 SL STS)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the CH1 and the 2 SL STS along Round 3, SC in each of the first 22 STS of the previous row. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (28)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) 11 times; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (28 + 2 SL STS)
Row 4: CH1, turn. HDC in each of the first 22 STS. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (28)
Row 5: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 22 STS; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (28 + 2 SL STS)
Row 6: CH1, turn. Skipping over the CH1 and the 2 SL STS along Round 3, SC in each of the first 22 STS of the previous row. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (28)
Row 7: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. (LBS in next ST, SK next ST) 11 times; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (28 + 2 SL STS)
Row 8: CH1, turn. HDC in each of the first 22 STS. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (28)
Row 9: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 22 STS; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (28 + 2 SL STS)
Rows 10-81: Repeat Rows 2-9, in order, 9 more times
Rows 82-84: Repeat Rows 2-4
Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing the seam.
SEAMING
Turn hat inside out. Close up the magic circle and weave in that end only. Then, thread your yarn needle onto the long finishing tail and sew the first 6 stitches (the ribbed band) together, stitch by stitch. The following photo is a screenshot from the video tutorial:
Once you finish with the ribbed section, sew the rest of the seam up, stitch by stitch, putting your needle through the 3rd loop of the final row of HDCs and across to the corresponding stitch on the other side of the seam. This will ensure that the seam creates a row of visible top loops to match the other 3rd loop rows around the hat. The following photo is a screenshot from the video tutorial, with the 3rd loops highlighted:
Weave in your tail and cut off the excess. Attach a pom pom (optional.)
Done! If you’re sharing on social media, be sure to hashtag #maliacaland #maliabeanie, and tag me @littlemonkeyscrochet. Hope you enjoyed it!
You should add to the written pattern what the LBS stitch. I had to watch the video to find out. I do not use video patterns and would have never known what that stitch was.
Hi Michelle! It’s up there 🙂 It’s listed in the stitch abbreviations section, and explained in the Special Stitches section.
I just finished this beanie and made the slouchy version. It’s gorgeous! I love it! Thank you!
Hi, I just finished making this beanie and it is super cute! My only question is, is there a way to make the band a bit tighter? I made the adult small version and my gauge came out perfect, but as I finished the hat it wasnt very tight on my head. I’d like to maybe try again if there is a way to get the ribbed section to be tighter… Any ideas??
When I made the gauge square, I had to go down a size to a H hook and I used a G hook when I was doing the ribbing – that worked pretty well although I could have even gone down to an F hook. It’s a lovely pattern!!!
Hi Katie! What Maureen said is what others have done. 🙂
Thank you very much, I will try that!
thank you so much for the tutorial, it is a very precise and easy to follow. It is my first time here through Pinterest. I am so happy to have found you and your video tutorials.
I love love love the Malia Cowl and Infinity Scarf. Where did you purchase the buttons for them?
I believe I found both styles at Joann Fabrics, but it’s possible they could have come from Hobby Lobby. Those are the two places I get my buttons 🙂
I just finished the Malia Bealie and it came out beautifully thanks to your excellent video. However, I really wanted this for my six-year old granddaughter and it is too big. Do you have directions that I can make one for her? Please email me so I can get started on it! This is a truly beautiful pattern – thank you so much!!!
I don’t have directions for a 6 year old at this time, I’m sorry. You can always figure out how many fewer inches you want the bottom of the hat to be, and decide how many rows you would need to subtract to get rid of that many inches.
Thanks so much for your reply. I am trying it again with #3 yarn and changing to a smaller needle for the ribbing section. I may also try shortening it – I’ll figure it out!! I love your website and your patterns are just wonderful. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! XO
I’m working on my gauge swatch for the THE MALIA BEANIE. I can get the width using a 5.5 hook but the height is off (too big). Any suggestions?
Look up “Crochet Golden Loop” on YouTube… I have a very short golden loop and that has caused some issues for others working the pattern. 🙂
I made 2 of the cowls and love them, then made a beanie using the hook size and yarn mentioned (did not do the gauge check) but as many stated, it was HUGE! So I ripped out a lot of rows and just seamed it where it would fit. Since the top is wavey, it blended okay. I’d probably use a smaller hook if I make another one. Nice patterns though, thank you! ???????
I’m glad you like it! Yes, the gauge check is so important. I am also adding a smaller size – it’s on my to do list for tonight. 😉
I used the pattern to make your hate and when I was done it came out quite large! But not to fear the added space gave me the idea to change it from a hat to a bag! The pattern is really great and I love the final product
Definitely do a gauge check 🙂
I love your Malia patterns, especially the beanie. Thank you for offering your free pattern. I have made a couple of your crocheted items to sell in my Etsy shop. I see the tag “Yarn+Chai” on a lot of hats, etc. and wanted to know what that is. At first, I thought it was the name of a crocheter, but I’ve seen it a lot lately on various blog sites.
Thanks for all your great patterns.
Sharon
I didn’t do the gauge swatch and (shocker!) the hat which
I just finished is huge…but I will wear in anyway and make it again with a smaller hook..
Where Can I purchase the leather tags?
Thank you
Hi Anna! My tags are cork tags by All This Wood on Etsy. Last I heard we had cleaned them out but they were getting more cork in within a few days. 🙂 Here is the link (affiliate): http://tidd.ly/fdb482f5
Hi Rebecca, I’m struggling with the guage square so hoping you can guide me please. I have tried two different #4 yarns and 3 hook sizes. No matter what i try i end up with a rectangle instead of a square?! My most recent attempt was with a 4.25 hook. My swatch is 4 x 5. What am i doing wrong? I love this pattern! Thank you so much!
HI Sue! Is the swatch taller than it is wide? As in, the CH17 is the side that is 4″ and the height is 5″ after you complete the last row?
Yes, exactly right Rebecca. Ch 17 wide is 4″ but it’s 5″ long. ☹
Are you a part of the CAL Facebook group? I posted a video in there addressing this issue: https://www.facebook.com/LittleMonkeysCrochet/videos/1626199474104313/?query=golden%20loop
I will work on getting it uploaded to YouTube so that those who are not in the group can still view it! 🙂
Thanks so much Rebecca. I’m not part of that group currently. I really appreciate your help and quick replies. I’ll check out your video. Thanks a ton!
I only have bulky #5 yarn can the patern be adjusted for it? Using the 5.5 hook the hat is way to big. I was thinking of slip stitching in 3 of the ring instead of 2 do you think that would work?
Hi Helene, you could probably find a way to make it work but you’d really be guessing. 🙂
je viens de prendre connaissance de votre poste Malia je suis en amour avec vos modèles j’adore merci.
shirley stevenson 11/1/2017
Hi I just signed up. love your button cowl and beanie.
looking forward to receiving emails from you, have not received one yet.