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!
Hello. I was wondering if you have this pattern for a 9 month old? Is it adjustable? Thank you! Pat
Thank you so much for sharing this pattern! Its got to be the coolest beanie pattern I’ve ever seen! I love the unique way of working it vertically. Its so much fun to make and the result is gorgeous!
I’m having an issue trusting my placement of the slip stitches at the end of the vertical rows. There are 84 sc around the row to attach the 84 vertical rows, however, why am I slip stitching into two different stitches? Will I ever slip stitch into the same stitch twice? It seems like the second slip stitch would get another slip stitch when you do the return row. Am I picturing that correctly? Does the pdf pattern have any charts?
Hello, I love this pattern!! I have made it for just about every woman in my circle. I have a friend asking if I can make matching mittens. Do you by chance have a pattern that matches the Malia hat?
Hi Michelle! The closest thing I have is wrist warmers: https://yarnandchai.com/malia-wrist-warmers/
Dear Rebecca , I am using #4 weight worsted acrylic Red Heart Super saver and a 03.75mm hook and i am still getting a swatch bigger than 4 inches ! Help What am i doing wrong ? I crochet really tightly because of the habit acquired because i make a lot of amigurami …I want to make this hat so much !!! Help !
Thank You , Tina
Hi Tina! Super Saver is a very stiff yarn; it’s difficult to match gauge with a much softer yarn, even if the yarns are the same thickness. If you can’t get gauge without going too low on hook size, I would recommend choosing a softer or thinner yarn.
Hello, if someone wanted to make this Malia beanie for an 8 year old. How do I adjust this pattern? I don’t think the Teen/Small adult would fit. Please help!
Courtney
I , too, would like to know how to make a smaller version of this Hat .Thank you !
I’m sorry for the delayed response. To help anyone else who is wondering; I don’t have stitch counts for smaller sizes. But the number of SC in the third round will determine the width of the hat, and the number of chains before the first row will determine the height. If you’re comfortable playing around with patterns, that should give you a good starting point.
Do you have any other patterns with the beginning circle and then crocheted vertically. I love that so much more than totally in the round.
Not at this time, but it’s definitely the way I’ll be doing any future vertical hats.
Hey Rebecca, I honestly just wanted to thank you for sharing your beautiful work with everyone. I absolutely love all your patterns and your creative vision couldn’t be better! I’ve made the Malia ear warmer and toques for pretty much everyone in my family haha we all love them. So beautiful. I’m excited to finally have some time to try some new ones. That puff stitch pillow cover may have to be next I think, can’t get it out of my head! haha
Thanks a million!!
Hello ! thank you so much for This pattern ! It’s so modern and so original !! I have just made one hat With It and it’s Perfect !
YOu have wrotten IT so well from the beginning at the final. Well down !
Please continue your Work : I”m a french knitter crochet and’ we do not have designers so modern like you here !
Bye bye !
Where are the instructions for that adorable pom on this hat? So glad I found your website – I love your patterns!!
https://youtu.be/1n9joTxNjOI 🙂
Merry Christmas Rebecca ~
I am wondering if you could tell me what you made the pom-poms out of on the Malia hats and if you have a tutorial on making them?
Thank you very much,
Mona
https://youtu.be/1n9joTxNjOI 🙂
I have never seen a better video tutorial. Clear, easy to follow, perfect. Thank You!
Thank you so much!!
Thanks for a great pattern! I have never heard of crocheting in the third loop before, and I feel so knowledgeable now. (Wonder how long that feeling will last LOL.) I love the more contemporary look of this hat. I have made two hats now, one for my 11-year-old and one for me!
Love your way to crochet
You Rock Im 64 and you make it easy to follow for us that are a little foggy headed at following a-written pattern i watch and pattens make sense
Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year to you and yours
Joanne
Try as I could…..I cannot get the gauge right for the Malia beanie! My test comes out to be 4.5 x 4.5″. I’ve tried going down 2 hook sizes….Can you help or advise a smaller size pattern? Thanks! LOVE this pattern!
You could try a #3 yarn which is a little thinner than a #4. That’s what I did for my 6 year old granddaughter and although the hat is a tiny bit big for her, she put it right on and it will be fine. I used the cupcake yarn and it even comes with a pom pom! Good luck – the pattern is just beautiful!
Some people who can’t meet gauge are choosing to crochet it flat and cinch it at the end… then you can make it the dimensions you need it to be 🙂
I’m sorry: how do I crochet it “flat”? Eliminate the wavy top circle and just do the rows and gather the top shut?
Yes 🙂 You’ll want to add probably 4 stitches to make up for the length you lose by eliminating the wavy circle.
I crocheted my second hat flat, then cinched it. It worked, and I got a good fit, but the shape was just not as nice as when done with the original pattern. Cinching the hat elongated the shape slightly (as if I were hiding a cone-head, but it still looked good LOL) and it also made the hat stiffer at the top.
Yes… I thought that might happen, which is why I came up with the alternate method in the first place, lol. If I could go back (and perhaps I will when I have time to re-do the video), I would probably write the pattern so that the body of the hat is completed before moving on to the band so that a smaller hook size could be used. 🙂
Dianne , did you ever find out a solution to your problem? I and down to a 3.75 mm hook and still my swatch is not square or 4 inches. I am so confused . I tried with #4 weight yarn and a 5.5 mm hook and had a hat so big a basketball could have worn it …. Thanks , Tina Hill
Hi there, I’m new to crocheting so it’s possible I’ve missed something or done something wrong but as you start the repeat sections of 2-9 for the adult beanie, how do you keep doing the required numbers of LBS when the stitches seem to get less and less due to the slip stitches on the magic circle?
Hi Chelsea! You’ll always have the same stitch count for every row. I’m not sure what it is that you’re doing, but I would highly recommend you watch the tutorial video in the post above to find out where you might be going wrong. 🙂
I have hit a wall after I do the first set of 11 of the LBS. It’s says to chain and turn…I should have 28 stitches but I don’t. Any ideas? Thank you
I figured out what I did wrong! ?
This was a beautifully designed pattern and so much fun to do! I have never constructed a hat this way and it was awesome!! Great job and thanks for sharing!! Can’t wait to see what’s next!!
Hi Rebecca, your Malia hat and cowl designs are so beautiful! I am planning to make both as Christmas gifts for my daughter. I see you made the pompom for the hat. Do you have a tutorial on how to do the pompom? Thanks for the pattern! I am very excited to make both of these patterns!!!
Yes I do! 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n9joTxNjOI
Thank you so much for the pompom tutorial. I will try that for sure!