This pattern is part of the Fall 2017 Malia CAL (Crochet-Along). To view the other patterns in this collection (including a beanie, slouch, and infinity scarf), please visit the Malia CAL Homepage.
The fourth pattern in the Malia CAL is a boho-style buttoned cowl! Worked flat, this beautifully-textured piece works great both over a t-shirt or tucked under a winter coat.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
If you need a little extra help with the pattern, here is a video tutorial, and the free pattern is below!
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 cowl, a tag just ups the professionalism, in my opinion. 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 BUTTONED COWL
Difficulty: Easy
Finished Size: 30.5″ long x 8″ tall
Hook: I (5.50 mm) or whichever hook is needed to obtain correct gauge
Yarn: 355 yards of #4 aran weight. Yarn used in sample photos is Yarn Bee’s Rustic Romantic in “Sugared Oats.”
Gauge: 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, 3 buttons (1″ – 1-1/8″)
Terms and Abbreviations:
FHDC (foundation half double crochet – see “Special Stitches”)
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:
Foundation Half Double Crochet (FHDC)
This is the recommended way of beginning the pattern and is better shown than explained, so please watch the included tutorial video as a guide. There is also an optional classic chain start noted in the pattern, if you would like to do that instead.
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 rows do not count as a stitch in the final stitch count.
(3) A video tutorial is available up in the post, or by clicking here.
INSTRUCTIONS
Row 1: FHDC* 108. (*Alternate start: CH109, HDC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH) (108)
Row 2: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 106 STS. SC in final ST. (108)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (108)
Row 4: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) 53 times. SC in final ST. (108)
Row 5: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (108)
Row 6: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 106 STS. SC in final ST. (108)
Row 7: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (108)
Row 8: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (LBS in next ST, SK next ST) 53 times. SC in final ST. (108)
Row 9: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (108)
Rows 10-25: Repeat Rows 2-9, in order, 2 more times. (108)
Rows 26-29: Repeat Rows 2-5. (108)
Row 30: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in 3rd loop of each of the next 106 STS. SC in final ST. (108)
Edging (1 side only, optional): CH1, SC in same ST to round corner. Working down the short edge of the scarf, SC in each row (30). SL ST to the 2nd corner, fasten off and weave in all ends.
Fringe: Cut about 90 9″ long strands of yarn. (I wrap mine around a 9″ cutting board.) With the textured (right) side of the cowl facing up, and the edging (if you chose to use edging) on the left side, start at one bottom corner and attach them in groups of 3 strands every 4 stitches along the entire bottom edge of the cowl. (If you don’t know how to attach fringe, see video tutorial for guidance.)
Buttons: Attach buttons to bottom of cowl using the diagram shown. 
For further help on button placement and wearing the cowl with buttons fastened, please see the video tutorial (toward the end).
Done! If you’re sharing on social media, be sure to hashtag #maliacaland #maliabuttonedcowl and tag me @littlemonkeyscrochet. Hope you enjoyed it!
Just wanted to thank you for this great patten! I just finished it for my son’s girlfriend, for Christmas. I made it with a beautiful alpaca/ merino blend from a local farmer’s animals. The pattern was so easy to follow and came out just beautiful. Honestly, I am not sure his girlfriend will get it. I may keep it for myself.
Oooh sounds beautiful!
Thank you so much for sharing your designs. They are lovely. I have made three of the Malia Buttoned Cowl and really enjoy the look and feel of this design!
I meant the button size for the cowl – thanks!
Do you happen to recall what size buttons were used? Thanks!
Either 1″ or 1-1/8″ will work. (It’s up in the pattern notes) 🙂
Hi there Rebecca,
I love the look of the Malia buttoned cowl but I seem to be having a “gauge” problem with the yarn I just bought. Lion brand, Vanna’s choice, #4. I used the “I” hook and it was too big so I tried an “H” hook and it was still a little big-5″ long instead of 4″ but too tight for my liking. So, I’d like to use the “I” hook for a looser look, which means I need to start with a shorter beginning length. Looking thru replies to previous questions I gather I could decrease the start chain to an odd number or if I do the “fhdc” I would decrease by an even number?
Late the other night I watched your tutorial and it was fabulous! So clear that I’m sure a novice could easily follow. I haven’t picked up my “hook” in a while so I’m a bit rusty, but determined to make this cowl for my daughter!
Thank you
That’s correct! 🙂
Hi! I love your tutorials! They are very precise and descriptive. I have a question though. If I want to make a shorter neckwarmer, what do I need to crochet my FHDC to?? I don’t know how to figure that out. Thank you!!!
Hello! All you need to do is FHDC until it is the length you want it to be, just make sure you have an EVEN number of FHDCs. 🙂
Beautiful. Thank you for the pattern
Laura
I just found your pattern for Malia button Cowl and i am so glad you did a video for it, i am a fairly new crocheter and still learning to read a pattern so i print the pattern and follow the video … And i just noticed your baby is coming close to his 1st birthday I just wanted to say thank you and wish Henry a Happy Birthday
Hello! I wanted to thank you for this beautiful pattern that you shared with us! The video tutorial is extremely detailed and helpful! I already made my first cowl and I am really happy!!!
Thank you for giving us this pattern free. Your instructions are very clear and I look forward to making some of these and giving them as gifts. Again thank you for your kindness of sharing
Thank you for the three new patterns. I love them all!! I have made several of your blanket patterns in the past and they have all been easy to follow and make. I’m currently working on the Malia Cowl. What is the sequence if I want to make a tad bit longer then 108 stitches? Oh, by the way, the yarn bee yarn …. this is the first time using Rustic Romance…….to die for! Love the feel of it and the look of it!!!!!!
I KNOW, isn’t it just wonderful!? My current favorite yarn. As far as increasing the pattern, just add an even number of FHDC to your total. (If you’re chaining, just make sure you begin with an odd number.) 🙂
Thank you for your quick response!
My daughter is ten months old and I am just now getting back into crocheting. My comfort zone is double crochet, never really gone outside of that! But this is too beautiful to not give it a try.
I love the pattern! Where did get the yarn from?
Yarn Bee yarns are a Hobby Lobby brand 🙂
Can you please stop coming up with new patterns! ? Every time you do I HAVE to make it. And I love them all. Thanks to you I have learned many new stitches and use them often in my hats. I love your style and patterns!!!!!
Lol! <3
Awesome !
Hi I want to thank you for sharing your patterns .I am new to crocheting.I enjoyed making the scarps.I look forward to enjoy more of your patterns.Thank you so much
Where can I find the ad free download? I purchased the bundle.
Thank you.
Hi Marla, the patterns were emailed Tuesday night to everyone who purchased the bundle. Check your junk folder! If you can’t find it, please send me an email directly at littlemonkeyscrochet@gmail.com 🙂
thank you again great tutorial I have made the bean stitch before but never heard of the 3rd stitch love the way it looks thanks again