I rarely make a pattern twice, but I am still obsessing over the Malia stitch pattern from my Malia Crochet-Along! So, naturally, I just keep reinventing it. This cowl is just what it says it is – classic! A top ribbing adds a little extra visual appeal to the already beautiful combination of the 3rd loops stitches and the large bean stitches.
One really great thing about this pattern is that it is very easily adaptable to any yarn weight! So if you’re looking for a super quick project, choose a bulky or super bulky yarn (and appropriately-sized hook); or, if you’re looking for something a little more delicate, choose a DK yarn or even smaller. There are notes within the pattern that will instruct you on how to adjust; just keep a ruler handy, and you’ll be good!
VIDEO TUTORIAL
If you need a little extra help with the stitches in the Malia stitch pattern, here is a video tutorial! (Please note that this tutorial does not follow the Classic Cowl pattern; I simply show you how to do the Malia stitch pattern by crocheting up a swatch of it.)
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 CLASSIC COWL
Difficulty: Easy
Finished Size: 30″ around x 12″ tall
Hook: I (5.5mm)
Yarn: Approx. 390 yards of #4 aran weight. Yarn used in sample photos is Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn in “Ivory Tweed”.
Gauge: Gauge is not important for this pattern, as instructions are given for how to make sure you get the right size using measurements. Keep a ruler handy.
You’ll also need: Yarn needle
Terms and Abbreviations:
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 rows do not count as a stitch in the final stitch count.
(3) A video tutorial for the stitch pattern is available up in the post, or by clicking here.
(4) This pattern can be completed using any yarn weight and complimentary hook size; just keep a ruler handy and follow the adjustment notes within the pattern.
INSTRUCTIONS
RIBBING
CH7.
Row 1: SC in 2nd CH from hook and in each remaining CH. (6)
Rows 2-102 (or until ribbing measures about 30″ long; be sure to complete an even number of rows): CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 4 STS. SC in final ST. (6)
– – – – – – – – – –
BODY (Row count restarts back to 1)
Body, Row 1: CH1, do not turn. SC in each row end along the long edge of the ribbing. (102, or however many ribbing rows you completed)
Row 2: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) 50 times. SC in final ST. (102)
Row 3: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (102)
Row 4: CH1, turn. SC in 3rd loop of each ST across. (102)
Row 5: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (102)
Row 6: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (LBS in next ST, SK next ST) 50 times. SC in final ST. (102)
Row 7: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (102)
Row 8: CH1, turn. SC in 3rd loop of each ST across. (102)
Row 9: CH1, turn. SC in each ST across. (102)
Row 10: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) 50 times. SC in final ST. (102)
Row 11: CH1, turn. HDC in each ST across. (102)
Row 12: CH1, turn. SC in 3rd loop of each ST across. (102)
Rows 13-36*: Repeat Rows 5-12, in order, 3 more times. (*If using a different yarn weight, simply do your repeats until the cowl measures about 12″ tall, being sure to end on a repeat of either Row 8 or Row 12.)
Fasten off, leaving a long tail.
– – – – – – – – – –
SEAMING
Use your long finishing tail to sew the short edges of the cowl together, taking care to line up the row ends neatly.
Fasten off and weave in all ends.
Done! If you’re sharing on social media, be sure to hashtag #maliaclassiccowl and tag me @littlemonkeyscrochet. Hope you enjoyed it!
Quick question.
Row 2: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) 50 times. SC in final ST. (102)
Row 6: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. (LBS in next ST, SK next ST) 50 times. SC in final ST. (102)
Are these rows supposed to be the same?
No, the difference – (SK next ST, LBS in next ST) vs (LBS in next ST, SK next ST) – is intentional. If you don’t balance out where the large bean stitches are placed in relation to the edges, you end up with a fabric that begins to pull and eventually looks warped and doesn’t lay flat.
I absolutely love every pattern of yours that I have made. Thank you so much for sharing your talent.
I am in a prayer shawl ministry and was thinking about using your Malia pattern for a rectangular shawl (without the ribbing). I was wondering about the multiple for the pattern repeats. I am thinking a multiple of 2.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Correct 🙂
I love this cowl pattern and you are an excellent instructor but I don’t understand the ribbing part.. would like to add this to my cowl. Do you sow it on separately?
This pattern is worked in one piece and begins with the ribbing. Then, as instructed, you’ll turn and crochet down the long edge of the ribbing to begin the rest of the cowl.
A super easy pattern to follow. I used a thicker yarn and had excellent results. I’m making more in different colors to match my coats; and maybe as gifts too. We’ll see. Love this pattern!!!
I don’t have a comment
Can you still add buttons to this version?
Yes! Actually I’m working on one for a Christmas present right now and I might add them. I would suggest using small buttons, 6 or 7 of them. I would edge one short side of the cowl, then sew it shut so that it layers over the unfinished edge by an inch or less, then I would sew the buttons evenly down. I think it would be beautiful 🙂
Thank you for the beautiful pattern.
Laura
Yeah – a new Malia design! I love this pattern too 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us!
Hi Rebecca, your new design is wonderfull !!
I found your site from Pinterest and saw your Milea scarf , hat,and cowl, I knew I had to make them. Your tutorial is what did it for me, you are a very good instructor .I have so far made the beanie, and infinity scarf and planning to make the cowls . I used the Rustic Romantic in the Peony Bouquet..and I get a lot of comments on them.
Have a Merry Christmas and and a wonderfull New Year! Diane G
I can’t wait to try this! 🙂
Thank you very much all your beautiful patterns in this year.
Have a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year!
with love
Marianne
this is a very nice pattern thank you very much
I’m so happy to see another expansion to your Malia designs! I love working this stitch pattern so much. Just a few days ago, I was thinking that I wanted to make a round cowl like this , and here is my answer! Can’t wait to try it now 🙂
How quick dose it whip up?
That is always a tough question to answer. It really comes down to how fast of a crocheter you are, what yarn you choose, and whether you are comfortable with the Large Bean Stitch.
Your work is beautiful. Thank you for the patterns. Happy Holidays!
Am only a knitting and crocheting person at home .. no web site. Thank you for your free pattern and access to your site.
From Northern WI
I am really enjoying these patterns. I love how quickly they work up and more important how they look. Thank you for sharing them with us. Merry Christmas to you and the family and a wish for a wonderful 2018.
All your designs are lovely but I’m partial to socks and would love to see more. Thank you!
And Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
Pearl ???