This pattern is part of the Fall 2017 Malia CAL (Crochet-Along). To view the other patterns in this collection (including a beanie, infinity scarf, and buttoned cowl), please visit the Malia CAL Homepage.
The second pattern in the Malia CAL is a slouchy version of the Malia Beanie! As with the beanie, I used a unique blend of the top-down method and the vertical method for constructing this hat, resulting in what I think is the best of both worlds – a cute vertical design and a secure cinched top. It’s a little confusing to explain, but I’ve made a video tutorial for both patterns 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 as well as a smaller tag (shown in the photo) 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 SLOUCH (2 SIZES)
Difficulty: Easyish
Finished Size: 9.5″ tall x 18.5″ around (teen / adult small), and 9.5″ tall x 20″ around (adult medium / adult large)
Hook: I (5.50 mm) or whichever hook is needed to obtain correct gauge
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 “Antique Iron.” (See Malia CAL Homepage for substitution suggestions.)
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.
(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: 9.5″ tall x 18.5″ around
Yarn Total: 240-260 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: CH35, 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 CH35, then SL ST to the next ST along Round 3. (34 + 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 28 STS of the previous row. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
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) 14 times; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Row 4: CH1, turn. HDC in each of the first 28 STS. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
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 28 STS; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 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 28 STS of the previous row. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
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) 14 times; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Row 8: CH1, turn. HDC in each of the first 28 STS. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
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 28 STS; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 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: 9.5″ tall x 20″ around
Yarn Total: 260-275 yards
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: CH35, 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 CH35, then SL ST to the next ST along Round 3. (34 + 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 28 STS of the previous row. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
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) 14 times; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Row 4: CH1, turn. HDC in each of the first 28 STS. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
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 28 STS; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 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 28 STS of the previous row. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
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) 14 times; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 2 SL STS)
Row 8: CH1, turn. HDC in each of the first 28 STS. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the final ST. (34)
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 28 STS; row is complete. SL ST in each of the next 2 STS along Round 3. (34 + 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 #maliaslouch, and tag me @littlemonkeyscrochet. Hope you enjoyed it!
I was wondering if you feel this pattern would work well using a yarn with a very slow and subtle ombre. I have a bit of I love this yarn with a very slow pastel fade. With this pattern being set up as it is with the band being constructed alongside I was hoping it would achieve the fade I wanted.
It works nicely – the only potential issue is when the first and last rows are seamed at the end. They might be totally different colors. 🙂
Love this pattern as does my stylish 14 yr old girl! She asked if I can make it a bit longer for more slouch. Can I just increase the chain by 6 and then each corresponding row?
Yes, just increase by 2s and you will be fine – so 6 will work.
Lovely stitches and an easy tutorial! Thank u so much for sharing!
Found this a couple of days ago and ta-dah today i have a new hat! 🙂
Now on to Malia Cowl…
I absolutely love this hat! So different and more sophisticated than others that I have seen. I made it in a day and actually am looking forward to colder days so o can wear it. I can’t wait to see what else you have created! I’m always looking for more “cool” crochet patterns. ?
I’ve tried twice now doing the LBS and mine don’t stick out nearly as much as your’s do. I even tried adding an extra set of 2 loops (to get 10 loops on the hook) and it made it the LBS a little less flat, but it’s still very flat. Am I doing something wrong?
Hi! Are you looking at it from the front of the stitch or the back? The front of the stitch (the side that faces you as you are making it) is pretty flat. It’s the back side that is puffy, and it’s actually the back side of the stitch that ends up on the front side of the hat. 🙂
Just wanted to add my two cents – I was having a lot of trouble with the LBS until I gave up and switched to the same clover hook used in the video. It makes a huge difference, and I’m loving this pattern now! Try a smoother hook if it’s not working out.
I just found and was watching your video on Malia beanie as I have been working on the slouch and doubting how I will use up all that wavy beginning circle BUT saw you did 3rd loop in the FRONT 3rd loop-I have never seen anyone do that?and I have done a third of the hat in the back 3rd loop. I will not frog it as I am at the 5th set of rows but I am sad that the bumpiest beanstitch will live on the inside
Ps I love it nonetheless
Hi Marla, I’m not sure what you mean. There is only one third loop on an HDC stitch. When you’re working in rounds without turning, that loop ends up on the side of the work that is not facing you and you have to reach over the stitch to get to it. But if you are working in turned rounds or rows, as with this pattern, that loop is on the side facing you. I am not sure which loop you are stitching into if you are having to reach over, but it isn’t the third loop. 🙂
What a great, original hat! I can’t wait to make one. Thank you so much for the pattern!!
What is the tag made out of.
These are cork tags from All This Wood. Love them! http://tidd.ly/fdb482f5 (affiliate link)
This looks a lot like one of @playinhooky’d designs.. very cute !
Uh oh, that doesn’t make me feel too good 🙂
I just looked through PlayinHookyDesigns Etsy page and I don’t see any similarities at all except that they are both crochet hat designs.
How can I make the slouch pattern extra large
Hi Rebecca…. I love love love this hat!! Can you tell me, did you make the Pom Pom?
I did 🙂 I’m working on a tutorial video.
Where do you get the Pom Pom?
I made mine and am working on a video tutorial now 🙂
Sorry! I meant slouch, not beanie. ?
Yes, it can be worn without the pom. The measurements do not include the pom. 🙂
Hi! I absolutely love this hat, but just curious if it would be tall enough to wear by itself as a beanie (without the pompom.) It looks like it in the pictures, just wondering roughly how tall it is without it. Thanks! I absolutely love your patterns and am looking forward to trying this one out! ?