Malva (Hat & Cowl)

Malva Hat & Cowl by Maloraé Designs

Project Overview

The Malva is a versatile knitting pattern set featuring both a cowl and hat design created by independent designer Maloraé Designs. This downloadable PDF pattern offers intermediate-level knitters the opportunity to create elegant, textured accessories in multiple sizes suitable for children and adults.

Malva Cowl

What is Being Made

The Malva cowl is a circular, neck-worn accessory available in three sizes: Child (48cm/19"), Adult 1 (55cm/21.5"), and Adult 2 (62cm/24"). This cowl design combines traditional ribbed construction with decorative textured elements, creating a sophisticated layering piece.

Materials Required

Yarn: The cowl is designed to be knitted with DK weight yarn. The pattern offers flexibility by allowing knitters to use either a single DK weight yarn or a combination of two complementary yarns. The designer example uses a blend of Super Kid Mohair and Silk Lace paired with Mérinos SW in the colorway Red Red Wine from Teinturlurée.

Yardage by Size:

• Lined Ribs Version: Child requires approximately 230m/252 yards of each yarn; Adult 1 requires 270m/295 yards of each yarn; Adult 2 requires 300m/328 yards of each yarn
• Simple Ribs Version: Child requires approximately 200m/218 yards of each yarn; Adult 1 requires 225m/246 yards of each yarn; Adult 2 requires 270m/295 yards of each yarn

Needles & Notions: US 6 (4mm) needles for the body, US 4 (3.5mm) needles for ribbing, and stitch markers are required to complete the project.

Techniques Used

The Malva cowl incorporates several fundamental knitting techniques that intermediate crafters should be comfortable executing:

• Provisional Cast On: This technique allows knitters to create a temporary cast-on edge that can later be grafted, enabling seamless construction of circular cowls
• Grafting: Also known as Kitchener stitch, grafting joins two sets of live stitches together invisibly, creating a seamless finish where the provisional cast-on meets the final row
• Stitch Markers: Used to track pattern repeats and the beginning of rounds

Stitches & Stitch Pattern

The Malva cowl features the Estonian Button stitch as its primary decorative element. This textured stitch is worked over 2 stitches and creates dimensional bobbles or buttons across the fabric surface. The pattern alternates between sections of Estonian Button stitches and ribbed sections, with two construction options available:

• Lined Ribs: A version featuring ribbed sections with additional structure
• Simple Ribs: A streamlined ribbed version for a cleaner aesthetic

The Estonian Button stitch involves wrapping yarn around stitches multiple times to create the characteristic raised texture. The pattern uses standard abbreviations including K (knit), RS (right side), WS (wrong side), and M (marker) to guide construction.

Gauge & Blocking

The pattern specifies a gauge of 23 stitches and 32 rows to 10cm (4 inches) when working the Estonian Button stitch on US 6 (4mm) needles after blocking. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the correct finished dimensions, particularly important for a fitted accessory like a cowl.

Craft Difficulty

Rated as an intermediate project, the Malva cowl requires knitters to be comfortable with basic stitches, pattern reading, and techniques such as provisional cast-on and grafting. The Estonian Button stitch adds textural interest while remaining accessible to knitters with foundational skills.