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Embla Set Pattern

Embla Set Pattern
4.1★ Rating
5-7 Hours Time Needed
1.3K Made This
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Intermediate Level

Ideal for those with basic crochet experience, featuring slightly more advanced stitches and techniques to expand your skills.

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Weekend Treat

Takes 5-7 hours, making it an enjoyable project to finish over a couple of days.

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Snug Essential

Everyday comfort with practical charm, designed for both functionality and style through changing seasons.

About This Embla Set Pattern

The Embla Set Pattern includes full instructions to knit a matched hat and cowl featuring a traditional colorwork yoke. Youll work from charts for the patterned sections and follow clear directions for ribbing, shaping, and finishing touches. The pattern provides multiple sizes from infant to adult and optional ear flap instructions for smaller sizes.

Embla Set Pattern crochet pattern - detailed view of completed project

Detailed yarn requirements, needle suggestions, and gauge notes are included to help you choose materials with confidence. The set is well suited for giftmaking or expanding your colorwork skills in DK weight yarn.

Why You'll Love This Embla Set Pattern

I absolutely love this pattern because it blends classic Nordic motifs with modern sizing and clear instructions. The charted yoke is satisfying to knit and produces a striking, professional-looking fabric. I enjoy how the set can be customized with different color combinations to suit personal style or to use up stash yarn. The optional ear flaps and double brim give you choices to tailor the hat to the wearer and weather.

Embla Set Pattern step 1 - construction progress Embla Set Pattern step 2 - assembly progress Embla Set Pattern step 3 - details and accessories Embla Set Pattern step 4 - final assembly and finishing

Switch Things Up

I love customizing colorwork, so I often swap the three colors for a high-contrast palette to make the motifs pop.

Try pastel shades for a softer, baby-friendly version or deep jewel tones for an elegant adult set.

I sometimes change needle sizes and yarn weight to make a mini keychain hat or a chunky, cozy winter version.

If I want a different neckline on the cowl I adjust the number of rib rounds and the neck length to suit my layering needs.

I like to add small embroidered accents over the chart motifs to personalize gifts and add a handmade signature.

For a child-safe option, I skip the pompom or use a sewn-on felt circle instead of a detachable pompom.

When I make multiple sets, I experiment with gradient yarn for Color A to create a subtle ombre effect across the yoke.

I sometimes add a lining to the ear flap or a light fleece to the cowl for extra warmth in very cold climates.

I recommend practicing the chart on a swatch first and then changing the color placement if you want a mirrored or inverted motif.

I also enjoy making matching mittens using the same chart motifs scaled to mitten size for a coordinated winter set.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

✗ Skipping gauge swatches before starting colorwork can make the finished pieces the wrong size; always knit a 10 x 10 cm colorwork swatch and block it to match the pattern gauge. ✗ Using the smaller needles for the increase rounds may cause tight, uneven stitches; consider using needles one or two sizes larger during the initial increases to reduce tension. ✗ Not placing the BOR or marker accurately will misalign chart repeats and ear flap placement; place a marker at the beginning of the round and count stitches before picking up ear flap sts. ✗ Picking up brim stitches unevenly can create gaps or puckering; pick up stitches carefully in the first rnd after the rib and place them evenly across the inside of the brim. ✗ Failing to stuff and shape the pompom properly makes it look flat; fluff and trim the pompom for a neat finish and fasten it securely to the top of the hat.

Embla Set Pattern

Make a cozy matching hat and cowl with the Embla Set Pattern. This colorwork set uses DK weight yarn and easy-to-follow charts to create classic Nordic motifs. Youll get sizes for babies through adults and clear instructions for ribbing, charted yoke, and optional ear flaps. Perfect for gifting or keeping warm through the colder months.

Intermediate 5-7 Hours

Materials Needed for Embla Set Pattern

— Main Fabric

  • 01
    DK weight yarn in 3 colors for hat and cowl
  • 02
    Hat - Color A: 1 skein for any size (approx. 125 meters / 137 yards per 50 g)
  • 03
    Hat - Color B: 1 skein for any size (approx. 125 meters / 137 yards per 50 g)
  • 04
    Hat - Color C: 1 skein for any size (approx. 125 meters / 137 yards per 50 g)
  • 05
    Cowl - Color A approx.: (45) 50 (55) 60 (70) 80 (90) 105 (120) 135 meters / (49) 55 (60) 66 (77) 88 (99) 115 (131) 148 yards
  • 06
    Cowl - Color B approx.: (50) 60 (70) 80 (100) 125 (150) 175 (200) 225 meters / (55) 66 (77) 88 (109) 137 (164) 192 (219) 246 yards
  • 07
    Cowl - Color C approx.: (40) 45 (50) 55 (60) 65 (70) 75 (80) 85 meters / (44) 49 (55) 60 (66) 71 (77) 82 (88) 93 yards
  • 08
    Skeins approx. 125 meters / 137 yards per 50 g (hat reference)

— Tools Required

  • 01
    3 mm / US 2.5 circular needles, 40 cm / 16 inches
  • 02
    3.5 mm / US 4 circular needles, 40 cm / 16 inches (and DPNs for small circumferences)
  • 03
    4 mm / US 6 circular needles, 40 cm / 16 inches
  • 04
    Double-pointed needles (DPNs) 3.5 mm / US 4 as needed
  • 05
    Stitch markers
  • 06
    Tapestry/yarn needle for weaving in ends
  • 07
    Scissors
  • 08
    Blocking tools/steam iron or steamer
  • 09
    Pompom maker (optional)

Progress Tracker

0% Complete

— Crown of Hat :

Info :

With 3.5 mm / US 4 DPNs, cast on 7 (8) 9 (9) 10 (11) sts using Color B. The hat is knitted in the rnd, feel free to switch to circular ndls whenever there are enough sts on your ndls to stretch across a pair of circular ndls.

Set-up Rnd :

K to end.

Next Rnd :

[K1, M1R] to end. - the number of sts doubled

Info :

You should now have 14 (16) 18 (18) 20 (22) sts on your ndl.

Next Rnd :

K to end.

Next Rnd :

[K1, M1R] to end. - the number of sts doubled

Info :

You should now have 28 (32) 36 (36) 40 (44) sts on your ndl.

Next Rnd :

K to end.

— Body of Hat :

Info :

Begin working from Chart and inc as indicated.

Info :

From Row 16 of Chart and onwards you should have 84 (96) 108 (108) 120 (132) sts on your ndl.

Info :

Continue working from the chart until work measures 14 (16) 18 (19) 19 (20) cm / 5.5 (6.25) 7 (7.5) 7.5 (7.75) inches or your preferred length.

Next Rnd :

Using the prominent colour of the last rnd, k to end.

Info :

Example: If your previous rnd is Row 26 of Chart, then the next rnd should be worked in Color B.

— Brim :

Info :

Switch to 3 mm / US 2.5 ndl.

Next Rnd :

[K2, P2] to end.

Info :

Repeat the previous rnd until the ribbing measures approx. 2.5 (3) 3 (3) 4 (4) cm / 1 (1.25) 1.25 (1.25) 1.5 (1.5) inches.

Info :

Bind off all sts in pattern.

Info :

If you want to make a double brim, continue knitting as instructed above, until the brim measures approx 6 (7) 7 (7) 9 (9) cm / 2.25 (2.75) 2.75 (2.75) 3.5 (3.5) inches before binding off all sts.

Info :

Tighten the top with the yarn tail from the cast-on. Weave in all ends.

Info :

Feel free to attach a pompom!

Info :

If you’re knitting one of the three smaller sizes and would like ear flaps for the hat, you'll find the instructions for this on the next page.

— Ear Flaps :

Info :

With 3 mm / US 2.5 ndl pick up 24 (28) 32 sts on the inside of the brim, in the first rnd after you began the rib. Start at the beginning of the rnd.

Set up row :

K3 [P2, K2] repeat to last st. K1.

Row A :

Turn work. With yarn in back, slip 2 sts as if to knit. Work established pattern to end of row.

Info :

Repeat the row above until the ear flap measures the same length as the brim.

Row B (RS) :

Slip 2, ssk, k to last 4 sts, k2tog, k2. - 2 sts decreased

Info :

Repeat Row B for all RS and Row A for all WS until you’re left with 6 sts on your ndl.

Next row :

k1, ssk, k2tog, k1.

Info :

You should have 4 sts on your ndl.

Info :

The last remaining 4 sts will be worked to create an i cord string.

Info :

Keep the RS of the cuff facing you at all times.

I cord row :

Slide the 4 sts to the other side of the ndl, k4.

Info :

Repeat the row above until the string measures approx 15-20 cm / 6-7.75 inches. Break yarn, and fasten so the string won't unravel.

Second ear flap :

Measure approx. 5.5 (6.5) 7.5 cm / 2.25 (2.5) 3 inches around the brim from the start of the first ear flap. This is the neck. Make sure the beginning of rnd of the hat is placed at the back.

Info :

Pick up 24 (28) 32 sts for the second ear flap, and make it the same way as the first.

Info :

Fasten all loose ends.

— Abbreviations :

Infos :

DPN = double-pointed needles. Approx = approximately. k = knit. p = purl. st(s) = stitch(es). ndl(s) = needle(s). rnd(s) = round(s). k2tog = knit 2 stitches together. ssk = slip, slip, knit these 2 stitches together; a left-slanting, single-stitch decrease. inc('d) = increase(d). RS = right side. WS = wrong side. M1R = make one right, lift up yarn between sts from behind with left ndl. Knit into front of st. M1L = make one left, lift up yarn between sts from the front with left ndl. Knit into back of st. PM = place marker. BOR = Beginning of Round.

— Cowl Neck :

Info :

With 4 mm / US 6 ndls, cast on (112) 120 (128) 136 (144) 152 (160) 168 (176) 184 sts using Color B. Join to knit in the rnd, PM at the BOR.

Set-up Rnd :

[K2tog twice, p2tog twice] to end. - half the number of sts dec'd

Info :

You should now have (56) 60 (64) 68 (72) 76 (80) 84 (88) 92 sts on your ndl.

Next Rnd :

[K2, p2] to end.

Info :

Repeat the previous rnd until work measures approx. (8) 10 (12) 14 (14) 16 (16) 17 cm / (3.25) 4 (4.75) 5.5 (5.5) 6.25 (6.25) 6.25 (6.75) 6.75 inches, or your preferred length.

— Yoke :

Info :

Switch to 3.5 mm / US 4 ndl.

Next Rnd :

With Color B, k to end.

Info :

Begin working from Chart and inc as instructed. The chart is read from the bottom up, from right to left.

Info :

From Row 16 of Chart and onwards you should have (168) 180 (192) 204 (216) 228 (240) 252 (264) 276 sts on your ndl.

Info :

End working on Chart after Row (21) 24 (24) 30 (30) 36 (36) 36 (36) 36.

Info :

The work should now measure approx. (8.5) 10 (10) 12.5 (12.5) 15 (15) 15 (15) 15 cm / (3.25) 4 (4) 5 (5) 6 (6) 6 inches from the rib.

— Hem :

Rnd 1-2 :

Using Color A, k to end.

Rnd 3 :

P to end.

Rnd 4 :

K to end.

Info :

Repeat Rnds 3-4 once.

Info :

Bind off all sts purlwise.

Info :

Weave in all ends and steam block to flatten out work.

Assembly Instructions

  • Tighten the top of the hat with the yarn tail from the cast-on and weave in all ends securely so the crown is closed cleanly.
  • If attaching a pompom, secure it tightly through the crown with a strong yarn tail and weave the ends inside the hat to hide them.
  • For ear flaps, pick up and work the sts on the inside of the brim as instructed, then fasten and weave in ends; ensure both flaps are symmetrically placed by measuring from the start of the first flap.
  • Weave in all loose ends on both hat and cowl and steam block flat to even out the colorwork and set the shape.
  • When joining the cowl in the round, place a marker at the BOR to keep chart repeats and pattern alignment consistent throughout the yoke.

Important Notes

  • 💡Gauge is measured after blocking; always knit a colorwork swatch and block it to ensure proper fit.
  • 💡The increases at the crown can pull tight; consider using needles one or two sizes larger for the initial increase rounds to ease tension.
  • 💡Switch to circular needles when there are enough stitches to comfortably stretch across the needle span to avoid laddering or uneven joins.
  • 💡Pick up brim and ear flap stitches carefully and count them to ensure symmetry and correct placement.

Create a beautiful matching hat and cowl with the Embla Set — thoughtful colorwork and cozy finishes. This pattern includes full-size ranges, charts, and optional ear flaps for smaller sizes. Perfect for handmade gifts or elevating your winter wardrobe. 🧶🧣

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FAQs

What size will the finished pieces be?

The pattern includes sizes from 6-12 months through adult; finished measurements are provided in metric and inches for hat circumference and garment neck and shoulder circumferences for the cowl.

What yarn weight and needles are recommended?

Use DK weight yarn in three colors. Suggested needles include 3 mm / US 2.5, 3.5 mm / US 4, and 4 mm / US 6 circular needles and DPNs as listed in the materials section.

Can I knit a double brim or add a pompom?

Yes, the pattern includes instructions to continue the brim for a double brim option and notes that you may attach a pompom if desired.

Is prior colorwork experience required?

This pattern is rated intermediate and uses stranded colorwork charts; basic chart reading and stranded knitting skills are recommended for best results.