Cozy Up with the Falling Leaves Mosaic Knit Hat: Free Pattern & Mosaic Tips

It’s that time of year when you can feel the crisp breeze and see the beautiful fall colors swirling around—why not capture that cozy fall vibe with your knitting needles? The Falling Leaves Mosaic Knit Hat is here to give you a stylish, fun-to-make project that can be completed in a weekend! Whether you’re a beginner to mosaic knitting or a seasoned stitcher, this pattern is perfect for adding a splash of color to your autumn wardrobe.

The best part? It’s free! You can view the pattern right here on my blog. While you’re here, be sure to check out some other fun projects on my Bamburg Bandana Cowl, Anne Slip Stitch Mosaic Shawl, Dynamic Wave Mosaic Hat — Free Pattern.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.

What is Mosaic Knitting?

Mosaic knitting is a colorwork technique that looks intricate but is surprisingly easy to master. It’s based on simple slip stitches, which allow you to create eye-catching designs using two colors of yarn without having to carry multiple strands at once. Unlike other colorwork techniques like fair isle or intarsia, you only work with one color per row, which makes it super beginner-friendly!

Mosaic knitting = less yarn tangling and more fun!

Why You’ll Love the Falling Leaves Mosaic Knit Hat 🍁

• Quick Weekend Project: Perfect for knitters who love fast, satisfying projects. This hat can be made in a weekend!
• Beginner-Friendly Mosaic: Even if you’re new to mosaic knitting, I’ve included tips and tutorials to help guide you.
• Free Pattern & Tutorial: You get the pattern, plus a step-by-step tutorial to make sure you’re set up for success.

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Materials & Yarn for Mosaic Knitting Hat

The Falling Leaves Mosaic Hat pattern uses worsted-weight yarn. For best results, I recommend using yarn that shows contrast between the two colors, like a dark and light shade. This makes the mosaic pattern pop!

Suggested Yarn:

WeCrochet, Brava Tweed (97% Premium Acrylic/ 3% Viscose, 218 yds / 200 m, 3.5 oz/ 100 g, CYCA# 4 worsted)

• Yarn A (Main Color): A deep autumn hue such as burgundy, forest green, or navy.
• Yarn B (Contrasting Color): A light shade like cream, mustard, or heathered gray to create contrast with the main color.

Other Supplies:

• Knitting Needles: US Size 7 [4.5 mm] and US Size 8 [5 mm] 16″ circular needles, or size to obtain gauge.
• Stitch Markers: To help you keep track of your rounds.
• Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends.
• Optional leather tags, leather rivets, Faux Pom Pom

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How to Get Started with Mosaic Knitting

If you’re new to mosaic knitting, don’t worry! Here’s a quick guide to get you going:

1. Slip Stitches: The key technique in mosaic knitting. You slip stitches as if to purl (without knitting them) to bring up a color from the row below, creating the colorwork effect.
2. One Color at a Time: You only knit with one color per row or round, making this a simpler form of colorwork.
   • But it is important to point out that most mosaic patterns will have you work 2 full rows or rounds with one color.
3. Follow the Chart: Mosaic patterns often come with charts. In this pattern, you’ll follow a color-coded chart that tells you which stitches to knit and which to slip.

Read more about Mosaic Knitting in my Beginner’s Guide

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How to Customize Your Hat 🎨

Want to make this hat even more special? Here are a few ideas to customize it:

• Pom-Pom Fun: Add a large, fluffy pom-pom to the top for a playful touch. You can even make a two-tone pom-pom to match the hat’s colors.
• Switch Colors: Play around with different color combinations to make the pattern uniquely yours. Using a long color changing yarn like Sandscapes for color B and a solid color of Brava for color A would result in a stunning mosaic hat!
• Extra Length: If you prefer a slouchy beanie, simply knit a few more rounds before starting the decrease section.

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FAQs About Mosaic Knit Hats

Q: Is mosaic knitting hard?
A: Not at all! Mosaic knitting is actually one of the simplest colorwork techniques. Since you’re only working with one color at a time and using slip stitches to create the pattern, it’s very approachable for beginners.

Q: Can I knit this hat with double-pointed needles (DPNs)?
A: Yes! If you prefer working with DPNs instead of circular needles, you can absolutely adapt this pattern. Just be sure to divide your stitches evenly across the needles.

Q: What’s the best way to block a knit hat?
A: After you finish your hat, wet block it to even out the stitches and soften the yarn. Use a balloon or a hat form to block your hat without losing its shape.

Q: What type of yarn is best for mosaic knitting?
A: High-contrast yarns work best for mosaic knitting. You want the slip stitches to stand out, so choose colors that show a distinct difference when placed side by side. How to colors for colorwork knitting.

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Ready to Start? Here’s the Free Pattern!

Now that you know a little bit more about mosaic knitting, it’s time to grab your needles and dive into the Falling Leaves Mosaic Knit Hat pattern below.

FALLING LEAVES KNIT MOSAIC HAT

Designed by Marly Bird

SKILL LEVEL

Adventurous Beginner

MEASUREMENTS

To Fit Size

Toddler (Child, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large) 

Sample in sized Adult Medium

Finished Measurements

To Fit Size	Toddler	Child	Adult Small	Adult Medium	Adult Large
Finished Head Circumference (approx) Inches	16	18	21	22.5	24
Finished Head Circumference cm	40.5	45.5	53.5	57	61
Height not including Brim INCHES	6.25	7.5	8	8.5	9
Height not including Brim CM	16	19	20.5	21.5	23

Gauge 

20 stitches by 35 rounds= 4″ [10 cm] x 4″ [10 cm] in mosaic stitch pattern and larger needles; use any size needle to obtain the gauge.  

MATERIALS

Yarn 

WeCrochet, Brava Tweed (97% Premium Acrylic/ 3% Viscose, 218 yds / 200 m, 3.5 oz/ 100 g, CYCA# 4 worsted)

Color A: #61309 Elderberry, 1 ball
Color B: #61304 Wasabi, 1 ball 

Needle

U.S. 7 [4.5 mm] and U.S. 8 [5 mm] 16” circular needles, or size required for gauge.

Notions 

Stitch markers, tapestry needle, leather tags, leather rivets, optional Faux Pom Pom

ABBREVIATIONS

K – Knit

K2tog – Knit Two Together

P – Purl

PM – Place Marker

RS – Right Side

Sl – Slip

Sl-wyib – Slip With Yarn in Back

St(s) – Stitches

WS – Wrong Side

CHART

NOTES

• Directions are for size Toddler; changes for sizes (Child, S, M, L) are in parentheses. When only one number is given then that number applies to all sizes.

• When casting on, place a marker every 20 stitches to not lose count.
• Project is made from the bottom brim to crown.
• When working on the body, place a marker every 8 stitches for the repeat.
• Slip all stitches as if to purl with yarn in back.
  • When slipping stitches be sure to not pull the float too tight or the gauge will get too small.
• Do not cut colors, carry the color up the inside of the project.
• If you want to be sure you have a safety net as you knit, adding a lifeline to your project every so often will be helpful. Just to make sure you have a point to rip back to if something goes wrong. (video help).

VIDEO TUTORIALS

• Long Tail Cast-On >> Click Here for Video Help <<
• Knit Stitch (continental style) >> Click Here for Video Help <<
• Purl Stitch (continental style) >> Click Here for Video Help <<
• Perfect Ribbing >> Click Here for Video Help << 
• Duplicate Stitch >> Click Here for Video Help <<
• How to Add Lifeline >> Click Here for Video Help <<
• Bury Ends >> Click Here for Video Help <<
• How to add a Removable Faux Fur Pom Pom >> Click Here for Video Help << 
• Falling Leaves Knit Hat Video >> Click Here for Video Help <<

FALLING LEAVES MOSAIC KNIT HAT

FINISHING

Thread the tail into a tapestry needle, insert tapestry needle into each stitch on left hand needle as if to knit and off until the tail has been thread through each stitch. 

Pull tight like a drawstring. 

Secure tail to the wrong side of the hat. 

Weave in all loose ends.

(Optional) Add Pom Pom to top of hat. 

(Optional) Add Leather Tag with Leather Rivets

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Don’t Forget to Share Your Project!
Once you’ve finished your Falling Leaves Mosaic Knit Hat, I’d love to see it! Share your project on Ravelry or tag me on social media with #MarlyMadeMeDoIt.