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.

A woman wearing glasses smiles while holding a knit hat with a pom-pom. The text reads "Beginner Knit Mosaic Hat, Free Pattern Included." A close-up shows the hat's intricate pattern. The background features a blurred indoor setting, adding warmth to the scene. -Marly Bird

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!

A woman with curly hair and glasses is smiling, holding a Falling Leaves Mosaic Knit Hat adorned with a pink pom-pom. She's wearing a black coat with a fur-trimmed hood. The background reveals a cozy room with a plant and some furniture, offering hints of mosaic tips for home decor enthusiasts. -Marly Bird

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.

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:


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


A woman in three side-by-side images showcases a mosaic knit hat with a pink pom-pom, reminiscent of falling leaves. She is smiling, pointing at the hat, and wearing glasses. Text at the bottom reads, "Look What We Made! Free Pattern Available! -Marly Bird

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.

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.


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.

A woman with glasses and curly hair smiles while holding a Falling Leaves Mosaic Knit Hat with a fur pom-pom. She is wearing a winter coat with a fur trim, and the cozy living room background enhances her joy at discovering the free pattern's mosaic tips. -Marly Bird

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 SizeToddlerChildAdult SmallAdult MediumAdult Large
Finished Head Circumference (approx) Inches16182122.524
Finished Head Circumference cm40.545.553.55761
Height not including Brim INCHES6.257.588.59
Height not including Brim CM161920.521.523

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 

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

A knitting chart for the Falling Leaves Mosaic Knit Hat showcases 25 rows and columns. Blue squares represent color A, white squares with a "V" denote slip stitches, and black squares with "A" or "B" signify colors. An orange outline highlights the pattern repeat. Get inspiring mosaic tips in this free pattern! -Marly Bird

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

A woman smiles while wearing a blue knit hat with a pom-pom. Next to her is an image of her holding a pink mosaic knit hat, pointing at it. The words "Beginner Knit Mosaic Hat" and a red YouTube play button are displayed. -Marly Bird

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I’m thrilled to share this amazing pattern with you, many patterns on my blog are absolutely free! I kindly request that you don’t copy and paste or distribute this pattern. Prefer an ad-free experience? Buy a digital PDF pattern for a small fee from one of my online stores for a seamless crafting journey. 

I appreciate your support and readership. You are the reason I can keep doing what I love and sharing it with others. So, thank you from the bottom of my yarn-loving heart! 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.

A person wearing glasses smiles while holding two knitted hats with pom-poms, showcasing a free pattern. One hat is blue and green, and the other is red and white. The cozy indoor setting adds warmth with its furnishings and decorations. -Marly Bird

FALLING LEAVES MOSAIC KNIT HAT

BRIM 

With color A and smaller circular needles, cast on 80, (88, 104, 112, 120) stitches, place marker then join to work in the round. 

Round 1: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end of round. 

Work in 1×1 ribbing for 3 (4, 5, 5, 5)” [7.6 (10, 12.7, 12.7, 12.7) cm]. This will be folded over to create a double brim.

BODY

Continue with larger circular needles.

(also see chart)

Round 1: With color A, Knit around.

Round 2: With color B, * [K2, sl1wyib, K] 2 times; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times. 

Round 3: With color B, * [K2, sl1wyib, K] 2 times; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 4: With color A, *K2, [K, sl1wyib] 2 times,K2,; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 5: With color A, *K2, [K, sl1wyib] 2 times,K2,; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.

Round 6: With color B, * [sl1wyib, K3,] 2 times; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 7: With color B, * [sl1wyib, K3,] 2 times; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 8: With color A, * K, sl1wyib, K5, sl1wyib; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 9: With color A, * K, sl1wyib, K5, sl1wyib; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 10: With color B, * [sl1wyib, K3,] 2 times; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 11: With color B, * [sl1wyib, K3,] 2 times; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 12: With color A, *K2, [K, sl1wyib] 2 times,K2,; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 13: With color A, *K2, [K, sl1wyib] 2 times,K2,; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 14: With color B, * [K2 times, sl1wyib, K] 2 times; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 15: With color B, * [K2 times, sl1wyib, K] 2 times; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 16: With color A, * K, sl1wyib, K5, sl1wyib; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 17: With color A, * K, sl1wyib, K5, sl1wyib; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 18: With color B, * [sl1wyib, K3,] 2 times; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 19: With color B, * [sl1wyib, K3,] 2 times; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 20: With color A, *K2, [K, sl1wyib] 2 times,K2,; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 21: With color A, *K2, [K, sl1wyib] 2 times,K2,; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 22: With color B, * [sl1wyib, K3,] 2 times; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 23: With color B, * [sl1wyib, K3,] 2 times; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 24: With color A, * K, sl1wyib, K5, sl1wyib; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Round 25: With color A, * K, sl1wyib, K5, sl1wyib; repeat from * 10 (11, 13, 14, 15) times.  

Repeat rounds 2-25 until body of hat measures approx. 6 (7.25, 7.50, 8, 8.5)” [15 (18.5, 19, 20, 21) cm] ending after 2 rounds of color B — Do not count brim in measurement. Cut color B.

CROWN

Round 1: With color A, * K2tog; repeat from * around — 40, (42, 52, 56, 60) stitches.

Round 2: Knit 

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


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.

Collage with two women showcasing knitted hats in gray and blue. The background features leaves and the text "Introducing First Fall Weekends Make-Along marlybirdfirstfall.com." Knitted patterns are shown in detail, including a free pattern for a mosaic knit hat. -Marly Bird

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  1. Linda Strang says:

    I can’t find the VIP experience for BiCrafty individuals. I paid for it and verified the charge went through but it’s not on marlybirdhouse

    • Marly Bird says:

      You should have received an email with instructions for how to access the MarlyBirdHouse.com account. That is where you will find the BiCrafty VIP Experience. If you need additional help, please reach out to customer service. [email protected]

  2. Jude says:

    I’m reading the mosaic hat pattern, and the finishing instructions make it sound like we’ll get down to 40 or so sts, knit 1 row, and then run the tapestry needle through and cinch up? That doesn’t sound right.

    • Marly Bird says:

      That is exactly right. You will only do one round of decreases. I do go over this in the video tutorial as well. 🙂

  3. Janet DAmbrogio says:

    HELP!
    I am unable to access the free pattern. I can see all the information, supply list, both charts, etc. and then the next item is finishing. Where it says ” here is the free pattern below” there’s a nice picture of you, Marly, but no instructions.

    • Marly Bird says:

      if you keep scrolling, you will see where you can login to see the exclusive content. the free patterns is locked until you subscribe to the marlybird website. It is free.

  4. Sonia Maria Torres says:

    I cannot find the crochet pattern, I signed up for. I only see the knit pattern, Please help me find it.
    Thank You

    • Marly Bird says:

      You have to become a subscriber to the Marly Bird Website through the grow program. When you scroll to the locked content, click login or join and create an account if you don’t have one. Once you do, refresh the page and the exclusive content should appear.

Marly Bird

The One and Only, Marly

Marly is a knitwear and crochet designer (and yarn addict) that is here to help you learn how to knit and crochet in a way that's fun and approachable.

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