Tahki Yarns Umbria Hat & Scarf Knitting Pattern

Tahki Yarns Umbria Hat & Scarf Pattern Summary

Project Overview

The Umbria Hat & Scarf is a coordinated knitting set designed by Vera Keller, featuring a classic hat and matching scarf in an easy skill level. This downloadable pattern uses a combination of solid and printed yarn to create striking striped and chevron textures, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking straightforward construction with visual impact.

Hat Construction

The hat is worked flat on straight needles from the bottom up, beginning with a ribbed cuff that measures 6 inches from cast-on. The ribbed section uses a 2x2 knit-purl pattern (K2, P2) to create stretch and a secure fit. After the ribbing is complete, the main body transitions into the stripe pattern, which alternates between the main color and contrasting color every two rows. The hat is then seamed along the side to form a tube, and a fur pompom is sewn to the crown for a finished look. The completed hat measures 15 inches in circumference above the ribbing.

Scarf Construction

The scarf is also worked flat on straight needles from bottom to top, cast on with 122 stitches. The scarf body features a chevron stitch pattern worked simultaneously with the stripe pattern throughout. The chevron pattern is a 15-stitch repeat plus 2 edge stitches, creating a classic V-shaped texture that runs the length of the piece. Rows alternate between knit and purl, with strategic decreases (k2tog) and increases (M1) that form the characteristic chevron peaks and valleys. The scarf is worked until it reaches 66 inches in length, then bound off knitwise. The finished scarf measures 16¾ inches wide.

Techniques Used

• Bottom-up construction: Both the hat and scarf are begun at the lower edge and worked upward
• Worked flat: Projects are knitted back and forth on straight needles rather than in the round
• Seaming: The hat requires a side seam to join the edges after the flat knitting is complete
• Stripe pattern: A two-color repeating pattern alternates every two rows between main color (MC) and contrasting color (CC)
• Color management: When changing colors, the old color is left hanging on the wrong side and loosely carried up along the edge for neat color transitions

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

• Stockinette stitch (St st): The foundation stitch used for gauge measurement, created by alternating knit rows on the right side and purl rows on the wrong side
• Ribbing (K2, P2): A 2x2 knit-purl combination used for the hat cuff to create elasticity and a fitted edge
• Chevron pattern: A 15-stitch repeat featuring paired decreases (k2tog) and increases (M1) that create diagonal V-shaped lines across the scarf. The pattern alternates between a decrease-increase row and a purl row
• Stripe pattern: A simple two-row repeat alternating between main color and contrasting color throughout both projects

Materials and Yarn

The Umbria Hat & Scarf pattern calls for Tahki Yarns ALDEN in the main color, with 3 balls required for the hat. The contrasting color uses Tahki Yarns ALDEN PRINT, requiring 2 balls. Both yarns share identical specifications: 50% fine merino wool, 25% superfine alpaca, and 25% acrylic, with each ball weighing 1.75 ounces (50 grams) and containing 250 yards (229 meters). The specific colors used are #21 smoke for the main color and #101 morning mist for the contrasting color. The pattern specifies size 6 (4mm) needles or the size needed to obtain the correct gauge. Additional materials include a yarn needle for weaving in ends and one fur pompom for the hat crown.

Gauge and Sizing

The pattern is designed in one size. Gauge is measured in stockinette stitch at 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters). Checking gauge before beginning is essential to ensure the finished hat circumference of 15 inches and scarf dimensions of 16¾ inches