Donna Set in Berroco Dulce - Downloadable PDF

Donna Set in Berroco Dulce by Amy Christoffers – Knitted Cowl and Hat Pattern

The Donna Set is a coordinating knitted accessories collection designed by Amy Christoffers and published by Berroco. Available as a downloadable PDF, this intermediate-level knitting pattern includes instructions for two complementary pieces: a generously sized colorwork cowl and a matching colorwork hat. Together, they form a cohesive cold-weather accessory set united by a repeating stranded colorwork motif worked in three coordinating shades of Berroco Dulce yarn.

About the Yarn: Berroco Dulce

Berroco Dulce is the specified yarn for this pattern, sold in 50-gram balls and classified as a worsted weight yarn. The pattern calls for three colors: #2009 Opal as the main color (MC), #2016 Citrine as the first contrast color (CC1), and #2033 Onyx as the second contrast color (CC2). To knit the complete set, knitters will need 3 balls of MC, 1 ball of CC1, and 1 ball of CC2. The cowl alone requires 2 balls of MC and 1 ball each of CC1 and CC2, while the hat requires 1 ball of each color.

Needles and Notions

This pattern makes use of multiple needle types and sizes to accommodate both ribbed edgings and the main colorwork body sections. For the cowl, knitters will need a 24-inch (60 cm) circular needle in both size 3 (3.25 mm) and size 6 (4 mm), along with a stitch marker and a tapestry needle. For the hat, a 16-inch (40 cm) circular needle in sizes 3 and 6 is required, plus a set of size 6 (4 mm) double-pointed needles for working the crown decreases, a stitch marker, and a tapestry needle. As with all Berroco patterns, knitters are encouraged to swatch and adjust needle size as needed to achieve the correct gauge.

Gauge

The stated gauge is 21 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches in Stockinette stitch using the larger needles, measured after blocking. Achieving accurate gauge is especially important in colorwork knitting, where tension can vary significantly from knitter to knitter. Blocking the finished pieces is recommended to open up the stranded fabric and achieve the intended finished dimensions.

The Donna Cowl

The cowl is a substantial, circular accessory with a finished circumference of 30 inches (76 cm) and a height of 11½ inches (29 cm), both measured unstretched. It is worked entirely in the round on circular needles, beginning with a k2, p2 ribbed border approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) deep worked in the main color on the smaller needle. This classic ribbing creates a neat, elastic edge that frames the colorwork section above.

After the ribbing, knitters switch to the larger circular needle and work a decrease round to adjust the stitch count before joining the contrast colors. The main body of the cowl is then worked from a charted colorwork pattern using all three colors simultaneously — a technique known as stranded or Fair Isle knitting. In stranded colorwork, unused yarns are carried loosely across the back of the work, creating a double-layered fabric that is both warm and visually striking. The chart features a 6-stitch repeat worked 27 times around, and the 10-row motif is repeated until the piece reaches approximately 10 inches from the cast-on edge.

Once the colorwork section is complete, the contrast colors are broken off and the cowl is finished in the main color only, with a final increase round followed by a return to the smaller needle for a second ribbed border, mirroring the cast-on edge. This symmetrical construction gives the cowl a polished, reversible appearance.

The Donna Hat

The hat is designed to coordinate seamlessly with the cowl, sharing the same colorwork chart and yarn palette. It