Pattern Description

The Neva Fair Isle Crochet Hat and Mittens set is inspired by the bold colors of the 2018 Team USA Olympic uniforms. 

This design uses single crochet in the back loop only (BLO) to create clean, aligned colorwork that stands out beautifully across the hat and mittens. 

Although it requires time and attention due to the detailed graph and bobbin use, the finished set is warm, stylish, and rewarding to make.

Materials Needed & Measurements

Materials Needed

• I (5.5 mm) crochet hook
• Mighty Stitch (Medium Weight Yarn) in:
  • Serrano (Red)
  • White
  • Navy
• Pom-pom (for hat)
• Bobbins (for managing colorwork yarn sections)
• Darning needle (for weaving in ends)

Gauge

• 14 sts = 4″ in single crochet.

Brim Fit

• Work brim rows until it reaches approximately 19″.
• Row count varies- around 52 rows is only a guideline.
• Final measurement is more important than row count, as long as gauge is correct.

Abbreviations Used

• ch – chain
• sc – single crochet
• SCBLO / sc blo – single crochet in the back loop only
• st / sts – stitch / stitches
• R – row
• CW – colorwork
• mm – millimeter (hook size reference)

Technique Terms:

• bobbins – used for managing separate yarn strands
• gauge – stitch measurement per inch
• pom-pom – hat topper

Instructions for Making the Neva Fair Isle Crochet Hat and Mittens Pattern

Brim Construction

• Begin by working the brim using the row (such as R2) repeated until you reach your target length.
• Brim Length: approx. 19″ when worked to size.
• Row Reference: roughly 52 rows, but adjust based on fit.
• The brim should fit snugly when wrapped around the head.

Making a Wider Brim

To create a foldable or thicker brim:

• Double the number of starting chains (ch) for additional height.
• Work each stitch (st) evenly across the foundation chain.
• Many crocheters prefer using an H hook for the brim, then switching to the I hook for the main body.
• SCBLO (single crochet in the back loop only) is recommended to give the brim elasticity and texture.

Colorwork & Bobbin Management

Using Bobbins

• The pattern is designed to use bobbins rather than carrying yarn.
• Take the colorwork slowly, especially if you’re new to Fair Isle crochet.
• Keep bobbins untangled by working methodically and turning work consistently.

Carrying Yarn

• While some crocheters prefer carrying yarn across the back, the designer recommends reattaching using bobbins to maintain cleaner tension and more accurate color blocks.

Starting Each Row

• When beginning a new row (R), the designer prefers to place the first SC into the bottom of the ch-1.
• If you crochet into the same stitch as the chain, be sure to join to the SC, not the chain to avoid a visible seam.

Error Correction

One advantage of this pattern:

• If you accidentally skip a stitch on the chart, the mistake is usually very noticeable.
• This makes it easier to fix errors early and prevents excessive frogging.