Leaf Umbrella : Knitting Pattern PDF

Description

Introductory Offer: Use code LEAF for 10% off my new Leaf Umbrella hat pattern! Sale will run through Sunday, September 27th, 2026 at midnight CT.

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Yarn Love: Grab an exclusive My Neighbor Totoro hat kit by Fangirl Fibers on their website!

Leaf Umbrella : A two-color brioche hat inspired by Totoro and his adorable Leaf Umbrella, with a graphic panel of Soot Sprites.

My Neighbor Totoro is one of my absolute favorite Studio Ghibli films! It is definitely in my top 3. Inspired by the yarn itself, which was dyed to match the artwork found on the main film poster, I wanted to design a brioche hat that looked like the adorable leaf umbrella worn by Totoro themself in the film while it’s raining. The giant leaf adorns the majority of the hat, with the back (or side, depending on how it’s worn) texture resembling the Soot Sprites in the floorboards of the home.

Yarn Notes:
I used half of 2 100g skeins of DK, which will work for all sizes. These are available as a bundle for a limited time through Fangirl Fibers with a special hat tag, as seen here! The colors I chose were inspired by My Neighbor Totoro, the Studio Ghibli film! This hat would work with all different color schemes, they don’t need to be leaf-colored.

Skill Level:
Beginner Brioche Friendly, but there are brioche decreases used for the crown shaping!!! I designed this hat for knitters who want to learn two-color brioche. Learning two-color brioche in the round is a fantastic and straight forward way to learn, I highly recommend it!

Techniques Used:
knit, purl, brioche knit (brk), brioche purl (brp), sl1yo, brioche increases and decreases, Twisted German Cast On, knitting in the round

Video Tutorial for “br4st dec”: https://bit.ly/Br4stDec

Construction Notes:
You begin immediately with the giant leaf, dividing the hat with stitch markers to note the differences in the leaf vs. the Soot Sprites. The crown shaping of the hat is built into the leaf, so it creates a seamless look. Even if you have never seen the film (which I highly recommend), this hat is perfect for leaf and nature lovers!

This hat is a true statement piece for your wardrobe!

» Sizes: 1 (2, 3, 4)
To fit head circumference: 20 (22, 24, 26)’’ / 51, (56, 61, 66) cm

» Finished measurements:
18 (20, 22, 24)’’ / 45.5 (51, 56, 61) cm unstretched circumference & 10’’ / 25 cm long for all sizes; meant to be worn with 1 – 3’’ / 2.5 – 5 cm of negative ease

Shown in Size 2 on model with 22’’ / 96.5 cm head with 2’’ / 5 cm of negative ease.

» Gauge:
17 sts x 24 rounds = 4’’ / 10 cm; measured in even two-color brioche rib stitch knit in the round (taken after blocking).

MATERIALS:

» Yarn: DK weight
MC: 94 (105, 115, 123) yds / 86 (96, 105, 112) m
CC: 97 (108, 119, 123) yds / 89 (99, 109, 112) m

» Shown in: Fangirl Fibers 100% Superwash Merino DK (100% SW Merino wool; 246 yds / 225 m per 100 g)
MC: 1 half skein (for all sizes) in My Neighbor Totoro (blue variegated)
CC: 1 half skein (for all sizes) in Leaf Umbrella (green)

» Needles:
16’’ / 40.5 cm US 5 / 3.75 mm circular needles, or US 5 / 3.75 mm DPN’s, whichever method you prefer for knitting in the round. I highly recommend using circular needles for the best knitting experience.
Adjust the needle size as needed to achieve the proper gauge.

» Tools:
Stitch marker for noting beginning of round, contrasting stitch markers for noting differences in stitch patterns, split ring marker or removable marker to place stitch on hold for brioche decrease, row counter or your preferred method for tracking your knitting, tapestry needle

» Credits:
Many thanks again to Emily at Fangirl Fibers for their amazing yarn support and inspiration!! Thank you to my tech editor Chaitanya Muralidhara (@beginswithac) for all her help in editing my pattern!! Also a HUGE thank you to all my Patrons and test knitters for their help in testing out this pattern!! Be sure to check out their projects for some serious color inspiration!!

Purchase on Ravelry:

This is a listing for a PDF download of a knitting pattern. Once the pattern has been purchased, you will receive a download link on the order received page, as well as in an email.  You may download as many times as you wish. Thank you!