Colorwork has always held a special place within the art of knitting – it’s expressive, bold, and rooted in tradition. With Dorthea, that heritage meets modern urban style.
The Dorthea Knit Collection from Copenhagen Fibers captures this spirit with four designs that balance timeless motifs and contemporary wearability, turning beautiful yarn into creations you’ll be proud to wear and show off.
These are patterns that spark inspiration and build confidence, whether you’re trying stranded knitting for the first time or looking for an exciting challenge.
And fittingly, the collection is named after Dorthea Street, home to Copenhagen Fibers and the Hobbii HQ.
A Modern Take on Colorwork
The Dorthea Collection brings colorwork to life through four unique designs, from small accessories to statement sweaters. Each piece has its own personality, yet together they tell a story of modern Scandinavian knitwear.
Dorthea Mittens
Classic yet playful, the Dorthea Mittens are a beginner friendly colorwork project. Worked from the cuff up in Natural Wool and Brushed Alpaca, they combine warmth, durability, and softness. Stranded colorwork wraps around the hands, while thoughtful details like a neat ribbed cuff and thumb placement make the knitting just as enjoyable as the wearing.
Why knit them? They’re the perfect introduction to colorwork – compact, fun, and endlessly customizable with color combinations.
Get the Dorthea Mittens pattern here ➜
Dorthea Sweater
The Dorthea Sweater is all about structure and impact. Worked bottom-up with raglan decreases, it features bold stranded colorwork across the yoke. Natural Wool provides stability, while Brushed Alpaca brings softness and depth. The result? A sweater that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Why you’ll love it: It’s a statement knit you’ll live in all winter!
Get the Dorthea Sweater pattern here ➜
Dorthea Cowl
Practical, cozy, and stylish – the Dorthea Cowl is proof that accessories can make as much of a statement as a sweater. It’s worked from the bottom up with stranded colorwork unfolding in the round. The ribbed edges add structure, while the mix of Natural Wool and Brushed Alpaca creates warmth and texture.
Reasons to cast on: It’s a versatile layering piece, quick to finish, and a satisfying way to explore colorplay without committing to a full sweater.
Get the Dorthea Cowl pattern here ➜
Dorthea Yoke Sweater
The crown jewel of the collection, some might say! Worked top-down with a relaxed fit and deep armholes, the Dorthea Yoke Sweater layers color in a sophisticated way.
Holding Natural Wool together with Silk Mohair creates a rich, almost luminous base, while Baby Alpaca Blend adds color accents in stranded colorwork. The construction – complete with short rows to shape the neckline and body – gives it a polished, comfortable fit.
Looking for an excuse to cast on? This one’s irresistible. A piece that blends tradition and modern design in equal measure – and a sweater you’ll be proud to say you made yourself.
Get the Dorthea Yoke Sweater pattern here ➜
The Yarns That Make It Shine
What sets Dorthea apart isn’t just the motifs, it’s the way the fibers and textures come together. Each design in the collection uses its own mix of yarns from Copenhagen Fibers, chosen to highlight the pattern and create the right balance of warmth, structure, and softness.
- Natural Wool gives stability, warmth, and clear stitch definition.
- Brushed Alpaca adds softness and a subtle halo that makes the colors blend beautifully.
- Baby Alpaca Blend brings depth and a gentle melange effect, perfect for accent shades.
- Silk Mohair adds lightness and shine when held with wool, giving colorwork a luxurious touch.
And there’s more! All Copenhagen Fibers yarns used in Dorthea (except Silk Mohair) are OEKO-TEX® certified, so you can knit with confidence knowing they’re tested and safe for everyday wear.
Whether used alone or combined, these yarns make the Dorthea designs feel textured, dimensional and modern.
The full Dorthea Collection – mittens, cowl, sweater, and yoke sweater – is a celebration of modern Scandinavian colorwork.
Mastering the Techniques
Stranded knitting looks complex, but once you understand the basics, trust us, it’s addictive. To help you feel confident, we’ve created two guides to support your Dorthea journey:
Working with Floats
When knitting colorwork, unused strands run along the back of your work. These are called floats. Learning how to manage them keeps your tension even and your fabric smooth. Read our guide to working with floats in stranded knitting to master this essential technique.
Color Dominance in Stranded Knitting
Which color you hold closest to your work can completely change how the pattern looks. The dominant color pops forward, while the background recedes. Read our guide to color dominance in stranded knitting to make sure your motifs stand out just the way you want.
Knits You’ll Be Impatient to Share
The Dorthea Collection is about more than patterns. It’s about the joy of turning beautiful yarn into something stylish, wearable, and uniquely yours.
Shop Copenhagen Fibers yarns and download the Dorthea patterns for free.
Share your Dorthea projects with us on Instagram @hobbii_yarn and @copenhagenfibers using the hashtags #COPENHAGENfibersbyHobbii and #hobbiidorthea – or find us on Facebook. We love seeing your creations come to life. ❤️
Because Copenhagen Fibers is Made to Notice.
