Chunky Merino Wool Co-ord Set Knitting Pattern: Eyelet Ribbed Crop Top & Shorts (PDF Download)

If you have been searching for the perfect knitting project that combines wearability, texture, and that effortlessly cool aesthetic you see all over knitwear fashion right now, this chunky merino wool co-ord set is exactly what you need. This eyelet ribbed crop top and matching shorts pattern is the kind of design that looks incredibly complex but is built on techniques that intermediate knitters — and even ambitious beginners — can master with a little patience and the right guidance. Whether you are knitting for yourself or as a gift, this co-ord set delivers the kind of finished result you genuinely want to wear, photograph, and show off.

In this post, you will find everything you need to know before downloading and starting the PDF pattern: the yarn and materials required, sizing information, a detailed overview of the techniques involved, tips for getting your gauge right, styling ideas, and care instructions for your finished pieces. By the time you reach the end, you will be ready to cast on with complete confidence.

Why Chunky Merino Wool Is the Perfect Choice for a Co-ord Set

Not all yarn is created equal, and for a co-ord set like this, the choice of fiber makes a significant difference to the finished look and feel. Chunky merino wool is the ideal match for this pattern for several reasons.

First, merino wool is exceptionally soft against the skin. Unlike standard wool, which can feel scratchy when worn close to the body, merino has a much finer fiber structure that sits comfortably even against bare skin. For a crop top and shorts, where the fabric is worn directly on the body, this is not a small consideration — it is essential.

Second, merino has natural elasticity. This is what gives ribbed knitting its bounce and recovery, meaning the eyelet rib stitch in this pattern will spring back into shape after wearing and washing rather than drooping or losing its form. Chunky weight merino in particular gives you a fabric that is substantial and structured without being stiff or heavy.

Third, merino wool has excellent drape in a chunky weight when worked on the right needle size. The stitches settle into each other in a way that creates a beautiful, cohesive fabric with visible stitch definition — and that stitch definition is what makes the eyelet details in this pattern really sing.

Finally, chunky merino knits up relatively quickly compared to lighter weight yarns. This is a co-ord set, which means you are knitting two pieces, and working in chunky weight means you will see real progress with every session. That momentum is motivating, especially for a project of this scale.

When choosing your yarn, look for a 100% merino option or a merino blend with a small percentage of nylon for added durability, particularly for the shorts. A yarn that lists a gauge of approximately 14 to 16 stitches per 10 cm on 6mm to 7mm needles will sit in the right weight category for this pattern.

What Is Included in the PDF Pattern Download

The downloadable PDF pattern is a comprehensive, printer-friendly document designed to take you through both pieces of the co-ord set from cast-on to cast-off. Here is what you will find inside:

A full materials list including yarn weight, recommended needle sizes, and notions. Multiple size options covering a range of bust measurements from approximately 32 inches to 46 inches, with hip measurements accounted for in the shorts sizing. Schematic diagrams showing the finished measurements for each piece across all sizes. A stitch guide covering every technique used in the pattern, including the eyelet construction and the ribbing structure. Row-by-row written instructions for both the crop top and the shorts. Finishing and seaming guidance. Blocking and care recommendations.

The pattern is written for intermediate knitters and assumes familiarity with basic knitting, purling, working increases and decreases, and reading a pattern with multiple size options. The eyelet technique is explained in full within the stitch guide, so if you have not worked eyelets before, the pattern will walk you through it step by step.

Materials You Will Need

Before you cast on, gathering everything you need means you can work through the pattern without interruption. Here is a general overview of what to have ready before you start.

Yarn: You will need a chunky weight merino wool in your chosen colorway. The amount varies by size and by piece, but plan for approximately 400 to 600 grams total for the full co-ord set depending on your size. Neutral tones like oatmeal, cream, camel, and charcoal are particularly popular for this kind of set because they photograph beautifully and mix easily with other wardrobe pieces, but the structure of the stitch pattern also looks stunning in bolder shades like terracotta, forest green, or dusty rose.

Needles: The pattern calls for a set of 6.5mm circular needles in a 60cm or 80cm cable length, which allows you to work the body of both pieces in the round. A second shorter circular needle or a set of double-pointed needles in the same size is useful for sections with a smaller stitch count. You will also want a spare needle or stitch holder for holding stitches during construction.

Notions: You will need a tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, a set of stitch markers, a tape measure, scissors, and a row counter if you find one helpful. The elastic waistband in the shorts requires 2.5cm wide elastic, cut to your waist measurement plus a small overlap for joining.

Gauge swatch: This is non-negotiable for a garment pattern. The gauge for this pattern is approximately 13 stitches and 18 rows per 10 cm in the eyelet rib pattern using 6.5mm needles after blocking. Because this is a body-conscious fit with a co-ord aesthetic, being off gauge by even one stitch per 10 cm will result in a finished piece that is noticeably larger or smaller than intended. Swatch, block your swatch, and measure it before you commit your full yarn amount to the project.

Understanding the Eyelet Ribbed Stitch Pattern

The signature detail of this co-ord set is the eyelet ribbed stitch, which creates a fabric that is rich with texture and visual interest while still being fundamentally rhythmic and satisfying to knit. Once you have the repeat memorized, the pattern becomes almost meditative to work.

Traditional ribbing alternates knit and purl stitches to create vertical columns that pull the fabric together and give it elasticity. In this pattern, the ribbing is interrupted at regular intervals by eyelet stitches, which are small decorative holes created by working a yarn over followed by a decrease. The result is a fabric that retains all the stretch and structure of ribbing but has a delicate, almost lace-like quality threaded through it.

The eyelets are worked on a consistent repeat across the fabric, which means the holes align vertically to create subtle columns of openwork running the length of both pieces. On the crop top, this gives an effect that feels modern and intentional — not just ribbing with accidental holes, but a designed surface with real visual rhythm. On the shorts, the same stitch creates a cohesive look that ties both pieces together as a set.

For new-to-eyelet knitters, the key thing to understand is that each eyelet is compensated: the yarn over that creates the hole also adds a stitch, and the decrease that follows removes a stitch, so your total stitch count never changes. This makes the eyelet a surprisingly stable and beginner-friendly technique, even though the finished result looks intricate.

Construction Overview: The Crop Top

The crop top is worked in the round from the hem upward, with the eyelet rib stitch established immediately from the cast-on row. Working in the round means there are no seams along the sides, which gives the finished garment a clean, smooth line and eliminates the need for precise seam matching between pieces.

The hem begins with a standard ribbed cast-on that transitions directly into the eyelet rib pattern. The body is worked straight to the underarm, at which point the front and back are separated and worked flat to create the armhole shaping. The shoulder straps are narrow, with the option to work them as simple i-cord straps or as narrow bands of ribbing for a slightly wider coverage across the shoulder.

The neckline is a straight, low-scooped front with a slightly higher back, which creates a flattering asymmetry and gives the top a modern, fashion-forward silhouette. The finished crop length sits at or just above the natural waist, designed to pair with the high-waisted shorts.

The pattern includes guidance for adjusting the length of the body before the underarm shaping, which allows you to customize the crop length to your preference. Working a few extra or fewer rows at this stage can make the difference between a top that sits at your natural waist and one that lands slightly higher for a more cropped look.

Construction Overview: The Shorts

The shorts are worked in the round from the waistband down, with the same eyelet rib stitch used throughout to maintain the co-ord aesthetic. The waistband is a folded rib casing that encloses a length of elastic, giving the shorts a comfortable, adjustable fit without the need for fiddly waistband shaping or a zipper.

After the waistband, the eyelet rib pattern is established and the shorts are worked straight through the hip and seat area, with short-row shaping built into the back rise to create a more comfortable and flattering fit across the bottom. This is one of the more technique-intensive parts of the pattern, but the instructions walk you through the short rows clearly, and the result is a shorts silhouette that actually fits well rather than sagging at the back or pulling at the front.

The leg openings are divided and worked in the round separately, allowing the shorts to be worked as a single tube that splits into two legs at the crotch. The inseam is minimal — these are designed to be biker-short style, with a fitted leg that finishes just above or at mid-thigh depending on your length preference.

The leg hems are finished with a few rounds of plain ribbing, which frames the eyelet rib of the leg with a clean edge and gives the shorts a polished, finished appearance at the hem.

Sizing and Fit

The pattern is written in five sizes, with the recommended finished measurements as follows. Each size has approximately 5 to 7 cm of positive ease built into the body measurements, which gives a comfortable, wearable fit without being baggy or shapeless. For the shorts, the hip measurement is used as the primary sizing guide, with the waistband designed to accommodate a range of waist measurements thanks to the elastic casing.

To choose your size, measure your bust for the crop top and your hips for the shorts, and refer to the finished measurements chart in the PDF. If you fall between sizes, the pattern notes recommend sizing up for the top and down for the shorts, though this will depend on your specific proportions and preferences.

The crop top is designed to be worn with a close-to-body fit that showcases the texture of the eyelet rib. If you prefer a slightly more relaxed look, going up one size will give you a little extra room across the body without losing the overall silhouette.

Blocking and Finishing

Blocking is the step that transforms hand-knitted pieces from something that looks handmade into something that looks finished and professional. Merino wool responds beautifully to wet blocking: soaking the pieces in lukewarm water, gently squeezing out the excess without wringing, and then laying them flat to dry pinned to your finished measurements.

Blocking opens up the eyelet holes, evens out the tension across the fabric, and allows the rib to relax slightly into its final shape. If you skip blocking, the eyelets may look pinched and the overall texture less defined than the pattern intends.

Once both pieces are blocked and fully dry, weave in all yarn ends securely using your tapestry needle. Because the eyelet rib creates a fabric with quite a bit of movement and stretch, take extra care to weave ends in against the direction of the stretch so they do not pop through to the right side with wear.

For the shorts, the final step is threading the elastic through the waistband casing. Use a safety pin attached to one end of the elastic to guide it through the casing, overlapping and sewing the ends securely before closing the opening with a few mattress stitches.

Styling Your Co-ord Set

Part of what makes this co-ord set so appealing is its versatility. Worn as a matching set, the eyelet ribbed crop top and shorts create an elevated, coordinated look that works for a yoga class, a beach day, a casual brunch, or a relaxed afternoon at home. The textural quality of the chunky merino makes the set feel considered and intentional rather than simply casual.

The crop top can also be worn separately, paired with high-waisted linen trousers, wide-leg jeans, or a flowing midi skirt for a completely different aesthetic. The neutral tones that suit the set so well are precisely the shades that integrate easily into a range of outfits.

The shorts work beautifully with an oversized linen shirt or a longline blazer for a layered, textural look. In cooler weather, the set pairs well with chunky socks and loafers or worn under a long cardigan for an at-home lounge look that still feels put-together.

Downloading the PDF Pattern

The PDF pattern is available for immediate download after purchase. Once you complete your order, you will receive a link to download the file directly to your device. The PDF is formatted for both standard letter and A4 paper sizes, so you can print at home or send to a print shop for a larger, easier-to-read version.

The file is yours to keep, revisit, and knit from as many times as you like. Many knitters make this co-ord set in multiple colorways once they have worked through it the first time and know the construction well — it is the kind of pattern that rewards repetition.

If you have any questions about the pattern after downloading, support is available via the shop messaging system. Pattern corrections, if any, are noted in a regularly updated errata document linked from the product page.

A Final Word Before You Cast On

Knitting a garment is always an act of patience and intention, but there is something particularly satisfying about knitting a co-ord set. You are creating two pieces that are designed to work together, sharing a stitch pattern, a fiber, and a design language. When you finish and wear them together for the first time, that coherence is immediately visible and deeply rewarding.

This chunky merino wool eyelet ribbed co-ord set is a project worth taking slowly, swatching carefully, and finishing properly. The techniques are accessible, the construction is logical, and the finished pieces are genuinely beautiful. Download the PDF, gather your yarn, and cast on — you are going to love every stitch of this one.