Mastering the Art of Brioche Knitting: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByJill Nammar Knitting

Are you looking to take your knitting skills to the next level? Have you ever admired the intricate patterns and luxurious texture of brioche knit pieces but felt intimidated to try it yourself? Look no further, as we have the perfect guide for you. Brioche knitting is a beautiful and versatile technique that creates a thick, reversible fabric with a unique ribbed texture. In this article, we will delve into the world of brioche knitting and guide you through the fundamentals, tips, and tricks to achieve flawless brioche projects. Get ready to elevate your knitting game with our step-by-step guide on how to brioche knit.

The Basics of Brioche Knitting

Brioche knitting is a unique and advanced knitting technique that creates a reversible, textured fabric. It involves working with two colors of yarn at the same time, resulting in a striking finished product. If you are new to brioche knitting, it may seem intimidating at first but with some practice and patience, you will soon master this beautiful stitch.

Getting Started

Before diving into brioche knitting, it is essential to have a solid foundation in basic knitting skills. This includes knowing how to cast on, knit, purl, increase, and decrease. Familiarize yourself with these techniques before attempting to tackle brioche knitting.

Materials

To start your brioche journey, you will need two colors of yarn in the weight of your choice (slightly different weights can be used for added texture), circular needles or double-pointed needles depending on your preference, and a set of stitch markers. It is also helpful to have a crochet hook and some scrap yarn on hand.

The Brioche Stitch

The brioche stitch is what gives this technique its unique look. It involves working each row twice – once with the main color (MC) and then again with the contrast color (CC) while slipping stitches from the previous row. This is what creates the beautiful texture and color play in brioche knitting.

The two main stitches used in brioche knitting are the knit one below (k1b) and the yarn over slip slip knit (yo ssk). The k1b stitch creates an elongated knit stitch that adds depth to the fabric while the yo ssk creates a decrease that mimics a purl stitch on one side and a knit stitch on the other side.

Casting On for Brioche Knitting

The cast on for brioche knitting is slightly different than traditional cast ons. You will need to cast on an even number of stitches, plus one extra stitch for the selvedge. This extra stitch is used to create a neat edge while working the two-color brioche stitch.

Brioche Knit Stitch

To begin, hold both yarns in your left hand and place a slip knot on your right needle. Slide this stitch onto your left needle and tighten it. This will be referred to as the MC set up in brioche knitting.

Brioche Purl Stitch

Next, bring the CC yarn to the front of your work and hold it under the MC yarn. Insert your right needle into the first stitch, wrap the CC yarn around your needle, and pull it through creating a purl stitch with both MC and CC strands on your right needle. Slide this stitch off your left needle – this is called the CC set up.

Brioche Increases

There are two common types of increases used in brioche knitting: knit into front and back (kfb) or make 1 left (m1l) and make 1 right (m1r). Both methods create a single increase that adds an additional brioche knit or purl stitch.

When working with two colors, it is essential to keep track of which color you are using for each increase. You may find it helpful to use a different colored marker to designate which color should be used for increases on each row.

Brioche Decreases

The most common decreases used in brioche knitting are slip one knit two together pass slipped stitch over (sl k2tog psso) and slip one slip two together knitwise pass slipped stitches over (sl 1 sl 2tog kwise psso). These decreases create a single brioche knit or purl stitch while also decreasing the overall stitch count.

When working a decrease, you will need to keep track of which color yarn is used for each step. It may be helpful to use stitch markers to indicate where decreases should be made.

Brioche Knitting in the Round

Brioche knitting can be worked both flat and in the round. If you are just starting, it may be best to learn in the round as it eliminates the need for purling and makes it easier to keep track of stitches. It also creates a seamless fabric with a distinct horizontal line where each round begins.

Casting on for brioche knitting in the round is similar to casting on for flat knitting – an even number of stitches, plus one extra stitch for selvedge. After casting on, join your work in the round and place a marker to indicate the beginning of each round.

Decreasing for Brioche Knitting in the Round

Decreases are slightly different when working brioche knitting in the round. You will still use sl k2tog psso and sl 1 sl 2tog kwise psso,

The Basics of Brioche Knitting

Brioche knitting is a unique and versatile knitting technique that produces a beautiful, reversible ribbed fabric. It involves working with two sets of yarn and creates a squishy, plush texture that is perfect for cozy scarves, hats, and sweaters. If you are new to this technique, it may seem intimidating at first glance. However, with a little bit of patience and practice, you’ll soon find yourself addicted to the addictive rhythm and stunning results of brioche knitting.

The History of Brioche Knitting

Brioche knitting has its roots in 19th-century Europe but gained popularity in France during the late 20th century. Its name comes from the French word “brioche”, which refers to a type of flaky bread with a similar ribbed texture to the fabric produced by this technique. Brioche knitting was traditionally used in men’s jackets and other clothing items due to its thick and warm nature. However, it has evolved into a popular choice for all types of projects.

Materials Needed for Brioche Knitting

To start your brioche knitting journey, you will need some specific materials. First and foremost, you will need two sets of yarn in contrasting colors. Brioche knitting uses both yarns simultaneously to create the distinctive ribbed effect. Make sure to choose high-quality yarns that are soft and will show off the stitch definition well. You will also need suitable needles – circular or straight – based on your preference and the type of project you are making.

Casting On in Brioche Stitch

The first step in brioche knitting is casting on using the brioche stitch. This stitch is similar to long-tail cast on but differs in how it creates stitches on the needle. To cast on in brioche stitch, you will need to use both yarns held together and alternate between knitting into the first and second strands of yarn. This will create pairs of stitches, known as “bricks” and “spaces”, which form the structure of brioche knitting.

The Brioche Knit Stitch

Now that you have successfully cast on in the brioche stitch, it’s time to start knitting! The main stitch used in brioche knitting is the brioche knit (brk), which is abbreviated as “brk” in patterns. This stitch is similar to a regular knit stitch but involves working into both strands of yarn at the same time. It may take a bit of practice to get used to maneuvering two strands of yarn, but once you get the hang of it, it will become second nature.

The Brioche Purl Stitch

Another essential stitch in brioche knitting is the brioche purl (brp), also abbreviated as “brp” in patterns. This stitch is similar to a regular purl stitch but involves wrapping the yarn around both needles instead of just one. Like with the brk, you will need to work into both strands of yarn at once. These two stitches – brk and brp – are all you need to create intricate and beautiful brioche patterns.

Reading Brioche Knitting Patterns

Brioche knitting patterns may seem confusing at first with their unique abbreviations and symbols. However, once you understand the basics, they are relatively straightforward to read. Most patterns will include a key explaining all abbreviations used in the pattern. Make sure to pay attention to any specific instructions for working with two strands of yarn or slipping stitches – these are crucial for achieving a consistent and professional look.

Brioche Decreases and Increases

Just like with any other knitting technique, you may need to decrease or increase stitches in your brioche knitting project. The good news is, there are specific decreases and increases designed specifically for brioche knitting. For example, the brk2tog (brioche knit two together) is used for decreasing stitches, while the brkyobrk (brioche yarn over brioche knit) is used for increasing stitches. These specialized techniques ensure that your brioche pattern stays intact and does not disrupt the ribbed structure.

Fixing Mistakes in Brioche Knitting

While brioche knitting may seem complicated, it’s essential to remember that it’s just a combination of knits and purls worked with two strands of yarn. If you encounter any mistakes in your work, don’t panic – they can be easily fixed! For example, if you accidentally knit into one strand instead of both when working a brk stitch, simply slip the last stitch off your needle and re-knit it with both strands of yarn. Just like that, your mistake is corrected!

Advanced Brioche Techniques

Once you have mastered the basics of b

Q: What is brioche knitting?
A: Brioche knitting is a type of knitting that creates a rib stitch with a puffy texture and reversible, double-sided fabric.

Q: How do I get started with brioche knitting?
A: To begin brioche knitting, you will need two contrasting colors of yarn, suitable needles, and knowledge of basic knit and purl stitches.

Q: What are the differences between traditional and syncopated brioche stitches?
A: Traditional brioche stitches involve slipping one stitch while yarn-overing the next, resulting in a single-column rib. Syncopated brioche stitches involve yarn-overing both stitches, creating a two-column rib.

Q: Can I use any type of yarn for brioche knitting?
A: As long as you have two contrasting colors, you can use any weight or fiber content of yarn for brioche knitting. However, thinner yarns may produce more delicate results while thicker yarns will create chunkier stitches.

Q: Is it necessary to use circular needles for brioche knitting?
A: While it is common to use circular needles for brioche knitting since it produces a large number of stitches, you can also use straight needles if desired. Just make sure they are long enough to hold all the stitches comfortably.

Q: How do I fix mistakes in my brioche knitting?
A: To fix a mistake in your brioche knitting, carefully unravel the affected rows until you reach the error. Then use a crochet hook to fix any slipped or dropped stitches before re-knitting the unraveled rows.

In conclusion, brioche knitting is a unique and versatile technique that allows for a beautiful and textured fabric to be created. It requires patience and practice, but the end result is well worth the effort. By understanding the fundamental steps and techniques involved in brioche knitting, one can confidently tackle any brioche knitting project. The key takeaways from this lesson include the importance of knowing your stitches, understanding color dominance, and being comfortable with using multiple needles. Additionally, experimenting with different stitch patterns and yarn combinations can lead to endless possibilities for creating custom pieces. So whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter looking to expand your skills, learning how to brioche knit can elevate your crafting abilities to new levels and provide endless opportunities for creative expression. So go ahead and give it a try – you may just discover a new passion in brioche knitting!

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.