Learn how to knit brioche! Brioche knitting is a classic ribbing style that infuses dimensional texture into any project. Created through a repeated series of slipped stitches, yarn overs, and the distinct brioche stitch, brioche ribs are immensely plush and squishy. Keep reading to learn more about brioche knitting, and get ready to cast on for your next knitting adventure!
In this guide, you’ll find:
- An explanation of brioche in knitting
- Basic instructions on how to knit brioche for beginners
- An easy brioche pattern for practice
- An introduction to variations of brioche knitting
- Some of our favorite brioche patterns!
What is Brioche Stitch?
Like its namesake bread, brioche knitting is squishy and puffy in nature. Its raised, ribbed appearance is achieved through a specific series of steps that are repeated throughout the piece. There are many variations of brioche knitting, but most originate from the same basic pattern.
How to Knit Brioche Stitch Pattern
The exact steps in knitting a brioche garment depends on the specific pattern, but a basic example of the process (when knitting flat) is as follows:
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Cast on an even number of stitches
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Knit one row
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Foundation Row: As its name suggests, the foundation row sets up your live stitches for the brioche pattern. This is done through a repeated combination of slipped stitches, yarn overs, and knit stitches.
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Brioche Row: This row introduces the brioche knit stitch (commonly abbreviated as BRK or BRK1) to the repeated series. In this stitch, you will knit the following stitch together with its corresponding yarn over from the previous row. The yarn over and its following stitch are considered to be one stitch.
Check out our video tutorial for a visual demonstration of these steps:
Practice Basic Brioche Knitting: BRK1 Stitch
If you aren’t working from a pattern and just want to experiment with brioche knitting, try this beginner-friendly swatch pattern using BRK1:
Cast on 12 sts.
Row 1: K12
Row 2 (Foundation Row): Sl 1, *yo, sl 1, k1; repeat from * to last st, p1
Row 3: Sl 1, *yo, sl 1, BRK1; repeat from * to last st, p1
Repeat Row 3.
Variations on Brioche Knitting
Brioche Stitch In the Round
For knits such as hats and sleeves, you may find yourself working brioche in the round. The main difference between knitting brioche flat versus in the round is the introduction of BRP1, or the brioche purl stitch. In alternating rounds, you will switch between incorporating BRK1 and BRP1 in the repeated series.
Watch a video demonstration of this in our tutorial:
Two-Color Brioche
In addition to traditional monochrome brioche, the technique can be achieved with two different colors of yarn! This method is considerably different from its one-color version, as it involves sliding your work to the other needle (as opposed to turning).
This variation is best explained visually. Check out our visual tutorial to get the details:
Best Beginner-Friendly Brioche Patterns
Ready to get started on a brioche project? Our brioche styles are simple in silhouette to let the dimension and texture of the stitch shine through, whether you are looking for accessories or sweaters!
Brioche Cardigan
Get the DIY Kit || Get the Digital Pattern || Get the Pattern on Ravelry
Brioche Sweater
Dream version: Get the DIY Kit || Get the Digital Pattern || Get the Pattern on Ravelry
Summer version: Get the DIY Kit || Get the Digital Pattern || Get the Pattern on Ravelry
Brioche Blanket
Get the DIY Kit || Get the Digital Pattern || Get the Pattern on Ravelry
2 Color Brioche Scarf
Dream version: Get the DIY Kit || Get the Digital Pattern || Get the Pattern on Ravelry
Merino No. 5 version: Get the DIY Kit || Get the Digital Pattern || Get the Pattern on Ravelry
Brioche Cowl
Get the DIY Kit || Get the Digital Pattern