How to Knit Brioche Stitch

A brioche stitch is beautiful and turns a simple project into a gorgeous creation with regular knitting needles. Brioche stitch is created by alternating knit, yarn overs, slipped stitches, and the resultant fabric is thick and textured. It looks challenging in the beginning, but with regular practice, you will easily become a master in it. Explore this creative knitting stitch through this blog.

Let's Understand Brioche Stitch

The Brioche stitch originated in the Middle East. However, the term is derived from the French slang for 'mistake.' But before you begin learning, you must know the cast-on, cast-off, knit, and purl stitches, yarn-overs, and slipped stitches. It's a one-row repeat pattern and does not need any chart.

The two famous authors, Barbara G. Walker's 'A Treasury of Knitting Patterns' and Elizabeth Zimmermann's 'Knitting Without Tears' books, explained the elements of brioche stitches. Knitting with this stitch, you get a double-thick fabric, perfect to keep you warm in winter.

When working in the rounds, you can work with circular knitting needles or DPNs. As a beginner, you can start with a dishcloth or coasters and then move to the complex patterns. Depending on the project, you can choose any yarn, but it should match with knitting needle sizes. Learn more about knitting needle sizes and lengths through our blog.


Knitting abbreviation

Brioche stitch is unique (each row is worked twice) from other stitches. Hence, it is essential to understand the certain abbreviations:

• Slip 1 (Sl1): It means slip the next stitch purlwise.
• Yarn Forward (YF): A simple technique, in which you bring the yarn from behind your work to the front.
• Yarn Over (YO): Bring the yarn over the knitting needle.
• Knit: K
• Purl: P

How to Knit the Brioche Stitch?

Before you begin the final project, practice this stitch on the swatch. Here are some steps that help you in making your item perfect:

Step 1: Cast- On Stitches

• Cast on an even number of stitches. It generally requires a multiple of two stitches. The brioche stitch is stretchy, so we recommend you use a stretchy cast-on method.

Step 2: Knitting the Brioche Pattern

Row 1: Begin with slipping the first stitch purlwise, yarn held in back

• Knit the second stitch
• Again, Sl1 the next stitch purlwise and yarn held in front.
• After the slipped stitch, add a YO on top of the needle.
• Repeat the above steps till the end of the row and knit the last stitch through the back loop.

Row 2: Slip the first stitch purlwise, yarn held in back. This is a selvage stitch for the wrong side.

• Now, knit the double stitch together, which consists of YO and the stitch you have slipped.
• Sl1 the next stitch purlwise and yarn held in front.
• After the slipped stitch, add a YO on top of the needle.

Row 3: Slip the first stitch purlwise, with yarn held in the back. Continue the same pattern mentioned in row 1 and row 2.

• Repeat these last two rows again and again for the brioche pattern.

Keep in mind that it takes a couple of rows (8-10) for the pattern to show. If you want to increase the brioche stitch, refer to our blog.


Brioche Stitch with Uneven Number of Stitches

You can easily knit with an uneven number of stitches, in this situation, you have a two-row repeat. Check out the steps below:


Row 1: Slip the first stitch purlwise and yarn held in the back, Sl1 the next stitch purlwise and yarn held in front.

• YO, K2tog (knit two stitches together), Sl1 the next stitch purlwise, and yarn held in front.

• YO K1tbl (through the back loop). 

 

Row 2: Slip the first stitch purlwise and yarn held in the back, K2tog, Sl1 the next stitch purlwise, and yarn held in front, YO and k2tog, P1.

• Repeat these steps until you reach the desired length.

How to bind off Brioche Stitch?

You can bind off the brioche stitch with the regular technique. Refer to the blog and learn how to bind off stitches in knitting. Keep two things in mind:

• Cast-off the stitches as they appear means purl cast off every purl stitch and knit cast off every knit stitch.
• Try cast-off as loosely as possible. At last, weave the loose end with the finishing needle.
• You can also attempt to do a bind-off with a crochet hook.

Tips and Tricks of Knitting Brioche Stitch

Check out a few tips and tricks for smooth brioche stitch:

• Always start with a swatch to understand how the yarn will behave in the brioche stitch.
• Keep in mind that Sl1 and YO are considered one stitch instead of two.
• When counting stitches, only count the knit and purl column, not the YO. Use stitch markers for keeping track.

 

Now you clearly understand the concept of brioche stitch, start with a small swatch. Once you become proficient, you can try complex patterns like using two colors. Moreover, for a smooth knitting experience, explore Lantern Moon knitting accessories handcrafted by skilled artisans made from precious ebony wood.