Brioche Knitting Basics
Brioche is a knitting technique that produces a fully reversible, lofty, double-sided fabric. Two-colour brioche (the most popular variant) shows one colour on each side, creating a striking visual effect.
Recommended A printable technique cheat-sheet for your knitting bag.
Single-colour brioche
Worked with k1 below (knit into the row below) alternated with sl1 yo (slip and yarn over). Each row works half the stitches; the other half is "yarned over" to be worked on the next row. The result is a thick, lofty single-colour fabric.
Two-colour brioche
Two yarns alternate every row. One colour shows on the right side; the other shows on the wrong side. The fabric is fully reversible with the colour scheme swapped between sides.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Yarn use
Brioche fabric uses approximately twice the yarn of plain stockinette at the same gauge — every stitch is double-thick. Plan yardage accordingly.
Best uses
Cowls and scarves where the reversibility shows. Hats and mittens where the warmth and loft are desirable. Statement pieces where the distinctive brioche texture is the design feature.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| brk | brioche knit |
| brp | brioche purl |
| sl1yo | slip 1, yarn over |
Tips
- Always swatch — brioche gauge is significantly different from stockinette gauge.
- Practice the basic motions on a 20-stitch swatch before starting a project.
- Plan for double the yardage of an equivalent stockinette project.
In depth
Brioche is one of the most visually distinctive knitting techniques. The combination of loft, reversibility, and (in two-colour brioche) striking colour effects has made brioche increasingly popular in modern hand-knitting, particularly for accessories.