Brioche stitch is a knitting technique that creates a unique and squishy fabric that is perfect for cozy garments and accessories. There are two main styles of Brioche knitting: the English style and the Continental style. In this blog post, we will focus on the Brioche stitch Continental style, its unique technique, and my journey of learning this stitch.
Brioche Stitch Continental Style
The Brioche stitch Continental style is a knitting technique that is different from the English style. In the Continental style, the yarn is held in the left hand, and the stitches are worked using a combination of knit and purl stitches. This style of knitting is also known as “left-handed” knitting.
The Continental style Brioche stitch creates a unique texture that is similar to ribbing but with a more pronounced, squishy feel. The stitch pattern is reversible, meaning that it looks the same on both sides, making it ideal for scarves, hats, and other accessories where both sides are visible.
Learning the Continental style Brioche stitch was a journey that took me some time. I had been knitting for a few years before I attempted to learn this technique, and at first, I found it quite challenging. The process of holding the yarn in my left hand and working with two yarns (the main color and the contrast color) was initially confusing to me.
However, as I practiced more, I began to understand the unique rhythm of the Continental style Brioche stitch. I learned to keep an eye on the stitch markers and the pattern repeats, and eventually, the stitch pattern became more intuitive. I also learned that the key to achieving a neat and polished look was to keep the tension consistent throughout the project.
One of the things I love about the Brioche stitch Continental styleis the endless possibilities it offers in terms of color and texture. By using two different colors of yarn and alternating them in the stitch pattern, you can create a stunning color-blocked effect. You can also experiment with different types of yarn, such as a fluffy mohair or a shiny silk, to create a unique texture.
In terms of the final outcome, the Brioche stitch Continental stylecreates a fabric that is similar to the English style Brioche stitch. However, the two styles differ in terms of the technique used to achieve the stitch pattern. The English style Brioche stitch is worked by slipping stitches and working yarn overs, while the Brioche stitch Continental style uses a combination of knit and purl stitches.
Brioche Stitch English Style
Susanne Sommer is a well-known knitwear designer and instructor who has created many beautiful patterns using the Brioche stitch. She has a unique teaching style that makes learning this technique fun and easy. Here are some of the key techniques that Susanne Sommer uses to teach the Brioche stitch in the English style:
1. Start with the basics: Before diving into the Brioche stitch, it’s important to have a solid understanding of basic knitting techniques, such as casting on, knitting, and purling. Susanne Sommer recommends that beginners start with a simple Brioche rib pattern, such as a 1×1 or 2×2 rib, to get a feel for the stitch.
2. Practice tension: Tension is key when it comes to the Brioche stitch. Susanne Sommer recommends practicing the stitch with a swatch to get a feel for the tension needed to create a neat and polished look. She also suggests using a yarn that has some elasticity, such as a wool or wool blend, to help with the tension.
3. Use contrasting colors: Using contrasting colors is a great way to make the Brioche stitch stand out and to create a beautiful color-blocked effect. Susanne Sommer recommends using two different colors of yarn, one light and one dark, to make it easier to see the stitch pattern.
4. Experiment with different patterns: Once you have a solid understanding of the Brioche stitch, you can start experimenting with different patterns and designs. Susanne Sommer has many beautiful patterns available, including sweaters, shawls, and hats, that use the Brioche stitch in creative ways. Check her website.
In conclusion, Susanne Sommer is a skilled instructor who has a unique teaching style that makes learning the Brioche stitch in the English style fun and easy. By starting with the basics, practicing tension, using contrasting colors, and experimenting with different patterns, you can master this beautiful knitting technique and create stunning projects that are sure to impress.
Knitting is a wonderful craft that offers endless possibilities for creating beautiful and unique projects. While many knitters have their favorite stitches and techniques, there are always new stitches to learn and explore. I invite you to learn few more stitches and add them to your knitting repertoire.
1. Leaf stitch: Leaf stitch is a beautiful and versatile stitch that can be used in a variety of projects, from scarves and shawls to sweaters and blankets. This stitch pattern creates a textured fabric that looks like a row of leaves. To knit leaf stitch, you’ll need to know how to knit, purl, and make yarn overs. It’s a fairly simple stitch pattern that is easy to memorize and works up quickly.
2. Kitchener stitch: Kitchener stitch is a technique that is used to join two pieces of knitting together seamlessly. It’s commonly used to close the toe of a sock or to join the ends of a scarf or cowl. While it may seem intimidating at first, Kitchener stitch is actually quite easy to learn. It involves weaving the yarn through the stitches in a specific pattern to create a seamless join.
3. Diagonal lace stitch: Diagonal lace stitch is a beautiful stitch pattern that creates a diagonal line of eyelets. It’s perfect for incorporating into shawls, scarves, and other accessories. To knit diagonal lace stitch, you’ll need to know how to knit, purl, and do yarn overs and decreases. The stitch pattern is easy to memorize and works up quickly.
4. Honeycomb Brioche stitch: Honeycomb Brioche stitch is a variation of the Brioche stitch that creates a beautiful honeycomb-like texture. It’s perfect for creating cozy sweaters, scarves, and hats. To knit honeycomb Brioche stitch, you’ll need to know how to knit, purl, and work two-color Brioche stitch. It’s a bit more advanced than some of the other stitches on this list, but it’s worth the effort to learn.
Learning new stitches and techniques is one of the joys of knitting. It allows you to create unique and beautiful projects and keeps your knitting skills sharp. We invite you to try these four new stitches and see where they take you. Who knows, you may discover a new favorite stitch pattern or technique that you’ll use for years to come.
When preparing to knit the brioche stitch using the continental style, it’s essential to bring the yarn to the correct position. For a brioche purl, for instance, you’ll need to bring the yarn to the front before working the stitch. This simple motion can drastically affect the final texture and elasticity of your fabric, especially in brioche where yarn placement plays a central role in the structure of the stitch.
Before starting your project, make sure you have the desired length of yarn. Brioche knitting, with its doubled-up nature, tends to consume more yarn than traditional patterns. It’s always better to overestimate—running out of yarn mid-project, especially in something like a two-tone brioche scarf or shawl, can be frustrating.
In continental knitting, the knit stitch is performed with a fluid motion that allows for greater speed once you get the rhythm down. When combined with the yarn-over/slipped stitch elements of brioche, the continental technique really shines, making the whole process feel more intuitive and flowing.
Mastering the Brioche Stitch Continental Style: An In-Depth Guide
The brioche stitch, renowned for its plush texture and reversible fabric, becomes even more efficient when executed in the Continental knitting style. By holding the yarn in the left hand, Continental knitters can achieve a fluid motion that complements the rhythmic nature of brioche knitting.
Understanding the Brioche Stitch
At its core, the brioche stitch involves a combination of slipped stitches and yarn overs, creating a fabric that’s both voluminous and elastic. This technique results in a distinctive ribbed appearance, making it a favorite for scarves, hats, and sweaters.
Continental Knitting: A Brief Overview
Continental knitting, often referred to as “picking,” involves holding the working yarn in the left hand. This method allows for quicker stitch formation, as the knitter uses the right needle to “pick” the yarn through the existing stitches. When applied to brioche knitting, this style enhances efficiency and flow.
Essential Techniques and Terminology
Bringing the Yarn
In brioche knitting, the position of the yarn is crucial. To execute a brioche purl, you must bring the yarn to the front of the work before performing the stitch. This ensures the yarn over is correctly placed, contributing to the stitch’s characteristic depth.
Brioche Purl (brp)
The brioche purl involves purling together a slipped stitch and its accompanying yarn over from the previous row. This technique creates a “burp” stitch, adding to the fabric’s squishy texture.
Knit Stitch (brk)
Similarly, the brioche knit stitch requires knitting together a slipped stitch and its yarn over, forming a “bark” stitch. This stitch is fundamental in creating the brioche pattern’s raised columns.
Planning Your Project: Desired Length and Yarn Considerations
Before embarking on a brioche project, it’s essential to determine the desired length of your piece. Given the stitch’s density, brioche fabrics tend to consume more yarn than standard knitting. It’s advisable to prepare extra yarn to accommodate the pattern’s requirements and avoid running short mid-project.
Step-by-Step Guide: Knitting Brioche in Continental Style
Cast On: Begin with an even number of stitches using a stretchy cast-on method to accommodate the fabric’s elasticity.
Set-Up Row: Knit 1, yarn over, slip 1 purlwise across the row. This establishes the foundation for the brioche pattern.
Main Pattern Row:
Brk: Knit together the slipped stitch and its yarn over from the previous row.
Yarn Over, Slip 1 Purlwise: Bring the yarn to the front and slip the next stitch purlwise, preparing for the subsequent brk.
Repeat: Continue the main pattern row until the piece reaches the desired length.
Bind Off: Use a stretchy bind-off method to maintain the fabric’s elasticity.
Tips for Success
Consistent Tension: Maintain even tension throughout to ensure uniform stitches.
Stitch Markers: Utilize stitch markers to keep track of pattern repeats, especially in larger projects.
Practice: Familiarize yourself with the brioche purl and knit stitch techniques on a swatch before starting your main project.
5 Tips to Master the Joy of Brioche Stitch Continental Style!
Practice Yarn Placement Religiously
Whether you’re about to brioche purl or work a knit stitch, always double-check where your yarn is. Bringing the yarn to the correct position—front for purl, back for knit—is what makes or breaks your brioche rhythm.Use Contrasting Yarn for Practice
Especially in two-color brioche, high contrast yarn helps you visually distinguish between layers and stitches. This makes it easier to catch mistakes and understand how the pattern is forming.Mark the Right Side
It’s easy to get lost in brioche’s squishy texture. Use a removable stitch marker or pin to keep track of the right side of your fabric—this helps maintain pattern consistency, especially when following more complex rows.Choose the Right Needles and Yarn
For your first projects, avoid super slippery yarns or blunt needles. Go for a medium-weight yarn with some grip and sharp-tipped needles to better manipulate stitches Continental-style.Count Rows by Columns, Not Ridges
Since brioche stitches stretch and fluff, traditional row-counting gets tricky. Instead, count the columns of bark (brk) stitches to estimate your progress and ensure you’re reaching the desired length accurately.