Learn to brioche
Tips for getting started with brioche, Lambtown announcements, CraftDoodling Designs News, etc.
Have you tried brioche knitting yet? 🧶
Have you been intrigued by the texture, color possibilities and patterns of brioche knitting but still do not feel like diving in? Or maybe you played with it a little bit but still shied away?
I get it. I have been teaching beginner and slightly advanced brioche classes for the past few years. Most knitters are already familiar with the stitch maneuvers used in brioche - k2tog, p2tog, slip, yarnover. The real struggles in brioche starts with the unfriendly and somewhat intimidating terminology. The yarn overs on every other stitch can be overwhelming and the myriad of rules around brioche knitting quite baffling.
I wanted to create a design that give the knitter an opportunity to quickly and efficiently practice the stitches, eliminating as many hurdles as possible.🫶🏽
My latest design, Brin cowl is designed to be a gentle introduction to brioche knitting for beginners. ❤️
Brin Cowl is now available for download from Ravelry and Payhip. Your discount coupon code is already sent to you in a separate email.
Thank you for your support!
✨Payhip Link
❤️
Tips for getting started with brioche
When we learn regular knitting, we first start with one color and then move on to add more colors to our projects. Also, typically we start knitting flat and then go on to work in the round.
Now, this might sound counter-intuitive, but hear me out!
Start with 2-color brioche
2-color brioche is much more intuitive than 1-color brioche. The 2 colors make it easier to visualize stitch structure and understand how the fabric is created.
Start by working in the round
When working brioche in the round, there are no selvedge edges to manage. This makes things easier for someone just beginning to learn.
Use bulky yarn in high-contrast colors
Do yourself a favor and start learning brioche with somewhat heavier weight yarns in two high contrasting colors. I know this sounds boring, but in the beginning the goal is to be able to clearly see the stitch formation amidst all those yarn overs. Once you get the technique down, nothing can stop you from experimenting all different yarns and colors.
Pick a project where gauge is not super important
When you are just starting, brioche gauge can be unpredictable. It takes a while to experiment and get the fabric you like. I usually go down one or two needle sizes from what I use for regular knitting. A cowl can be worked usually without strict gauge requirements, making it an ideal first project .
My Brin Cowl pattern is written for bulky weight yarn (I used Malabrigo Mecha). I have given some helpful tips in the pattern to adjust the circumference and height of the cowl without altering the look of the cowl. You can adapt the pattern easily to other yarn weights, if you wish. My testers already managed to work worsted weight samples.
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Built-in lifelines
Brioche mistakes are not easy to fix. It helps to put in regular lifelines into your project as you make progress.
Brin Cowl is designed with thoughtfully placed garter rounds between brioche sections. These not only add visual interest but also act as built-in lifelines. If you spot a mistake, you can confidently rip back to the previous garter round and resume from there.
No advanced cast-on techniques required
When I started learning brioche, I spent a lot of time figuring out complex cast-ons rather than learning the brioche technique. I used instructions that started with 2-color italian cast on etc.
Yes, these cast-ons are tidy but they take the focus away from learning the technique itself IMO, especially for beginners. I’ve avoided using these in Brin Cowl. You can get started with Long tail or German twisted cast-on. Just keep it loose as with any other knitting.
I’d love to hear about where you are in your brioche knitting journey. If you haven’t started already I hope this post inspired you enough to give it a try. Let me know in the comments! ♥️
To let me know you liked what you read, you can also press the little heart icon at the bottom of the newsletter. ♥️ However, if you are clicking it from your inbox, you might have to wait until Substack opens in a browser and make sure the heart icon is indeed red. Thanks! 🥰
CRAFTDOODLING DESIGNS UPDATES
Lambtown Announcements
This year Lambtown team is organizing a Make-Along (MAL) to highlight and celebrate the beautiful designs created by Lambtown Festival teachers.
What patterns can you make to participate? MAL Pattern Bundles
Two Ravelry bundles have been set up in the Lambtown Festival Ravelry Group, featuring 100+ patterns from our 9 participating designers.
Lambtown MAL 2025 – Shawls & Scarves
Lambtown MAL 2025 – Tees & Tops
These bundles are just a starting point. You are encouraged to explore each designer’s Ravelry shop (linked at the top of each bundle) and choose any pattern that inspires you.
If you have been eyeing any of my patterns, please use coupon code LAMBTOWNMAL to get 20% off my patterns until Fri August 15 2025, midnight PT.
Important Dates to note : MAL Events
There will be two community events around the MAL:
Kickoff Zoom Party Wednesday, July 31st at 7:00 PM PT https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81392255477pwd=f0nZIQ4IMydXNy6via6yyerCXwFfFq.1
Meeting ID: 813 9225 5477
Passcode: 231585
In-Person Meetup Sunday, October 5th at 11:00 AMAt the Lambtown Festival venue
We'd love to see you at both the virtual kickoff and the in-person meetup. Please bring your WIP and/or finished projects to show off at both events. I can’t wait to see your choices.
Designs in Progress
All that brioche talk made me start a new brioche shawl design. I have just knit a teeny bit and it looks promising. I’ll keep you posted on this one.
OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT LIKE
READING UPDATES
Finished Reading 📖
The Doorman - Chris Pavone
Currently Reading 📖
King of Ashes - S A Cosby
Until next time,
Kavitha. ♡
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I believe knitting relaxes me But I am one that puts it down and look at other patterns and yarn and start on something else. I need to stop and finish what I have started. I love Expression Fiber Art yarn Been with them for years. Also check out Bad Sheep Yarn if you haven’t already.
I too recently purchased a fountain pen. The weight in my hand and the smoothness with which it glides across the paper brings me joy. Just like my knitting. 🖋️🧶😊