Half brioche

Half brioche

Half brioche is a rib where the knit stitch is worked into the stitch below on every other round. The result is thick, soft and stretchy, and the knit columns stand out as clear Vs.

In the round and back and forth Uses more yarn than stockinette
The video shows half brioche knitted in the round. It is narrated in Norwegian.

How to knit half brioche in the round

Cast on an even number of stitches. Half brioche is worked over two rounds that you repeat:

  1. 1
    Round 1: Knit 1, purl 1. Repeat to the end of the round.
  2. 2
    Round 2: Knit 1 into the stitch below. That is the knit stitch from the previous round, directly under the one on the needle. Purl 1. Repeat to the end of the round.
Stitch on the needle Knit stitch Purl stitch Insert here: into the stitch below
The other way: with yarnovers Many English patterns work half brioche with yarnovers. On round 1, make 1 yarnover and slip the knit stitch purlwise. On round 2, knit the stitch and the yarnover together. The result is the same. Choose the method that gives you the most even fabric.

When it goes wrong

A knit column is missing its V

The stitch was knitted normally instead of into the stitch below. Unravel down to round 2 and knit it again.

The ribs lean to one side

The needle went into the purl stitch next to it. Insert it into the knit stitch directly below the one on the needle.

The work is much wider than the pattern says

Half brioche does not pull in like ordinary ribbing. Knit your gauge swatch in half brioche, not in stockinette.

All patterns with half brioche

Sweaters

Jackets and cardigans

Vests

Dresses and skirts

Beanies and hats

Scarves and necks

Stuck?

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