Now that the holidays are over and my handmade gifts have been delivered I can start posting some more patterns.
Earlier this winter I became mildly obsessed with the brioche stitch. I found this lovely tutorial and pattern for a cowl and I came up with a simple headband/turban using the same stitch.
I took it one step further with this fluffy, scrumptious stitch and decided to make an oversized cowl using larger needles and a wider width. Not only is it super cozy, but you can stretch part of it over your head for a makeshift hood. You can wear it looped around your neck twice or have it hang loosely. It’s a versatile piece that happens to be trendy.
Big Fluffy Brioche Cowl
Materials:
250 grams of heavy worsted yarn such as Lamb’s Pride (I used 2.5 skeins of Loops & Threads Wool to Wash)
Size US 13 straight needles
Darning needle
Directions:
I highly recommend watching this video tutorial from HandsOccupied.com as the brioche stitch is much easier to understand visually.
Cast on 40 stitches.
Foundation row: YO before you even start knitting (this is the strange part where it’s easier to understand visually), slip the first stitch purlwise, k1. Repeat YO, sl 1 pw, k1 till the end of the row.
Row 2: *YO, slip 1 purlwise, knit the 2 criss-cross stitches together. Repeat * to end of row.
Repeat row 2 until your work wraps around your neck twice. I didn’t measure the length. It’s really up to you. I used about 2.5 skeins of yarn that was 157 yards per skein.
Bind off all stitches, treating the criss-crossed stitches as one stitch. I didn’t have any specific method to binding off. I just did what worked. Cut yarn leaving an 18-inch tail.
Make one or two twists in your piece and then whip stitch the two ends together. Weave in any remaining tails.
*Alternative pattern*
If you find the brioche stitch too confusing you can simply cast on 60 stitches and knit 1, purl 1 rib across all rows until the piece is to your preferred length.
This is a very nice pattern and I like the versatility of it!
Thanks so much! It really works for so many outdoor occasions.
Really awesome pattern and so easy. Thanks so much
You’re welcome, Cheryl!
-Natasha
This is absolutely beautiful. I will give this new stitch a try. When I want to do something, I give it my all! Thank so much for sharing and stay warm!
Mary,
I really love this stitch pattern. And it’s 43 degrees in Anchorage, Alaska right now — too warm for my cowl!
Thanks for your kind comment,
Natasha
I have made 2 scarves with your pattern. The 2nd I made on 17US needles & 5-bulky yarn. It is just a frothy piece of yarn magic. Thanks so much for introducing me to this stitch.
Thats so great to hear! I might have to try it on bigger needles next time. Thanks for commenting,
Natasha
Wanting so much to try this but with a different yarn. What are the finished dimensions so I can adjust the number of stitches?
Dear Jane,
This is such a flexible pattern that I eyeballed the dimensions and didn’t think to record them. I would estimate the cowl is about 18 inches tall unstretched. I am positive that you’ll be able to use a different type of yarn and achieve a similar result using your best judgement.
I’m sorry I don’t have a more precise answer.
Thanks for commenting,
Natasha