Two years in the conception and nearly six months in the making, this is a re-showing for the Reggaejahm community of of the brioche scarf I made a year or two ago. The post was originally featured in needleworkmonday.
A request from a friend for a scarf in red, gold and green presented a dilemma - how to create something that looked good on both sides, because both sides would surely be seen.
Finally, I came across brioche stitch which creates a reversible fabric - knit only and each side is the same; use stocking stitch (knit one way, purl the other) and a beautiful tweed effect is created on the reverse.
This was the test piece, knitted in cotton glace, to try out the effect. It has wonderful drape, and is ideal for summer. The finished piece will be in wool - cashmere, if I can find the right colours, or Jamieson's Shetland if not.
Materials and Pattern Ideas
Rowan Cotton Glace - 100% cotton
Knitpro Zing circular needles
Brioche Stitch
Brioche stitch creates a very lightweight, bulky fabric, perfect for winter scarves. The loose structure of the stitches creates multiple air pockets, trapping layers of insulating air between the yarn. The pattern instructions look complicated (eg sl1yo brk) but the technique is simple and pleasingly rhythmic once you have learned it. I find it takes a little while to develop the muscle memory and then you're away. You need to use smaller needles than usual, as the fabric is much looser - patterns often recommend starting with two needle sizes smaller.
Another helpful tip is casting on (and off) with the needles held together, creating a looser cast on that matches the knitting.
Brioche knitting grows very slowly because only half the stitches are knitted in each pass. It can feel frustrating until you get used to it. There's some lovely patterns for versions with wavy lines and edges, very colourful - check the brioche website for more information.