The Weekly Swatch: Brioche Rib Knit Stitch Variation

 

For this week's weekly swatch, I am showcasing a variation on the ever popular Brioche Rib Stitch.

The classic Brioche Stitch is a simple rib stitch, that creates a beautiful texture, which is not only pleasing on the eye. The rich and flexible texture created by this stitch also appeals to our sense of touch. Every time I spot a garment knitted in brioche rib, I simply have to feel the texture of the stitch. 

Brioche Rib Stitch is not only an eye-catching stitch, but also easy to knit. 

Following a single set-up row on an even number of stitches, the stitch motif is created by the continuous repetition of a sequence of stitches on every following row. The first stitch of every row is slipped purlwise. Classic Brioche Rib therefore requires no purling or great effort to ensure the stitch count is correct. 

The variation of this classic stitch, as shown in the photos, shares most of the above attributes, but the resulting texture of the knitted columns is more rigid and the variation creates an interesting mesh texture when the fabric stretched sideways. 

To recap, the original brioche rib stitch pattern is as follows: 

Classic Brioche Rib Stitch

(Requires an even number of stitches)

Row 1 (Set-Up Row): Sl 1 wyif, k1, * yo, sl1 purl wise  k1, rep from * to end.  

Row 2: Sl 1 wyif, * k2tog (knit yo and slipped stitch from previous row together), yo, sl1, rep from * to last stitch, k1. 

When working the [yo, sl1, k1] sequence, the yarn over sits next to the slipped stitch  on the needle before the next stitch is knitted. The yo will cross over the slipped stitch, once the next stitch has been knitted. On the following row, yo and slipped stitch are knitted together.  

Brioche Rib Stitch Variation:

To create a variation of the stitch motif that results in slightly more rigid knitted columns, which appear to be embedded into a diagonal mesh, as shown in the images below, I have modified the stitch sequence of the Brioche Stitch as outlined below.

Brioche Rib Stitch Variation 

Brioche Rib Stitch Variation

(Requires an even number of stitches)

Row 1 (Set-Up Row): Sl 1 wyif, k1, * yo, bring yarn to front of work, sl1 purl wise, bring yarn to back of work, k1, rep from * to end.  

Row 2: Sl 1 wyif, * k2tog (knit yo and slipped stitch from previous row together), yo, bring yarn to front of work, sl1, bring yarn to back of work, rep from * to last stitch, k1. 

Repeat Row 2 for pattern.

As a result of bringing the yarn to the front of the work before slipping the stitch and bringing the yarn to the back of the work after slipping the stitch and before knitting the next stitch, the slipped stitch is halfway wrapped by the working yarn when knitting this variation of the stitch. This simple modification creates the variation in both look and feel. 

Brioche Rib Stitch Variation 

For all knit stitch patterns and weekly swatch posts, please follow this link to my knit stitch library.

For further posts on ribbed knit stitch tutorials and my knitting patterns utilising ribbed stitches, please visit this link.