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.