Brioche

I think you know how hard it is to find a truly functional and versatile hand knit garment for the cooler months that will take you from Autumn to Winter and even to Spring, depending upon where you live.

And even though this version has short sleeves, you can wear Brioche layered over a long-sleeve tee or over one of your favorite warmer weather dresses like you see here, and it works great. Instructions for short and for long sleeves are included in this pattern, and the sizes run from extra small through three extra large. I'm wearing a size small here, and if you want a similar fit, knit a size an inch or two smaller than your actual bust size.

Worked from the cowl-ish collar top down and in the round, this sweater is suitable for an adventurous beginner who is comfortable working in the round and working brioche stitch, which includes yarn overs. This particular cashmere comes in a bunch of juicy colors and if you want to substitute a different yarn, I'll list a few below.

Kits are available for Brioche at One Planet Yarn and Fiber, (the kits will include the pattern) and if you purchase the pattern here and you shop at One Planet Yarn and Fiber, be sure to use the coupon code BRIOCHE on your checkout. You'll receive 10% off when you order enough yarn to complete your project. This coupon will be effective from the date of this post for one year forward.

Women’s Sizes:
X-Small (Small, Medium, Large, 1X-Large, 2X-Large, 3X-Large)

Finished Measurements:
30 (34, 36, 40, 44, 48, 50)” chest

Yarn:
Black Pearl Yarns Cashmere (100% cashmere / 200 yards / 50 grams): 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 7) hanks for short sleeves, 5 (6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9) hanks for long sleeves (Black Onyx shown)

Needles:
One 30" (76 cm) long or longer circular (circ) needle size US 5 (3.75 mm)
One pair straight or circular needles size US 4 (3.5 mm)
One set of five double-pointed needles (dpn) size US 5 (3.75 mm), optional
One additional 30" (76 cm) long or longer circular (circ) needle size US 5 (3.75 mm) for working in the round, optional

Notions:
Stitch markers; one lightweight belt buckle, 2.5” long by 1.5” wide with 1.25” interior opening; waste yarn; tapestry needle

Gauge:
24 sts and 32 rows = 4"
(10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (St st) with larger needles

Possible Substitute Yarns (available at One Planet Yarn and Fiber; the coupon code will work for these choices if you buy enough yarn for your project.) You'll need 800(800,1000,1000,1200,1400,1400) yards for size XS(S,M,L,XL,2x,3x). The other yarn possibilities are:  Artesano Yarns Inca Cloud, Artesano Yarns Inca Mist, Jo Sharp Alpaca Silk Georgette, Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed or Jo Sharp Alpaca Kid Lustre, Sheep Shop Three Merino and Silk Yarn and GGH Cumba alpaca and merino yarn.

Click on the button below to buy a copy of Brioche. It will be sent to you in a zipped PDF file via email once payment is complete. If you pay with eCheck, it'll take a few days for the eCheck to clear. Thanks!

$6.00

Comments

[Rachel]

lovely dress!

[Sarah]

Just love the collar on the Brioche and that dress - so cute!

Wonder if the Blue Sky Alpacas Sportweight would be a good sub...hmmm.

[Tracey]

I was wondering what was going to happen w/ that lovely black cashmere. It's beautiful.

[flutter]

Oh my heavens so cute

[Miz Booshay]

It most certainly works great!!!!

Totally adorable!

You have amazing style!!

[Sarah]

That is so very "you". I like how simple it is yet it's still very original.

[Jeanine]

It's fabulous!

[DebbieKnitter]

oh my goodness Wendy, I have 9 balls of black Elann.com cashmere that I bought and I have been DYING to use it....only thing is, I need to find out what this Brioche is that you speak of ;) I am so out of knitters touch!

Oh, and by the way, cute fingerless mitts you had on in the post about Mr. StashyStrada Policeman ticket giver :) Is this one of your patterns I can add to my collection???

[Wendy]

The fingerless mitts were ones I made up as I knitted them! No pattern here!

[Jenn]

Here's a fingerless mitts recipe Wendy posted a while back, so those who are asking about the pattern can do something similar: http://knitandtonic.typepad.com/knitandtonic/2006/12/i_tell_you_what.html

Sorry, I don't know code. You'll have to copy and paste into your browser.

[Wendy]

Heh heh. You know what? I totally forgot about that little recipe. Oy.

[meg]

another lovely pattern, wendy.

[Mariah]

I love this design! I'll probably figure it out, but any tips for those of us who want/need a longer version? I love this on you, but on me it would end just above my soft jiggley parts and that is SO not where I want to draw attention.

[Wendy]

If you wanted to lengthen it, you would just work it an extra inch and then add a few increase intervals (every 6 rows or so) for your waist shaping. Then, when it is the length you want--take into account the width of the belt--bind off. You'll need a little bit more yarn if you want to lengthen it.

[Deborah]

Does this sweater really use brioche stitch in the round? I've been looking for a pattern that does.

[Wendy]

No, the strip that is the collar is just a strip that is connected in the round after it is made. From there, the sweater is worked down to the hem. I don't think there is a way to do Brioche in the round so that the ridges run horizontally.

[tina]

*super*cute Wendy!! I hope it looks as fab on me as it does on you!

[SaDonna]

Really great pattern. I would love to make it. Could you give me a few suggestions for yarn that does not have alpaca, wool or cashmere in it. Something beautiful that would still hold its shape. Thanks for the great ideas~!

[Wendy]

SaDonna, hit Yarndex.com. You can do a search by yarn gauge and find something you like.

[Erica]

So cute! Not something that would work w/my 36Gs, but I can see a couple of people I know in it....

[scoutj]

It's really cute! But I'm very concerned about you standing in the middle of the road. WATCH OUT!