Brioche Scarf
Meeting a new yarn is as layered and complex as meeting a new person. First you size up the yarn, inspecting how it looks in the skein; then you shake hands, observing how the fiber behaves in your fingers; and finally, you talk, discovering how this new yarn feels as a finished fabric and new friend.
After making the acquaintance of Purl Soho’s newest yarn, Line Weight, I must say that it could not be more aptly named. The richness of the merino and its creamy, smooth spin look and feel like Line Weight was drawn by a freshly sharpened number 2 pencil. Line Weight lures your eyes along its path, celebrating each stitch, from simple stockinette fabric to lavish lace work. Recognizing that this confident simplicity serves to highlight one’s labors, I let Line Weight work for me.
Pairing high-definition Line Weight with big-bang-for-your-buck Brioche Stitch, this simple pattern is transformed into vivid ridges and a remarkable fabric. You can probably tell that I’m smitten. Who wouldn’t want to work in a yarn that reflects your hands’ work, elevates your efforts, and is incredibly soft and cozy to boot?
To see our entire collection of Line Weight colors, click here. And for the Brioche Scarf pattern, just keep on reading! -Laura
Materials
- 2 skeins of Purl Soho’s Line Weight,100% merino. This is the color Oyster Gray.
- A US #2 straight or circular needle
Gauge
8 stitches = 1 inch in Stockinette Stitch
Size
Before Blocking: 66 inches long x 6 3/4 inches wide
After Blocking: 77 inches long x 6 1/4 inch wide
Notes
Click here for a photo tutorial explaining the basic principals of Brioche Stitch. Please note that this Brioche Stitch pattern includes 3 selvedge stitches on each edge.
When counting stitches in Brioche Stitch, yarn overs are not included in the stitch count; they are paired with a knit stitch and the pair of knit/yarn over is counted as a single stitch. The stitch pattern will produce a very pronounced rib; count only the purl and knit columns when counting stitches.
Slip all slipped stitches purlwise.
If you adjust this pattern, be sure to cast on an odd number of stitches.
Abbreviations
bk2tog [brioche knit 2 together]: Knit next knit stitch together with its paired yarn over
YOS [yarn over slip]: bring yarn to front, slip one purlwise, bring yarn over right needle to the back
Pattern
Begin with Stockinette Stitch
Cast on 53 stitches.
Work in Stockinette Stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) for 1 inch, ending with a knit row.
Continue in Brioche Stitch
Set-Up Row (wrong side): K1, slip 1 with yarn in front (wyif), k1, *YOS, k1, repeat from * to last four stitches, YOS, k1, slip 1 wyif, k1.
Row 1: Slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif, *bk2tog, YOS, repeat from * to last four stitches, bk2tog, slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif.
Row 2: K1, slip 1 wyif, k1 *YOS, bk2tog, repeat from * to last four stitches, YOS, k1, slip 1 wyif, k1.
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures 65 1/2 inch from rolled edge or to desired length, ending with Row 2.
Next Row (right side): Slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif, *bk2tog, p1, repeat from * to last four stitches, bk2tog, slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif.
Finish with Stockinette Stitch
Starting with a purl row, work in Stockinette Stitch for 1 inch, ending with a purl row.
Bind off loosely in knit.
Weave in the ends and block as desired.
PRINT
I am trying to finish up the scarf. I have ended with a Row 2 and now on the new row. You have Slip1, K1, then Slip1 and then P1 but I don’t have a stitch to purl just a bk2 tog to do. Hope that makes sense. In my mind you would need four single stitches to carry this out but I only have 3 and the bk stitch. Please clarify
Hi Robyn,
So sorry for the delay in response. We were trying to figure this out! Please follow the below directions. We will update the pattern on Monday first thing!
Next Row (right side): Slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif, *bk2tog, p1, repeat from * to last four stitches, bk2tog, slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif.
Please let me know if you have any other questions! Thank you for pointing this out and catching our mistake!
Best,
Adam
Hi – I have just started this scarf and am a little confused about the definitions for YOS. In the link for the tutorial it states YOS [yarn over slip]: bring yarn forward, slip 1 purlwise, bring yarn over right needle
But on this page it states YOS [yarn over slip]: bring yarn to front, slip one purlwise, bring yarn over right needle to the back
After slipping one purl wise, do you bring the yarn over the right needle to the back or do you bring it around the right needle to the front? Help 🙂 I’m a newbie!
Thanks!
Hi Jessie,
Thanks for your question! When you bring the yarn over the right needle it is the same as bringing it to the back. If your next stitch is a knit, you’ll keep the yarn in back and if it’s a purl, you’ll wrap the yarn over the needle and swing it around the front. I hope this makes sense and feel free to write back with any other questions!
-Adam
Hi there,
Will you please demonstrate YOS continental style? I’ve read the instruction several times and I’m still very confused on how to complete this step. I am at the setup row.
Please help.
Thank you,
Angela.
Hi Angela,
Thanks for writing in. Unfortunately we don’t have the resources at the moment to do a video tutorial of this. However, I will try to explain it! To work a YOS when knitting continental, you will first “scoop” up the working yarn as if you were working a YO, then slip the next stitch purlwise. Your yarn should now be coming from the front of the right hand needle next to the slipped stitch. You will then knit the next stitch normally, without moving your yarn, so it wraps over the top of the right hand needle.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
What length for straight needles would I need for this scarf?
Hi Selina,
Thanks for writing in! Either 9″ or 12″ straight needles would work fine for this lovely scarf pattern. Be sure that you needles are not shorter than 8 inches as you may have some difficulties keeping the stitches easily on the needles!
Happy knitting!
Cassy
Could I use this yarn to make either the Mistake Rib or No-Purl scarf? Many thanks for your assistance and gorgeous everything!
Hello, Jackie!
Thank you for writing in! You can certainly use our Line Weight to make the Mistake Rib or No-Purl scarf. I highly recommend making a test swatch before starting either scarf – just to make sure you’re getting the correct gauge and to ensure you like the look of the stitch pattern in the Line Weight. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Hello,
I have been working on a variation of this scarf for some time. I started with stockinette and transitioned into basic brioche with no selvedge stitches. I am confused about how to transition back to the stockinette to finish the scarf, since I deviated from the pattern slightly. I have been working on this so long, I don’t want to screw it up!
Thank you,
Meghan
Hi Meghan,
Thanks for writing in. I would assume that you’d be able to bk2tog, k1 one last time and then continue in stockinette stitch. Make sure that you are knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side. of the scarf. Best of luck and happy knitting!
-Adam
I just sent a note about my problem with starting the brioche scarf. I find the problem for me is the last 4 stitches of the set up row which causes the 1st row not to start correctly by the directions. Thank you for your help. If it would be easier for me to call I will.
Hi Linda,
I’m sorry you are having trouble with this! The pattern is correct, so maybe you are doing a YOS instead of a S1 wyif for the second to last stitch in the set up row? If the end of the set up row reads “YOS, k1, slip 1 wyif, k1”, on the next row you will slip the previously knit stitch wyif, knit the previously slipped stitch and then slip the previously knit stitch stitch wyif before BK2tog the previous YOS. Hope this helps!
-Adam
Could there perhaps be a video about how to knit? I tried to look at the pictures but I am getting tripped up between sl1 wyif and yos.
I have managed to knit a brioche pattern using other people’s instructions but I prefer purl soho’s patterns because the pictures are divine. However, I keep getting stumped.
Would really love a tutorial because otherwise I have to give up (spent the whole day just trying and failing).
Thank you!
Hi Leah,
Thanks for writing in! At present we do not have a video for brioche but we will certainly keep your request in mind for future videos!
Best,
Cassy
Hi, I’m trying to finish this scarf but after I do the finish the last row 2 and ‘next row’ I don’t understand how to purl all the stitches. There are bunches of 3s that resulted from the purling and I don’t know how to purl them. can you please clarify?
Hi Selina,
When you are finished with the brioche stitch you’ll do the following on the right side:
Slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif, *bk2tog, p1, repeat from * to last four stitches, bk2tog, slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif.
This leaves you with all live stitches and no yarn overs. You’ll now be on the wrong side of the scarf and you’ll simply purl the wrong side and knit the right side to complete the rolled edge. Hope this helps!
-Adam
This scarf is beautiful! I’m thinking of making this but I’m worried about shedding. Does this yarn shed on clothing?
Hello Ellein,
I’m so happy to hear you like this scarf! As with all animal fibers you will get some pilling, but I have not experienced shedding with Line Weight. I hope this helps and good luck with your project! Please let us know if you have any further questions.
-Marilla
This is lovely but I am wondering something…. the scarf pattern says to cast on an odd number of stitches, but when I clicked to the brioche stitch tutorial referenced in the pattern, it said to cast on an even number of stitches…
Hello Mary,
Thank you for reaching out and good catch! The most basic version of Brioche Stitch is worked over an even number of stitches. This creates an asymmetrical fabric. To create a symmetrical Brioche Stitch fabric, one or more edge, or selvedge, stitches can be added. Below, you can find step-by-step instructions for the basic principals of Brioche Stitch. This Brioche Stitch pattern includes 3 selvedge stitches on each edge. I hope this clears things up and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
I wanted to follow up on the selvedge edge… I am just starting the brioche part of this pattern, having knit my stockinette beginning for 1″. The actual row instructions do not refer to a selvedge, so I am a little confused as to where the selvedge starts/ends and the official brioche repeat begins.
Hi Petra,
Thanks for writing in! For this pattern the selvage is written out in the rows, and consists of the first and last three stitches of each row. The actual brioche stitch is the repeat between the asterisks.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Would this pattern work well with cattail silk? If yes, how much Yarn would I need?
Thank you
Hello Chana,
Thanks for your question! I think this scarf would be beautiful in Cattail Silk, though it will knit up with a deferent texture. I believe the silk will knit up a little flatter than the Line Weight, but this could be lovely. You will need two skeins of the Cattail.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
this is a beautiful pattern , but it truly needs a video, starting with the set up row. it never seems to come out right.. a video would be very helpful
Hi Rose,
Thank you for your kind words! I will definitely pass your recommendation along!
Thank you!
Carly
This is gorgeous! Thank you!
Hi,
I am wondering what number of stitches you would recommend casting on for worsted weight yarn. Thank you!
Hi Augusta,
I recommend knitting a gauge swatch in your worsted yarn. This will help you figure out how many stitches you need to cast on to match the dimensions of the original scarf.
Best,
Carly
Hi, I am wondering if you think your cashmere merino bloom yarn would work for this. If so, what # needle would you use? Thanks!
Hi Molly,
Thanks for writing in! You can easily modify this scarf to work with larger yarn. For Cashmere Merino Bloom, you will need to go up to a US 5 needle and need 3 skeins. I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch in pattern to get your gauge. Once you know hoe many stitches you are getting per inch, you will multiply this by 6 3/4 inches wide and cast on the nearest odd number!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
To Purlsoho
Could You please explain what it means to block the scarf ?
(it does not help me to look in a english – danish dictionary)
best regards
Birte
Hi Birte,
Thanks for writing in! Blocking is a handy technique for stretching, easing, and redistributing stitches in a finished piece of hand knitting. By wet (submerging the item in warm water and wool wash and then letting it dry after pressing water out) or steam blocking an item, the stitches will relax and even out!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Thank you for a good and understandable answer.
Birte
Question… this is a beautiful scarf that I plan on knitting for my brother. As he might not be keen to having an item that needs to be handwashed I was wondering if you have another yarn that is “superwash” that I could use instead?
TIA!
Hello Teresa,
Thank you for writing us- great question! I would look at both Anzula’s Squishy and Tosh Merino Light as washable alternatives.
I hope hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello! I’ve been working on this scarf for about 3 feet and somehow accidentally increased at some point near where I added in a new ball of yarn. It’s about 12 rows back but I’m fine going back if this is fixable. How would I go about tearing out a number of rows in brioche? If not, what is the best course of action? For context, I’ve somehow ended up with 41 stitches instead of 39, but it’s still in pattern. I’d love some advice because it was beautiful thus far and would be my first real project!
Hello Jessie,
Thank you for reaching out! You have a couple of options here, If the increase doesn’t bother you there is no reason why you can’t just keep going, especially because the yarn is so thin and will not give you a drastic change to the width. The other option is to rip back. This can be scary with brioche, but as long as you take it slow and are carful you will be fine.
I hope this helps and let us know how it goes!
-Marilla
I’m going to give the rip back a go since I’m knitting this in worsted so the increase is more noticeable. Wish me luck!
What am I supposed to be doing with the selvedge edges?
Hello Amber,
Thank you for reaching out! The selvedge edges is written into the pattern. Row 1 begins with “Slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif” and then ends with “slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif.” these will create your selvedge edges.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Is it possible to use a different series of stitches for the selvedge edges? The S1WYIF and knits are not working for me 🙁
Hi Megan,
Thanks for reaching out, and I’m sorry to hear that you are having trouble with the edge stitches! Although it would give a different look, you could certainly substitute a garter stitch selvage or any other edge treatment that you prefer.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
The edging is basically icord edging is that correct?
Hi Nathaniel,
Thanks for writing in! Although it creates a somewhat raised or rolled look, this slip stitch edging isn’t the same as an i-cord. Our No-Cable Cable Scarf includes a true vertical i-cord edging if you would like to see how it is done!
Best,
Julianna
Hi ,
Thank you for this pattern .
My question is if I would like to add more stitches about 83total stitches how would I end up with my brioche stitches at the end of my rows . Very new at this stitch been knitting brioche 2 Color only in samples never made a project.
Thank you in advance Filo.
Hi Filo,
Thanks for reaching out! As long as you cast on an odd number of stitches, you won’t have to make any changes to the edge stitches of the scarf and can follow the pattern as written.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Would an even number of stitches need to be cast on for 2-color brioche for this pattern?
Hi Molly,
Thanks for reaching out! Two-color brioche and single color brioche are very different to knit, so unfortunately we don’t have instructions for adapting this scarf to two-color brioche. You may be able to adapt the stitch pattern used for our two-color brioche Pocket Full of Posy Blanket, which requires an odd number of stitches, to create a scarf instead of a blanket.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
What is the yardage required for this yarn? I know that the pattern calls for 2 skeins of Line Weight, but do both get fully used up? If I decide to use a slightly heavier yarn, like Season Alpaca, I assume I would I need a little less, since it’s a little thicker than Line Weight. Could you estimate how much I would need? Do you think the Season Alpaca would look nice in the brioche stitch pattern?? Many thanks!!
Hi Lilli,
Thanks for reaching out! We used approximately 697 yards for this scarf, so with Line Weight you would have about 291 yards left over from the 2nd skein! We also offer the Brioche Scarf In Worsted Twist pattern that is a bit more similar to Season Alpaca than the Line Weight but still a bit heavier weight! For that option we used 4 Skeins of Worsted Twist and approximately 656 yards. I think the brioche stitch would look lovely in Season Alpaca, and you would use a similar amount of yardage so I would recommend about 3 skeins of Season Alpaca on a US 3 – 5 needle!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi there, how do I prevent the ends from curling?
Hi Karen,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, curling is common with scarves like this. Blocking the finished scarf will help, but with stitches like this, the ends will naturally start to curl back up after some wear. Often, a border knit in garter stitch will help encourage a scarf to lie flat, but for pieces without it, blocking is the best way to resolve the curling.
I hope this is helpful, and please let me know if you have any other questions!
Take care,
Kelsey
What would be the best way to block this scarf? Steam or submerge or spray?
Hi Kathryn,
Thanks for reaching out! I would recommend wet blocking this scarf (soaking it) I have personally found that wet blocking Line Weight works great and gives a beautiful finished effect. You could certainly also block the scarf by steaming or spraying it!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
I am a somewhat experienced knitter, but have never undertaken Brioche Stitch. I thought this might be a good project for that purpose since there is a lot of repetition and no shaping. I’d like to use the example color, Oyster Gray, but cannot find it. Can you help?
Hi Laurel,
Thanks for reaching out! This is a great option to learn brioche! Unfortunately Oyster Gray has been discontinued, in it’s place I would recommend using Dove Gray!
We have another newer version of the Brioche Scarf In Worsted Twist I would recommend checking out, Worsted Twist comes in a very similar color called Ash Gray that could be beautiful!
I hope this helps and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
I have begun this scarf. The YOS and brk2tog are fine. However, the pattern describes a 3 stitch selvedge on each side. I am following the pattern, and it does not result in a 3 stitch selvedge. Why ?
Laurel
Hi Laurel,
Thanks for reaching out! The 3 stitch salvage will only appear if you are working the 3 stitches as writing prior to beginning the brioche repeat. For example, with row 1 you will begin by Slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif (this is the 3 stitch salvage) before going into the bk2tog, YOS repeat, You will bk2tog, YOS till you reach the last four stitches, bk2tog, you will then again repeat the 3 stitch salvage slip 1 wyif, k1, slip 1 wyif.
Then for row 2, you will again start off with the 3 stitch salvage, but this time it is reversed. You will K1, slip 1 wyif, k1 then begin the YOS, bk2tog repeat to the last 4 stitches, YOS and then again end with the 3 stitch salvage K1, slip 1 wyif, k1.
I hope this clears things up!
Gianna