Fluffy Brioche Hat
As soft and tasty as its namesake, these Fluffy Brioche Hats showcase the richness of our new Cashmere Merino Bloom, our most sumptuous yarn yet. Putting a toasty Fluffy Brioche Hat on your head is about as nice as putting a warm pastry in your belly!
Filled with textural interest, the fluffy brioche stitch creates space and dimensionality, giving the cashmere room to bloom. A twisted rib cuff contrasts nicely and adds great structure where you need it most.
From sweet heathered Honey Pink to helix-spun Charcoal Onyx, Cashmere Merino Bloom’s nine-color palette has something for everyone. Pick your favorites and kick off your fall knitting with this very special yarn! –Laura
Materials
- 1 (1, 1, 1, 2) skeins of Purl Soho’s Cashmere Merino Bloom, 75% extra fine merino wool, 25% cashmere
- US 4, 16-inch circular needles (Kid and Adult sizes only)
- Set of US 4 double pointed needles (all sizes)
- US 7, 16-inch circular needles (if using a Long Tail Tubular Cast On, all sizes: if using a Long Tail Cast On or similar, Kid and Adult sizes only)
- Set of US 7 double pointed needles (Baby size only)
- 4 stitch markers, including one unique marker for end-of-round
SAMPLES
- Baby: Heirloom White and Dove Gray
- Kid Small: Lavender Moon and Rose Granite
- Kid Large: Honey Pink and Ballet Pink
- Adult Small: Tide Pool and Charcoal Onyx
- Adult Large: Salt + Pepper
Gauge
24 stitches = 4 inches in Twisted Rib on larger needles
20 stitches and 44 rounds = 4 inches in Fluffy Brioche on smaller needles
NOTE: For some tips on how to make these gauge swatches, visit our Swatching for Circular Gauge Tutorial. Here, you’ll want to cast on an even number of stitches and use the stitch patterns given in their respective sections, below.
Sizes
Baby (Kid Small, Kid Large, Adult Small, Adult Large)
- Finished Circumference: 14 ½, (16, 17 ½, 19 ¼, 20 ¾) inches
- Finished Height (un-cuffed): 7 ¾ (8 ½, 9 ½, 10 ¾, 11 ¾) inches
Notes
Slip all slipped stitches purlwise.
bk2tog (brioche knit 2 together): Knit next stitch together with its paired yarn over.
NOTE: When counting stitches in a brioche pattern, you don’t include yarn overs in the stitch count. Each yarn over is paired with a knit stitch, and you count this pair as a single stitch.
Pattern
Cast On
NOTE: I used a Long Tail Tubular Cast On because it’s nice and stretchy, but a basic Long Tail Cast On would also be beautiful (and less complicated!) If you do a Long Tail Tubular Cast On, be aware that, because this rib is twisted, the Foundation Rows are slightly different than in our tutorial.
IF YOU DO A LONG TAIL TUBULAR CAST ON…
Cast 72 (80, 88, 96, 104) stitches onto the larger circular needles.
Do not join for working in the round.
Foundation Row 1 (wrong side): *Knit 1, slip one with yarn in front (wyif), repeat from * to end of row.
Foundation Row 2 (right side): *Knit 1 through the back loop (tbl), slip 1 wyif, repeat from * to end of row.
NOTE: If you are knitting the Baby size, once you’ve completed the Foundation Rows, distribute your stitches evenly on the larger double pointed needles. The 16-inch circular needles are too long for the circumference of the smallest hat.
IF YOU DO A LONG TAIL CAST ON OR SIMILAR…
Cast 72 (80, 88, 96, 104) stitches onto the larger double pointed needles, for the Baby size, or onto the larger circular needles, for all other sizes.
Continue on to the next section, Work in Twisted Rib.
Work in Twisted Rib
Place unique marker and join for working in the round, being careful to not twist the stitches.
Round 1: *K1 through the back loop (tbl), p1 tbl, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Round 1 until piece measures 1 ¾ (2, 2 ¼, 2 ½, 2 ¾) inches from cast-on edge.
Work in Fluffy Brioche
Change to smaller double pointed or circular needles.
Round 1: *P1, slip 1 with yarn in front (wyif), yo, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 2: *K1, bk2tog (see Notes), repeat from * to end of round.
Round 3: *Slip 1 wyif, yo, p1, repeat from * to end of round.
Round 4: *Bk2tog, k1, repeat from * to end of round.
Repeat Rounds 1-4 until piece measures approximately 6½ (7, 7 ¾, 8 ¾, 9 ¾) inches from cast-on edge or approximately 1¼ (1½, 1 ¾, 2, 2) inches from finished desired height.
Next Round: Repeat Round 1.
Shape Crown
Set-Up Round: [(K1, bk2tog) 9 (10, 11, 12, 13) times, place marker] four times, not placing marker on last repeat.
Round 1 (decrease round): [K1tbl, p2tog, p1, *slip 1 wyif, yo, p1, repeat from * to two stitches before next marker, p2tog tbl, slip marker (sm)] four times. [8 stitches decreased]
Round 2: [K1tbl, k2, *bk2tog, k1, repeat from * to one stitch before next marker, k1, sm] four times.
Repeat Rounds 1 and 2 four (five, six, seven, eight) more time(s). [32 stitches]
Next Round (decrease round): [K1 tbl, p2tog, p1, slip 1 wyif, yo, p1, p2tog tbl] 4 times. [24 stitches]
Next Round: [K1 tbl, k2, bk2tog, k2] 4 times.
Next Round (decrease round): [K1 tbl, p2tog, p1, p2tog tbl] 4 times. [16 stitches]
Next Round (decrease round): [K1 tbl, s2kp] 4 times. [8 stitches]
Cut yarn and thread onto tapestry needle. Draw needle through remaining stitches and pull taut. Draw needle to inside of hat and weave in tail to secure.
Finish
Weave in remaining ends and block as desired.
PRINT
I really like the look of this pattern. I am considering doubling your Tussock yarn to create this hat. Would that create enough weight or would the gauge just simple be too far off?
Thanks!
Hi Regina,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, even doubled, Tussock would probably not be thick enough for this pattern, and since it has no natural stretch, your hat might not be very easy to keep on your head. However, since it is so thin, you could add a strand of Tussock to the Cashmere Merino Bloom without altering the gauge and would end up with a hat with the soft, fluffy halo of Tussock without having to worry about fit or gauge issues!
Best,
Julianna
In your sample colors, you say you used two colors (ex: Kid Small: Lavender Moon and Rose GraniteKid Small: Lavender Moon and Rose Granite). If I am planning to use only one color, should I double the skein?
Hello Becca,
Thank you for reaching out! We just used one color for each of the hats, so you can follow the instructions and just use the one skein.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I’m confused, like Becca said, in your sample hats you give us the two colors used to knit each hat. Does that mean you double stranded, one of each color? Your reply to Becca you said you only used one color, but picture samples clearly show two for each hat . So pretty!
Hello Maureen,
Thank you for your question! These hats are knit with a single strand of yarn and with just one color. The only hat the has two tones in it is the Adult Small in Charcoal Onyx, which is a marled yarn.
I hope this clears things up for you and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hi!~~~is Peace Fleece in worsted weight too heavy to make
this hat?
Thanks Sue
Hi Sue,
Thanks for reaching out! Although I’m not familiar with Peace Fleece, the Cashmere Merino Bloom we used is a DK weight yarn, so a worsted weight yarn might be too thick. I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch to see if it will work.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi
I am making adult small size hat. My circumference is measuring to 16 inches only, even though the gauge for twisted rib is exactly correct. The measurement in the pattern is 19.25. Is your measurement stretched knitting?
I need a hat for an adult with head circumference 20 inches and should be snug.
Thanks
Alpana
Hi Alpana,
Thanks for reaching out! This is actually correct for the brim of the hat – the finished measurements are for the fluffy brioche body of the hat, but the unstretched twisted rib brim is much smaller than the rest of the hat since it will stretch to fit. It sounds like you are on the right track!
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I would love to knit this hat…for a friend who has Lyme Disease. She cannot wear anything with wool in it. I was think I could knit this in a cotton yarn. Do you think this would work and what cotton yarn would you recommend. Thank you.
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for reaching out, and what a kind present to make for your friend! I think Cotton Pure would be a great substitute for this pattern. Cotton can be used for hats, but because it isn’t as elastic as wool, it tends to stretch out and lose its shape over time, though usually a trip through the washer and dryer will snap it back into shape. To try to prevent this, I would recommend washing and drying your gauge swatch before measuring it to make sure the hat will be the correct size after washing, and be sure to select a size that will fit snugly.
Best of luck and I hope that helps!
Julianna
This is a GREAT pattern! I love the flow of the Fluffy Brioche stitch. I’ve made a couple of them in Cashmere Merino Bloom (particularly love the Salt n Pepper!). I’ve just purchased several colors/skeins of the Cashmere Tend and it’s amazingly soft and easy to use. How do you think it would work for this pattern? Any guidance on amount needed/needle size? Thanks in advance – Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for the kind words! I agree, this is a very fun hat to knit! Cashmere Tend is quite a bit heavier than Cashmere Merino Bloom, so you will have to do a bit of math to make it work. First, you will need to knit a gauge swatch in the Fluffy Brioche stitch using Cashmere Tend on a US 7 needle, and then multiply your stitches per inch by 14 ½, (16, 17 ½, 19 ¼, 20 ¾) inches and round to the nearest multiple of 8 to determine how many stitches to cast on. You should be able to knit the brim (on a US 9 needle) and the body of the hat as written, and then, when setting up for the decreases, make sure your markers are evenly spaced dividing the stitches into four sections. You should then be able to complete the decreases without any problems!
I hope that helps, and please do let us know how it turns out!
Julianna
I’m having trouble with this pattern, the fluffy brioche specifies sl one wyif, yo, p1, which is awkward. The video of how to do it shows sl one wyif, yo, k1. Could you clarify? Thanks!
Hi Susan,
Thanks for writing in! Our One-Color Brioche Tutorial is for regular brioche stitch, which differs in several ways from Fluffy Brioche, and it only shows the knit row. However, our Two-Color Brioche Stitch Tutorial shows how to work a brioche purl row at the 3 minute 30 second mark, which should be quite helpful with knitting rows 1 and 3 of Fluffy Brioche!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
After round 2 there is an increase in stitch count (up from 96). Should round 3 decrease back to 96 by purling the yo from round 2 with its matching stitch? This isn’t explained anywhere except when you note that the yo should not be counted. But should it be worked alone?
Hi Sally,
Thanks for reaching out! In a brioche stitch variation like this, the yarn overs do not count as individual stitches, because they will always be knit together with their paired stitch on the following row. In round 1, you will be repeating *P1, slip 1 with yarn in front (wyif), yo* to the end of the round, so every other stitch will be purled, and you will have a yarn over paired with every slipped stitch all the way around. In round 2, you will repeat *K1, bk2tog,* which will result in knitting each purl from the previous round and knitting together each yarn over with its slipped stitch. Although the stitch is a bit different from a regular brioche stitch, you may find our One Color Brioche Stitch tutorial helpful to see how the slipped stitches and yarns should look and be knitted together!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Seems I used the brioche increase stitch ?. All better now… thanks
How many yards of yarn?
Hi Angela,
Great question! For this lovely hat, you will need….
Baby: 134 yards
Toddler: 151-154 yards
Kid: 175 yards
Adult Small: 211 yards
Adult Large: 250 yards
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I’ve never cast on & ribbed with the larger needles then changed to the smaller for the body of the project. Is this correct? Can’t wait to get started!!
Hi Julia,
Thanks for reaching out! Although it is unusual, yes, this is correct! The Fluffy Brioche stitch has a much wider stitch gauge than twisted rib, so switching to the smaller needle will ensure that the top of the hat doesn’t turn out significantly larger than the ribbing.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Perfect, thank you. I’ll get started in the morning. I’m really excited about my new hat.
Hi,
What size shall I make for 22″ head? Adult small?
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for reaching out! Hats should fit with two to four inches of negative ease, so for a 22″ head, you could knit either than Adult Small or Adult Large. The Adult Small would have a more snug, watch cap style fit, while the Adult Large would be a little more slouchy. You could choose either size depending on what look you are going for!
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi! I only have 6 and 3 point needles and was hoping to make the adult small. If I follow the large adult size with the smaller needles will the size be comparable with the small adult size?
Hello Izzy,
Thanks for reaching out! This will depend on your gauge or how many stitches per inch you are getting. You likely wont get a big enough difference to go up a hat size and your gauge might even be close enough to knit the pattern as is.
I would knit up a couple of swatches to see how far off your gauge is and go from there!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I’d like to make this for a baby shower in March, as I am reading through the pattern; for the Tubular Long Tail Cast On, it says, “Do not join for working in the round” but I don’t see anywhere where I’m supposed to join to work in the round? Can you please explain?
Thanks
Hi Lily,
Thanks for reaching out! After working the Tubular Long Tail Cast On, you will work the two foundation rows flat. If you read just a bit further, in the section titled “Work in Twisted Rib,” you will see that you will be joining to work in the round as you start the first row of twisted rib.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
If I only make one gauge swatch, would you recommend making the swatch for the ribbed band or for the brioche?
I intend to use the gauge swatch to determine what size to make- I want to see how much stretch there is in order to determine what size would work best. (Are circumferences given for the ribbed band portion? And does the brioche portion have much stretch?)
Hi Natalie,
Thanks for writing in! I would probably swatch the fluffy brioche, since it makes up the majority of the hat and has less elasticity than the twisted rib. The brioche does have some stretch, but not as much as the ribbing. Because the ribbing is quite stretchy, it will be more forgiving if you don’t have exactly the right gauge. Our hat sizes are based on the circumference of the body of the hat, not the ribbing, but having knit this hat myself, I can say that the ribbing only turns out a little smaller than the body after blocking.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Could I add tussock to fingering weight and obtain the correct gauge?
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for reaching out! Our Cashmere Merino Bloom is a light-worsted/DK weight, and while Tussock will definitely fill in some space held with a fingering weight yarn, it would be a very different fabric – and sometimes that’s absolutely fine! It’s possible that you could knit a larger size on smaller needles – everyone’s gauge is different! – and come up with a unique variation on the pattern. I’d definitely recommend swatching to see if you like the fabric at a gauge that works with the Fluffy Brioche Hat.
We have another hat pattern, the Simple Pleasures Hat that’s written for exactly this combination of yarns, which might also interest you. I hope this helps!
Happy Knitting!
Cassandra
This is such a great pattern! I learned how to knit a number of hats this quarantine and I must say, this is my favorite pattern of all! I’d really like to knit a scarf that goes with this. I was wondering if you could provide instructions for a fluffy brioche scarf as well? Or if you have recommendations for any other patterns that match this hat, that’d be great too! Thanks!
Hi Jane,
Thanks so much for writing in – it’s great to hear from people who enjoyed knitting one of our patterns! We don’t have an exact-match scarf, but our Staggered Fisherman’s Rib scarf has a really similar texture to the Fluffy Brioche Hat. It’s knit in Worsted Twist but could easily be adapted to work in Cashmere Merino Bloom for a matching accessory! I hope this helps – Happy Knitting!
Best,
Cassandra
Help…..I can’t knit with anything other than straight needles but I love this hat?
Hi Val,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately, we don’t have a pattern for knitting this hat flat, but I have some resources that might help you figure it out! Our Fluffy Brioche Tutorial demonstrates how to knit the stitch flat, and our Fluffy Brioche Baby Blanket has written out instructions for the flat version of the stitch. Hopefully, with these additional instructions, you will be able to modify our hat pattern for straight needles!
Best,
Julianna
I have been trying to knit this hat and cannot get the pattern to work. I wonder if rows 2 and 4 of the pattern should be switched. When I do it the way I read the pattern then I am knitting the yarn over stitch with the knit stitch of the row before, not the slip stitch… thanks
Hi Diana,
Thanks for reaching out! This is one of my go-to hat patterns, and it should work out as written! You should always be working the bk2tog over a slipped stitch with its paired yarn over from the previous row. Round 1 begins with a p1, followed by a slipped stitch with a yarn over, and Round 2 begins with a k1, followed by a bk2tog, so the knit should be over the purl and the bk2tog should be over the slipped stitch and yarn over. It’s hard to say what exactly might be going wrong without seeing your work, but is it possible that you have accidentally added or removed a stitch? I would start by counting your stitches to see if you still have the correct amount. Another possibility is that, in some yarns, the yarn over can appear to be stuck to the wrong stitch, so you may just have to adjust them slightly to make sure they are paired with the correct stitch.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Love your pattern. One problem. When I go from a yo at the end of round 1 to the k1 at the beginning of round 2 it leaves a hole. How can I prevent that? Thanks for the reply.
Hi Stella,
Thanks for writing in! While it’s normal for there to be a slight jog in the pattern or the appearance of a seam at the beginning of the rounds for this hat, there shouldn’t be any actual holes. Is it possible that you are working an extra yarn over and adding a stitch at the end of the row? When transitioning from Round 1 to Round 2, after slipping the final stitch with the yarn in front, you don’t have to do anything special to create the yarn over. Since your yarn is already in the front of the work, you can simply leave it there and knit the first stitch of the next round. The yarn will naturally wrap over the top of the right hand needle to create the yarn over, and you shouldn’t be left with any holes.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Thank you for all the beautiful patterns and free offers.. l enjoy the write up it is very informative .
Hi I am also confused with how to knit the first row in the fluffy brioche hat (see Susan’s comment on 21st October 2019)
Row 1. *P1,slip1,wyif, yo, repeat from* to end of round.
Where do I find the two colour brioche tutorial that explains and shows these instructions?
Appreciate your help. Thanks
Hi Helen,
Thanks for reaching out, and I apologize that the link was missing from my previous comment! I have updated it now, and you can also access the Two-Color Brioche tutorial by clicking right here.
Best,
Julianna
I am About 1/2 way through this pattern the hat is turning out great but I just realized that my “yarn overs” I have been doing clockwise instead of counter-clockwise. The hat looks great but not exactly as pictured. I am Going to Make another one next with your merino bloom
Yarn and will Correct my error but curious why it matters which direction I yarn over and how it’s impacting the pattern. I used a beautiful studio donegal yarn I got in Dublin with your tussock and it’s really pretty. Thanks
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for writing in, and it’s wonderful to hear that your hat is turning out so well – this is one of my favorite patterns! When you wrap your yarn over in the wrong direction, also known as a backwards yarn over, the yarn doesn’t have to travel nearly as far, so the loop or length of yarn created by the yarn over is a little shorter than it would be in a regular yarn over. This is an actual stitch that you may run into in future projects! In this pattern, however, it results in a tighter stitch which will flatten out the texture and probably make your overall gauge somewhat tighter. I imagine it’s also making it more difficult to work the bk2tog stitch, so it should be very interesting to see just how different the Fluffy Brioche turns out when the yarn overs are worked correctly!
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna