Two-colour brioche hat
Use two-colour brioche stitch in the round to create this beret with a branching pattern
TWO COLOUR BRIOCHE knitting is hugely popular right now, and this beret from DROPS Design demonstrates how smart and attractive the results can be. Working the branching brioche stitch pattern in two contrasting shades produces a striking effect. If you’ve never tried two-colour brioche stitch in the round, it’s worth watching a few video tutorials first, but it’s really not as difficult as it looks!
This beret is knitted in DROPS Merino Extra Fine, a DK-weight pure wool that comes in a palette of 42 bright, pastel and neutral colours.
PATTERN NOTES STITCH COUNTS
All st counts given in the pattern when working in brioche stitch do not include yarn overs because the yarn over ‘belongs’ to the knit stitch and is counted with it as one stitch.
HAT
Using 3mm circular needles and yarn A, cast on 105 sts.
Pm and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist sts.
Knit 1 round.
Rib round: *K1, P1, K1, P2; rep from * to end.
Last round sets rib.
Cont in rib in set until rib measures 3cm from cast-on edge.
Dec round: *K1, P1, K1, P2tog; rep from * to end. 84 sts.
Change to 3.5mm circular needles.
BRIOCHE SECTION
Working in stripes throughout, as shown on chart, work chart once in full, working the pattern repeat six times per round.
Note that after round 12 you will have 108 sts on your needles due to the increases made on this round, as shown on chart.
Decreases are made on rounds 52, 60, 68 and 76, as shown on chart.
Change to DPNs when there are not enough sts to comfortably use circular needles.
Stitch counts after decrease rounds are as follows:
Round 52: 84 sts.
Round 60: 60 sts.
Round 68: 36 sts.
Round 76: 12 sts.
FINISHING
When Round 77 of chart is complete, finish hat as follows:
Cut both the yarns and pull the yarn B tail through the remaining sts, and pull tight to fasten.
Weave in ends.
Block hat gently to measurements, following any yarn care instructions on the ball band.