Brioche Architecture

Brioche Architecture Shawl by Kristy Howell

Project Overview

Brioche Architecture is an intermediate-level knitted shawl designed by Kristy Howell. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a triangular shawl with elegant proportions and sophisticated construction using brioche knitting techniques.

Finished Dimensions

The completed shawl measures:

• 22 inches (56 cm) deep
• 44 inches (112 cm) wide
• 100 inches (254 cm) bottom edge
• 48 inches (122 cm) top edge

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This shawl showcases brioche knitting, an advanced stitch technique that creates a distinctive textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and elasticity. The pattern features the Cascade Brioche Stitch as its primary design element, which forms the main body of the shawl.

Key stitches and techniques used include:

• Slip 1 stitch purlwise with yarn over (sl1yof) – a foundational brioche stitch where yarn overs overlap slipped stitches to create the characteristic brioche texture
• Slip 1 stitch and its yarn over purlwise with yarn over (sl1+yof) – a variation that manipulates multiple yarn overs for stitch definition
• Purl together with yarn overs (brp+1 and brp1) – techniques that decrease stitches while incorporating yarn overs, essential for shaping the triangular silhouette
• Yarn over, slip, yarn over sequences (yfsl1yoyo) – creates lacy openings and increases within the brioche structure
• Garter stitch edging – a 3-stitch garter edge (slip 1, knit 2) frames the shawl borders for a finished appearance and structural stability

The pattern allows for customization by adding or removing repeats of the Cascade Brioche stitch, making it adaptable for knitters who wish to create larger or smaller versions of the design.

Materials Required

Yarn: Knit Picks Aloft, a luxurious blend of 75% Super Kid Mohair and 25% Silk. The pattern calls for 3 balls, with each ball containing 246 yards and weighing 25 grams. This yarn choice provides exceptional softness, drape, and a subtle sheen characteristic of mohair-silk blends, ideal for showcasing brioche stitch definition.

Needles: US 6 (4.00 mm) needles are required for this project.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 12 stitches and 28 rows in Cascade Brioche Stitch equals 4 inches (10 cm) after blocking. Knitters should note that yarn overs are not counted as separate stitches when calculating gauge, which is a critical distinction in brioche knitting where yarn overs are integral to stitch formation rather than independent stitches.

Pattern Notes

The shawl incorporates stitch markers to delineate the 3-stitch garter edging from the main brioche pattern body. The garter edging is worked consistently throughout as slip 1 stitch, knit 2 stitches, with markers separating this edge from the central pattern repeat. Blocking after completion is essential to set the gauge and enhance the shawl's drape and final dimensions.