If you are new to a technique like brioche, you really should consider starting out simple. Look for a pattern that makes it easier learn. If jumping into the deep end is your preference, go for it. That’s okay. My first time with knitting brioche I jumped in over my head and it sucked. If you’ve tried brioche before and gave up or are new to it, here are 5 tips on what to look for in a pattern that will make learning so much easier.

1. Skip the flat knitting: Instead, look for a project that is knit in the round. Flat brioche has more rules like: it takes two rows of knitting to make one row of brioche. Ugh. You must remember to slide your stitches back up the needle and work that row again. Double ugh!

2. Look for a project that’s knit in-the-round like a hat or cowl. These smaller projects take less time. Unlike flat knitting, one round of brioche counts as one round in circular knitting. I like that. A lot! This makes it easier to track your progress and what round you are working on.

3. Skip the fancy brioche cast on – for now. I know, it looks so cool. But jeez, it’s a sure-fire way to torture yourself and to learn to hate brioche. This beautiful cast on takes lots of practice. My advice is to wait until you have learned the basic brioche stitches (brk – brioche knit; brp – brioche purl) before you dive into the cast on.

4. Look for a pattern that has some brioche in it, not all over it. Smaller sections of brioche give you a mental break from learning it. This can go a long way to boost confidence in your knitting and reduce frustration. Look at it this way. Would you shove a whole plate of food in your mouth at once? Nope. You’d probably eat forkfuls at a time. An entire project of brioche can make you feel like you’re stuffing your face.

5. Try two color brioche first. The advantage is that you can clearly see which stitches and rounds/rows are giving you trouble. Brioche knitting has distinct columns of knit stitches. You can easily spot a stitch or row/round that’s not worked correctly because it will be the wrong color! It’s like the stitches are color coded.

If you are looking for a great 1st brioche pattern you might want to try the Oh Brother Hat or Grandpa G’s Barn Cowl. Both have all of the qualities listed above.

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Brioche can be a fun technique and satisfying to knit. When you have the right pattern, brioche can be easy to learn. Having trouble learning brioche? Share with me your brioche story. Maybe I can help you.