You have certainly heard about Brioche knitting. It’s a stunning technique known for its squishy ribbed texture. But did you know that you can also crochet the Brioche effect? While crocheted Brioche is not as well-known as its knitted cousin, several methods exist to achieve it - with one or several colors.
So, how can you mimic the intriguing Brioche look with a single-ended crochet hook? We'll guide you through the basic principles of crocheted Brioche, including step-by-step instructions, tips for choosing the best yarn and crochet hooks, and ideas for incorporating Brioche into your repertoire for regular crochet.
What is the foundation of Brioche Crochet?
Brioche crochet shares similarities with knitting, as it creates a ribbing effect using front post stitches and chains. However, it typically comes with a thicker texture, particularly if you use two colors. You can also crochet the brioche stitch in the same color as knitting.
The initial two rows or rounds of brioche crochet are generally crafted using double crochet (using United States crochet terminology). Starting from the third row/round, the technique uses front/back post stitches.
What Yarn is best for Brioche Crochet?
Given the thicker, double-layered nature of brioche crochet, especially when working with two colors, using thinner yarns, like sports yarn, fingering yarn, or DK weight yarn, makes sense. They make the fabric more manageable and prevent it from becoming too bulky or heavy unless you want to achieve that effect in your projects, such as rugs, cushions, or bags.
Thinner yarns will also help your garment retain some flexibility for the required drape if you make shawls, hats, or sweaters on your crochet hook.
What Type of Crochet Hook do I need?
When choosing the best crochet hook for brioche crocheting, the first characteristic to look for is always the correct size. It should match the chosen yarn, even if you can deviate to a size. But for Brioche crochet, which creates a denser fabric due to the ribbing effect and the double layer of colors, it’s advisable to use a single-ended crochet hook at the upper end of the recommended range on your yarn label. This will prevent the fabric from becoming too stiff. Having a crochet hook set at hand is always a good idea, allowing you to experiment with and adjust sizes according to your preferences.
And for you Tunisian crochet enthusiasts, yes, it is possible to work the pattern on a Tunisian Crochet, too, but the steps and stitches are entirely different.
Work Brioche in Rows with a regular Crochet Hook
The brioche pattern heavily relies on Front and Back Post Double Crochets (FPDC/BPDC).
You create them by crocheting around the post of a stitch from a previous row, either from the front or the back, to create raised stitches that mimic the brioche knit look.
Step 1: Start with a Foundation Chain (Color A): Make a foundation chain of an even number of stitches plus three for turning. These count as your first double crochet (dc).
Step 2: For the first row in color A, start with a double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook. Chain 1, skip the next chain, dc in the next chain. Repeat until the end. Do not turn in your work. Instead, change to Color B.
Step 3: For row 2, attach color B to the beginning of the row you just completed. Chain 3 (counts as the first dc). Now, working in the spaces created by the chain 1 spaces of the previous row with Color A, work a fpdc around the dc below the next chain space, chain 1. Repeat across the row, ending with a dc in the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Turn your work.
Step 4: With Color A, chain 3 (counts as the first dc for row 3). Work a BPDC around the FPDC of the previous row (now working with Color A again, and these stitches will be behind the Color B stitches), chain 1. Repeat across, ending with a dc in the top of the turning chain from the previous row. Do not turn your work. Instead, return to where you started the row and change to Color B.
Step 5: Repeat the process of Row 3, using Color B. Continue alternating rows with Colors A and B. Each color works separately in rows. When turning the work, you crochet back post double crochets to keep the pattern consistent on the front side.
Brioche crochet is a rewarding technique with a unique aesthetic that is easy to create with a single ended crochet hook. Within the broad range of KnitPro’s diverse crafting tools, you will always find the most professional sets of crochet hooks for your particular crafting style and comfort.
