Brin Cowl

When you are just starting, brioche terminology can be intimidating. The yarn overs on every other stitch can be overwhelming and the rules of brioche knitting a bit baffling.

I have been there myself, so I wanted to create a design that give the knitter an opportunity to quickly and efficiently practice the stitches, eliminating as many hurdles as possible.

Designed as a gentle introduction to brioche for absolute beginners, Brin Cowl also makes a perfect quick gift knit or a bit of meditative, mindless knitting for seasoned brioche knitters.

The name Brin is a bit of a word play as in, BRioche INtroduction Cowl. :)

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PATTERN FEATURES THAT MAKE IT IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS

♡Worked in the round – No selvedge edges to manage, making it ideal for beginners. 

♡2-color brioche – Easier to visualize stitch structure and understand how the fabric is created. 

♡Bulky yarn in high-contrast colors – Helps clearly see stitch formation, reinforcing learning. 

♡Built-in lifelines – Garter stitch rounds are thoughtfully placed between brioche sections. These not only add visual interest but also act as lifelines. If you spot a mistake, you can confidently rip back to the previous garter round and resume from there. 

♡No advanced cast-on techniques required.

CONSTRUCTION 

Brin Cowl is knitted in the round from the bottom up. The body of the cowl is knitted in 2-color brioche interspersed with garter lines. 

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PROJECT INFORMATION

SIZING 

One size. (Adjustable; Helpful notes are provided in the pattern to adjust the circumference as well as height of the cowl. Some testers have adapted the design to use worsted weight yarn)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS 

Circumference: 25” / 63 cm. 

Height: 8 “ / 20 cm.

YARN REQUIREMENTS 

A total of 184 yards / 168 m of bulky weight yarn in 2 colors. 

92 yards / 84 m each of MC and CC.

YARN USED IN SAMPLE 

2 skeins of Malabrigo Mecha, Bulky, 100% Superwash Merino Wool. 

130 yards / 119m per 100g / 3.5 oz. 

MC: Whole Grain, 1 skein 

CC: Piedras, 1 skein

NEEDLES USED 

5.0 mm / US 8 circular needles, minimum length 24”/ 60 cm for working in the round.

GAUGE 

13 sts and 36 rnds = 4” / 10 cm, in brioche ribbing, blocked.

NOTIONS 

1 stitch marker, tapestry needle.

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES 

Brk, Brp, Sl1yo.