Two-color brioche hat: a Knittycat's knits tutorial

This video tutorial demonstrates how to knit a two-color brioche hat. For steps on doing the hat decreases, please see that video at • Two-color brioche hat ... . You can also see my one-color brioche hat video (18:00 min onwards) for these decreases at • One color brioche hat ... .
Needles: US size 7 (4.5 mm, for snugger fit) or US size 9 (5.5 mm) 16” circular needles & set of 4 double-pointed needles in same size.
Gauge: With Red Heart “With Love” yarn (100% premium acrylic), one 5-oz skein (170 g, 288 m), knitting 11 stitches in 1-color brioche knit in flat with US size 9 (5.5 mm) needles = 2.5” width (for 1-color brioche stitch pattern and video, click: • How to knit 1-color br... )
Finished hat size: Unstretched: ~16.5 inches round and ~8-9 inches height (hat stretches to ~21 inches to fit an adult)
Abbreviations: BRK=brioche knit; BRP=brioche purl; K=knit; K2tog**=knit 2 stitches together; P=purl; sl=slip the stitch purlwise; sm=slip marker; YF=yarn forward; YO=yarn over.
**In this pattern, a brioche st is considered to be 1 st, so a K2tog means knitting a brioche st and a single st together.
Designate colors as MC (main color) and CC (contrasting color). Using circular needles, cast on 64 st with MC. Place a stitch marker after the last st before joining in the round when doing the first set-up row. At the end of each row, slip the st marker and begin the next row.
Do the following 2 set-up rows (only once):
Set-up row 1 (MC): K1, *YF, then sl1. Repeat from * to the end of the row (after each sl1, keep YF and then do K1 as shown in video)
Set-up row 2 (CC): With yarn in front, *sl1, YO, BRP. Repeat from * to end of row. Then do Rows 1 & 2 as follows:
Row 1 (MC): Take the yarn to the back, then *BRK, YF, sl1. Repeat from * until the end of the row (after last sl1, bring yarn all the way around the stitch as shown in video).
Row 2 (CC): With yarn in front, *sl1, YO, BRP. Repeat from * until the end of the row.
Repeats Rows 1 and 2 until cap measures about 7” from the cast on edge, ending in a Row 2 (it may be better to knit the length of the cap a little bit longer to avoid having a short cap).
Transfer sts onto 3 DPNs as follows: 20 sts on N1, 20 sts on N2, and 24 sts on N3. Shape the crown as follows: (number of sts left on N1/N2/N3 at the end of each row is shown in parenthesis)
Row 1 (MC): Take the yarn to the back, then *BRK, K2tog, YF, sl1. Repeat from * until the end of the row (15/15/18 left on needles).
Row 2 (CC): YF, *sl2, YO, BRP. Repeat from * until the end of the row (10/10/12 left).
Row 3 (MC): Take the yarn to the back, then *K2tog (which means knit as 1 st the sl2 and YO done in the Row 2), YF, sl1. Repeat from * until the end of the row (10/10/12 left).
Row 4 (CC): Wrap the yarn around the last st in the previous row, then slip marker, then *sl1, YO, BRP. Repeat from * until the end of the row (10/10/12 left).
Row 5 (MC): Take the yarn to the back, then *BRK, YF, sl1. Repeat from * until the end of the row (10/10/12 left).
Row 6 (CC): Wrap the yarn around the last st in the previous row, then slip marker, then *sl1, YO, BRP. Repeat from * until the end of the row (10/10/12 left)
After Row 6, redistribute sts on the 3 needles as follows: 12 sts on N1, 12 sts on N2, and 8 sts on N3).
Rows 7-10 (MC, CC, MC, CC): Repeat decrease Rows 1-4 (after Row 7, you will have 9/9/6 sts left; after Row 8 through Row 10, you will have 6/6/4 sts left).
After Row 10, redistribute sts on the 3 needles as follows: 8 sts on N1, 4 sts on N2, and 4 sts on N3).
Row 11-14 (MC, CC, MC, CC): Repeat decrease Rows 1-4 (after Row 11, you will have 6/3/3 sts left; after Row 12 through Row 14, you will have 4/2/2 sts left).
Row 15 (MC): Take yarn to the back, then K2tog around (2/1/1 sts left).
Snip off a 6 inch tail and using the tapestry needle, pull yarn through the remaining 4 sts and pull. Re-insert yarn through center to bring it to the other side of the hat and weave in all yarn tails. Block the cap, if desired and can add an optional pom-pom on the top.
Note: If you need to adjust stitches based on the gauge of your yarn/needles, this pattern, as written, should work for 64 sts or for 80 sts, 96 sts, etc (adding on 16 more sts at a time). If casting on 80 or 96 sts, you should end up with 5 sts and 6 sts at the end, which you can then pull the yarn through). If you add on more than 96 sts, for example, 112 sts or 130 sts, then you may need to do another repeat(s) of the decrease Rows 1-4 to get down to a small number of sts when you do Row 15, so that you can end the cap as described above. If you need less than 64 stitches, then consider using DPNs for the entire project (as stitches may not be enough for a circ needle).
Other helpful video links:
Transferring stitches to circular needles: • Stitch transfer from c...
Hat crown finishing: • Hat crown finishing: a...

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Hi all, I had not shown the hat decreases in this video to save on time and since I had recently shown them in the one-color brioche hat video. However, to make it easier to view when working with two colors, I have now posted a video on the two-color brioche hat decreases, showing the main stitches that are needed when doing them and you can now see them done with the two colors. Check it out at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3eydIiunZKKn6M. Please note that the full pattern for the hat is still in the description field of this two-color brioche hat video. So hoping between these 2 videos, it will be helpful to knit this hat (:

[@laurentdumont160]

Wow merci beaucoup 👍🏻❤

[@nicoshaun1941]

What should be the size of circular needle loop for a convenient hat knitting.

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Hi Nico, a 16 inch circular knitting needle is perfect for an adult size hat. You may also need a set of 4 (or 5) double-pointed needles of same size if knitting a hat pattern that has decreases near the crown (top) of the hat. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and best wishes🤗

[@nicoshaun1941]

@@KnittycatsKnits. Thank you.

[@donnaallen3919]

By far and away the clearest, most comprehensive instructions I've come across (including a video class that I paid for). After frogging many, many attempts after the first 4 or 5 rows following other instructions, I was able to successfully establish and maintain the pattern as instructed here. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Now on to the decreases!! 😁❤

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thank you so much for the lovely feedback, Donna!🙏So glad the video helped you and best wishes for the project!🤗

[@contactjoy4140]

It is incredibly kind of you to take your time to not only teach the Brioche stitch cap from beginning to end but also, you wrote out every stitch in the description! I haven't knitted in a few years and when I saw Brioche, I immediately wanted to learn that new-to-me stitch! Your lovely cap patten is helping me to do that!! Thanks for this inspiration to pick up my knitting needles and start making gifts again for my family and friends! I'm 74 yrs old..... taught myself to knit when I was 58 years old after crocheting since I was 16 yrs old! I've enjoyed creating stunning items from clothing to tablecloths and bedspreads! I'll be making lots of caps and clothes with the Brioche stitch, thanks to you!

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks so much for the lovely feedback! Your comments truly warmed my heart!! And I am so happy that my video was helpful. Best wishes to you and reach out if you have any questions as you work on this lovely brioche stitch!😊

[@XatxiFly]

Your hats look great and the process is much more straightforward than I thought! Thank you so much.

[@KnittycatsKnits]

You are most welcome! Glad you found it helpful. Best wishes 🤗

[@tiffanyharrris3011]

I haven't even had a chance to watch this whole video yet, but I had to stop so I could comment about how helpful this is. I have watched so many brioche knitting for beginner videos and this one is the best for my learning style.

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks so much for the lovely feedback, Tiffany! Been a busy few days for me and just getting around to replying to comments. Yours warmed my ❤! Thank you and my best wishes😊

[@ambercrombie46]

This is awesome and will be so much fun to play with my colors, thank you!!

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks and so glad you liked it! Appreciate the lovely feedback. Best wishes😊

[@alehmanv122]

Thank you for this video. I've been watching so many other videos and have started and ripped out a hat way too many times. This video was simple and clear and I've finally been able to get past the join and first few rows.

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks, Andy! Glad that you found it helpful. Best wishes🤗

[@bgummeson]

Thank you for this very helpful video. Of the countless video tutorials for two-color brioche hats and cowls that I’ve watched on YT, yours is the clearest in terms of showing how to manage yarn at the transition between rounds. Keeping things tidy and organized makes a big difference.

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks for the lovely comments, Brenda! Glad you found this helpful. Best wishes and happy holidays!😃

[@laurentdumont160]

👍🏻❤❤❤

[@brookeslemmer4817]

Thank you so much for this video!! I've been struggling with a pattern that wasn't clear about how to end each row, so this video is a lifesaver for me. Thank you so much for your clear instructions!

[@KnittycatsKnits]

My pleasure, Brooke! So glad it helped. Thanks for watching and best wishes🤗

[@katibere1966]

Wow 🤩!! What an awesome technique!!

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks so much! 😊 Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching and hope you subscribe. Best wishes!

[@thecraftaholic4223]

I just want to say thank you. I’ve tried many times to do brioche. And I’ve been knitting for years. But it wasn’t til this video that I totally understood the concept. And I made the hat! And know attempting a shawl. Thanks!!

[@KnittycatsKnits]

That's so great to hear! So glad my video helped you learn this beautiful stitch and best wishes for the shawl 🤗

[@rosepaul9681]

Great tutorial. This really makes me want to try a hat now. Thanks for your hard work producing this video.

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks, Rose! Glad you liked it and best wishes for your project🤗

[@melmack2003]

You are a fantastic teacher.......thank you so much!

[@KnittycatsKnits]

My pleasure! Thanks so much for your lovely feedback and best wishes 🤗

[@scathatch]

very clear instructions. Thankyou.

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks, Bronwen!🤗

[@nolaobrien3470]

I have been watching your video and keen to learn brioche knitting, your hats are very pretty.

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks, Nola! I love brioche knitting and glad to hear you want to learn it. If you've never tried brioche, check out my one-color brioche scarf video at kzbin.info/www/bejne/anaTo3-jaMSdjrc. That will give you good practice to learn the stitch; of course, can directly try the hat as well 😊 Thanks for watching and best wishes!

[@redredwine1277]

Thanks again🌷Merry Christmas 🎄

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@yellowvanyarns3500]

The best video I have watched

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks so much! Best wishes🤗

[@swarnkanta1371]

You r very very good teacher 11:27

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks so much! 😊 Best wishes and a very Happy New Year!

[@55luvmusic55]

I just discovered brioche knitting and wanted to try it! I have been all over KZbin and you are the very best instructor I have found. Your videos are very clear and detailed and very easy to follow. Thank you so much for taking the time and care to make these videos 🥰

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks for the lovely comments! So glad you found the video helpful. Check out my other video and hope you share & subscribe. Best wishes😀😸

[@user-eq9nh9sl8k]

Yes your instruction is the best. I'm glad I didn't give up and tried your site. I still was having a issue on the join as each row is different it caused my work to get further away the join. I decided to hold next row and same time go back and could finish previous row to the join. It now very hard to find join because that so called row different is now same as all the rest. Boy that is hard to explain. Hope you understand.

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks, Diana! I've had issues with the join before too, especially if I am not careful about carrying the yarn the right way on each row. I am glad you found a way to make this work for you and the join is blending in well. Happy you tried the pattern and thanks so much for watching my video! Best wishes (:

[@nilanthiwijemanna2438]

Thanks knitty its seem easy to knitting round. .I knit flat hat as you say befor..it was little bit hard when I knit top..I undo several time :) finaly I did it..same like this.. hat..thanks knitty again 😚

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Glad you liked it, Nilanthi! And so great that you kept at it and you were successful at this difficult pattern. Awesome job!

[@habibadalil6822]

I will start soon thanks

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks for watching and best wishes!

[@katiemusser4781]

Love this video and pattern!! Do you you have a print version of this pattern?

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Thanks, Katie! I don't have a print version of this yet. Will look to post it on Revelry and will provide a link (have not posted there in a while but will revive my account). Thanks for watching and best wishes!😊

[@anishahahmed1999]

Hi I have the petite yarn by we are knitters and to follow this pattern I’ve found casting on 50 stitches for this project is best for size/needles. I was wondering if 50 stitches would be a problem when decreasing. I’d have to split the 3 dpns as 16,16,18. Will that work with the pattern?

[@vidyaranjini8496]

I want to know if this measurements will fit a big head size adult . Or is there any correction in measures

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Hi Vidya, this is a very stretchy hat so should fit an adult head (~21 in curcumference). If you wish to make it bigger though, can consider adding 12 sts (pattern should still work). Hope that helps. Thanks for watching and best wishes!😊

[@anjuprochazka2014]

is there a complete print version of this hat pattern available ?

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Hi Anju, the full hat pattern is in the description field of this video and here is a link to the video on how to do the hat decreases. I had not uploaded the print version of pattern elsewhere but will plan to upload it to Revelry (and also on my own website - currently in progress). Sorry for the inconvenience but hoping you can copy/paste pattern for now from KZbin description. Thanks and best wishes!😊

[@ninsleonero]

Do you have tutorials for decreasing in circular needles?

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Good question! I do have tutorials on brioche hat decreases (kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3eydIiunZKKn6M), transferring stitches to double-pointed needles (kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH2qZaVjiNxkp80), and finishing up the crown of the hat (kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3a7pphnhM-ghLc). Hope this helps😊 Thanks for watching and best wishes!

[@MsYellop]

How many stitches should I cast on for DK yarn. Thx

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Hi Janet, I think 96 sts would work with the DK yarn. However, the best thing would be to knit up a small swatch with the one-color brioche stitch and measure the width (say you cast on 15 stitches and a knit until the work measures about an inch in height or so). Then can do the match to cast on the stitches. My hat pattern (provided in the video description field) shoulld work for 96 sts (or can dec or inc by a 16-st increment; so 80 sts or 112 sts should also work). You can also go up/down a needle size to adjust for the gauge. My best guess would be 96 sts for DK yarn. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and best wishes!

[@Kee2024]

If u don’t have 16” can u do magic loop on to longer cable?

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Hi Kee, yes you definitely can. If unfamiliar, can check out my video on doing magic loop (kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmmveWdmfc17o9U). Hope that helps. Happy New Year and best wishes!🤗

[@misssimmi2]

How can I make this for a newborn baby please??

[@whitepathxx22]

I've tried several times and my stitches are not lining up at the beginning of the rounds. There's either an extra brioche stitch or an extra single stitch.

[@rubykaur3929]

Hi, i am unable to find the written pattern to follow along. Can you please help

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Hi Ruby, the written pattern is in the video description field (can find it below the video, if you click on dropdown icon). It also has the link to my video that shows how to do the decreases (at the top of the hat). Hope this helps and thanks for watching! 😊

[@soumini19]

Can cotyon yarn be used ??

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Hi Soumini, yes you could use cotton yarn for this stitch. But it works better in non-cotton yarns (like wool, wool blends, or acrylic). The reason is that the stitch has a lot of stretch, which won't be there as much if a cotton yarn is used. So if you do wish to knit this hat in a cotton yarn, be sure to cast on stitches accordingly (can make small swatch and check the gauge). Hope this helps😊 Thanks and best wishes!

[@brightansparkly]

How do the decreases work for 72 stitches?

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Good question. Actually, start by redistributing the 72 sts as 24 st on each needle and then you pretty much follow the decreases as shown in the description for Rows 1-6 and then repeat Rows 1-4 once more (no need to redistribute stitches). At this point, you will have 6 sts on each need. Then, BRK, K2tog, YF, sl1, K2tog on each needle (4 sts remaining). Then next row, YF, Sl2, P2tog. Then next row, K2tog, YF, sl1. You will now only have 2 sts on each needle. Can leave a 6-8 inch tail and weave through the remaining stitches (finishing off as described in pattern above). Would suggest adding a proactive lifeline before starting the decreases. Hope this helps. Thanks and best wishes!

[@brightansparkly]

@@KnittycatsKnits thanks, it worked out great, i also knitted it longer for a fold up brim

[@KnittycatsKnits]

@@brightansparkly Great!! So glad it worked 😀

[@manuelarodriguezlopez5009]

Hola lo podría poner en español

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Hola, Manuela. Lo siento. No puedo poner el video en Espanol. Hablo un poco Espanol y entiendo mas major que puedo hablar. Si usted tiene preguntas sobre la tecnica de tejer, escribime un mensaje aqui y quizas voy a tratar de explicarla en espanol (lo siento, me siente que cometi muchos errores en eso mensaje). Gracias para ver mis videos. Buena suerte!😊

[@consuelogomez3735]

How can I finish the top with that decreases? You are not explaining that part.

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Hi Consuelo, yes, I did not show the decreases in this video because they are the same as how I showed in the one-color brioche hat video (click kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJKYaqWFerejh5o and can watch from 18 minutes onwards). I have given these details in the description field of this 2-color video, so hoping that helps. Do let me know if you have other questions. Thanks for watching my video and best wishes😊

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Hi Consuelo, I have now posted a video on the two-color brioche hat decreases, showing the main stitches that are needed when doing them and you can now see them done with the two colors. Check it out at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3eydIiunZKKn6M. Please note that the full pattern for the hat is still in the description field of this two-color brioche hat video. So hoping between these 2 videos, it will be helpful to knit this hat (: Thanks for watching and best wishes!

[@gggg-vg4vj]

you didnt show how to do the top curved part

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Actually, I have shown it in another video (see kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3eydIiunZKKn6M). The full pattern is provided in this current video's description but please click on the link above for the hat decreases (curvy part at the top). Hope this helps. Thanks for watching and best wishes😊

[@elenityler8351]

I Wish you would of done the decreases so some of us who are visual l could see ho to do this.

[@KnittycatsKnits]

Hi Eleni, I have now posted a video on the two-color brioche hat decreases, showing the main stitches that are needed when doing them and you can now see them done with the two colors. Check it out at: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3eydIiunZKKn6M. Please note that the full pattern for the hat is still in the description field of this two-color brioche hat video. So hoping between these 2 videos, it will be helpful to knit this hat (: Thanks for watching and best wishes!