Back in August, I finished the Helix Brioche Hat by Jonatan Tollow. I swatched brioche stitch many years ago, but I'd never done anything with it beyond a scarf in a single color. I certainly hadn't used increases and decreases to make patterns with it or done any striping in brioche stitch. However, when brioche patterns were trending, there were several patterns, including this one, that I liked the look of and saved. The Helix Brioche Hat was my introduction to the technique.
The pattern is very well-written, with an easy-to-follow stitch glossary and a crash course (with photos) on how to do striped brioche at the end of the pattern.
The pattern calls for sport weight yarn and is worked on US size 2.5 and 4 (3 and 3.5 mm, respectively) needles. Honestly, I don't think working the first several rows on smaller needles made much of a difference. I'd probably work the whole think on 4s if I made it over again. I used Berocco Vintage DK (in Jalapeno) for my main color and Yarn Bee Highlights (in Spa) for my contrasting color, and I really like how it turned out!
The only thing I really wish I had done differently for this pattern was use a more elastic cast on method than the long-tail cast-on the designer suggests. At the very least, I should have cast on using size 6 (4 mm) needles, although that would have made the set-up round awkward. Doing a long-tail cast-on, using size 2.5 needles created a hard cast-on edge. The rest of the hat is very loose and elastic and fits an adult head quite nicely, but the hard edge makes a better fit for an older child than for an adult.
Overall, this free pattern is an excellent introduction to multicolor, patterned brioche stitches, and I'm really glad I made it.
This post has been linked to Busy Monday, Senior Salon, Inspire Me Monday, Wonderful Wednesday, The Stitchin' Mommy, Thursday Favorite Things, and Create-It!
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