Brioshi

Brioshi Asymmetrical Triangular Shawl by Carissa Browning

What Is Being Made

Brioshi is an asymmetrical triangular knit shawl designed by Carissa Browning and available as a downloadable PDF pattern. The shawl features an elegant design inspired by the interrupted stripe patterns characteristic of the Arashi technique used in Shibori fabric dying. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished piece with a span of 80 inches and a height of 27 inches, making it a substantial and versatile accessory suitable for layering or wearing as a statement piece.

Techniques Used

The Brioshi shawl employs the brioche rib stitch technique as its primary construction method. Brioche knitting is an advanced stitch technique that creates a distinctly textured, elastic fabric with a luxurious appearance. The pattern utilizes specialized brioche stitches including brioche knit (brk), brioche purl (brp), and combined brioche techniques such as brkyobrk (brioche knit with yarnover). The shawl's asymmetrical triangular shape is achieved through strategic increases and stitch manipulation, allowing for easy adjustability to suit individual preferences. The Arashi-inspired design creates the characteristic interrupted stripe patterns through the interplay of light and dark yarn colors worked together throughout the construction.

Stitches Used

• Brioche Knit (brk): Knit the next stitch together with its yarnover
• Brioche Purl (brp): Purl the next stitch together with its yarnover
• Brkyobrk: A combination stitch that knits the next stitch together with its yarnover without slipping the old stitch off the left-hand needle
• Slip 1 Yarn Over (sl1yo): A foundational brioche technique where yarn is brought to the front on knit rows, the next stitch is slipped as if to purl, and yarn is brought back over the right-hand needle
• Standard Knit and Purl: Basic stitches integrated throughout the pattern structure

Materials and Tools

The Brioshi shawl is worked in DK weight yarn, specifically Apothefaery Fabrications Delightful DK, which is composed of 100% merino fiber. The pattern calls for 3 skeins total: 1 skein in Dark Night (DC) and 2 skeins in Snowflake (LC), providing approximately 750 yards of yardage (250 yards per 115-gram skein). Construction requires US #6/4mm circular needles measuring at least 24 inches in length to accommodate the growing stitches. A tapestry needle is needed for weaving in ends and finishing. The gauge for this project is 14 stitches and 19 rows per 4 inches when worked in brioche rib and measured after blocking, which is essential for achieving the finished measurements of 80 inches in span and 27 inches in height.