Strawberries in brioche

Strawberries in Brioche: 2-Color Brioche Baby Blanket

What is Being Made

The Strawberries in Brioche is a two-color brioche knit baby blanket designed by Dejana Knezevic. This intermediate-level knitting project creates a finished blanket measuring 34 inches (85cm) by 36 inches (90cm), with a final weight of approximately 335 grams. The blanket features a striking color combination with a main color and contrasting color worked together using brioche knitting techniques, creating a reversible fabric with distinct visual interest on both sides.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This blanket is constructed using brioche knitting, a specialized technique that creates a highly elastic, textured fabric with excellent drape and warmth. The brioche pattern consists of alternating rows of two different stitches:

• DC (Dropped Color) rows, where the main color stitches are knitted on the front or light side of the work
• LC (Lifted Color) rows, where the contrast color stitches are knitted on the back or dark side of the work

This two-row repeat creates the characteristic brioche texture and allows both colors to be featured prominently. The technique requires careful attention to which stitches belong to each color section, making it suitable for knitters with intermediate experience. The brioche method produces a fabric that is reversible, with the main color visible on the right (front/light) side and the contrast color visible on the wrong (back/dark) side.

Materials and Specifications

Needles: The project requires a set of circular needles in US 7 (4.5mm) with a cord length of 29 to 32 inches (80cm). Additionally, one cable needle in 4.5mm and a tapestry needle are needed for weaving in ends. Two stitch markers are also required to track pattern repeats.

Yarn: The blanket is worked in sport weight yarn, specifically demonstrated using Alize Cotton Gold in both main and contrast colors. The main color (shown in blue) and contrast color (shown in orange) each require approximately 1 2/3 balls, totaling roughly 548 meters or 600 yards per color (166 grams each). Alize Cotton Gold is a DK weight cotton and acrylic blend, with each ball containing 330 meters or 361 yards per 100 grams. The combination of cotton and acrylic fibers provides durability and easy care suitable for a baby blanket.

Gauge: The brioche pattern stitch is worked at a gauge of 18 stitches and 17 rows over 4 inches by 4 inches (10cm by 10cm). The pattern notes that gauge is irrelevant for this particular design, allowing for flexibility in execution.

Design Features

The two-color brioche construction creates a blanket with visual depth and dimension. The alternating rows of main and contrast colors produce a brioche fabric that showcases both hues equally, with each color dominating one side of the reversible blanket. This design approach makes the blanket versatile for display and use, as either side can be featured depending on preference. The brioche technique also ensures the blanket will have excellent elasticity and a luxurious feel, making it an ideal heirloom piece for a baby.