Bi Bri

Bi Bri Hat by Cheryl Beckerich

What is Being Made

The Bi Bri is a 2-color brioche knit hat featuring a distinctive 3-section crown construction. This downloadable knitting pattern is available in six sizes ranging from Infant through Adult Large, with finished circumferences from 15 inches (38 cm) to 25 inches (63.5 cm) in the unstretched state. The brioche construction creates a reversible, textured fabric with significant elasticity, offering 3 to 5 inches of additional stretch, making this hat adaptable and comfortable for various head sizes.

Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs brioche knitting as its primary technique. Brioche is an advanced stitch method that creates a luxuriously textured, reversible fabric with excellent stretch and recovery. The pattern utilizes a 3-section crown shaping approach, which provides structured decreasing while maintaining the brioche stitch pattern throughout. The hat is worked in the round using circular needles, transitioning to double-pointed needles for the crown decreases as the stitch count reduces.

Stitches Used

The Bi Bri is constructed primarily using brioche stitches, which involve knitting into stitches from the previous row while slipping yarn overs to create the characteristic textured appearance. The 3-section crown shaping incorporates decreases strategically placed to maintain pattern integrity while reducing stitches evenly across three distinct sections of the crown.

Materials and Yarn

The Bi Bri accommodates multiple yarn weights, allowing knitters to choose between sport, DK, worsted, or aran-weight yarn. The pattern requires 25 to 75 grams of Main Color (MC) yarn and 25 to 75 grams of Contrasting Color (CC) yarn, with both colors needing to be the same weight for consistent results. The designer recommends selecting two colors with obvious contrast; beginners new to brioche should avoid tweedy or extremely dark yarns that may obscure the stitch definition.

Needles required include Size 3–6 US (3.25–4 mm) 16-inch circular needles and matching Size 3–6 US (3.25–4 mm) double-pointed needles, or whatever size is necessary to achieve the specified gauge. Additional supplies include three stitch markers (one in color A and two in color B) and a tapestry needle for finishing.

Difficulty Level

This pattern is rated Intermediate, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to expand their technique repertoire. The brioche stitch construction requires understanding of yarn overs and slip stitches, but the pattern provides clear guidance. The designer notes that this is an excellent project for those new to brioche work, provided they select appropriate yarn with good stitch definition.