Breuer Runner & Framed Piece Accessory Knitting Pattern

Breuer Runner & Framed Piece in Rowan Cotton Glacé

Project Overview

The Breuer collection by Martin Storey consists of two coordinated accessories: a generous knitted runner and a smaller framed piece. Both designs showcase colorwork techniques and are crafted from Rowan Cotton Glacé yarn, a smooth, lustrous fiber ideal for detailed stitch definition. This is an advanced-level knitting project suitable for experienced crafters.

Breuer Runner

What is Being Made: A long rectangular runner measuring 62 cm (24½ inches) wide and 188 cm (74 inches) long. This substantial textile piece is designed to be displayed as a decorative accent.

Techniques Used: The runner is constructed using fairisle colorwork technique, a traditional method for incorporating multiple yarn colors within stockinette stitch. The pattern is worked from a chart that repeats across and throughout the piece, creating a cohesive, intricate design.

Stitches Used: The runner is worked entirely in stockinette stitch (knit on right-side rows, purl on wrong-side rows), which provides a smooth, flat canvas for the fairisle pattern. The edging involves picking up stitches around all four sides and working increases at corners using make-one (M1) increases, followed by a purl round and a cast-off round.

Materials: The runner uses 3¼mm (US 3) needles and requires 3¼mm circular needles at least 160 cm long for the edging work. Rowan Cotton Glacé yarn is used in seven coordinating colors: Ochre (833), Black (727), Winsor (849), Persimmon (832), Rose (861), Dijon (739), and Blood Orange (445), with quantities ranging from 2 to 5 balls per color.

Breuer Framed Piece

What is Being Made: A smaller decorative textile designed to be framed, measuring 27 cm (10½ inches) wide and 36 cm (14¼ inches) long before framing. This piece complements the runner and can be displayed as wall art.

Techniques Used: Like the runner, the framed piece employs the fairisle colorwork technique, worked from a chart. The pattern uses a 24-stitch repeat across the width and a 52-row repeat throughout the piece, creating a balanced, repeating design.

Stitches Used: The framed piece is worked entirely in stockinette stitch, beginning with a knit row. This consistent stitch structure allows the fairisle pattern to display clearly and evenly across the fabric.

Materials: The framed piece uses 3¼mm (US 3) needles and Rowan Cotton Glacé yarn. It begins with 73 cast-on stitches and incorporates the same seven yarn colors used in the runner, with yarn A (Ochre 833) used for the foundation.

General Technique Notes

Fairisle Colorwork: This traditional technique involves carrying unused yarn colors across the back of the work while knitting with the active color. The method creates intricate, multi-colored patterns while maintaining an even fabric. Tension is critical in fairisle work to prevent puckering or loose floats.

Finishing: Both pieces require pressing as described in the pattern information pages, which helps set the stitches and even out the fairisle fabric. The runner's edging is worked in the round using increases at marked corner stitches to create a shaped border that lies flat.

Yarn Characteristics: Rowan Cotton Glacé is a smooth, semi-glossy yarn that enhances stitch definition, making it particularly suitable for detailed colorwork patterns. The yarn's sheen adds visual interest to the fairisle designs in both the runner and framed piece.

Difficulty and Skill Requirements

This advanced project requires proficiency in fairisle colorwork, ability to read and follow complex charts, tension management with multiple yarn colors, and experience with circular needle techniques. The runner's generous length and the precision required for the framed piece's pattern make this suitable for knitters with significant experience.