Noro Brioche Cowl/Capelet Knitting Pattern

Noro Brioche Cowl/Capelet

What Is Being Made

The Noro Brioche Cowl/Capelet is an intermediate-level knitted accessory that combines the warmth and drape of a cowl with the coverage of a capelet. This versatile piece features a finished circumference of 33 inches (84 centimeters) and a length of 12 inches (30.5 centimeters), making it suitable for layering over shoulders or wearing as a neck cowl. The design showcases a two-color brioche construction that creates visual interest and texture.

Techniques Used

This project employs seamed construction and is worked flat, meaning the piece is knitted in rows on circular needles rather than in the round. The defining technique is two-color brioche knitting, which involves a specialized approach where each row is worked first with the main color, then with the contrasting color. This method creates the characteristic brioche texture—a fabric known for its elasticity, depth, and luxurious appearance. Stitches are slid to the opposite end of the circular needle as needed to accommodate the large number of stitches, though the needles are not joined into a continuous round.

Stitches Used

• Brioche knit stitch (brk1): A knit stitch worked together with its yarn over, creating the foundation of the brioche texture
• Brioche purl stitch (brp1): A purl stitch worked together with its yarn over, complementing the brioche knit stitches
• Slip stitch with yarn over (sl1yo): With yarn held in front, the next stitch is slipped purlwise while bringing the yarn from the front of the work over the needle to the back, creating a stitch with a yarn over
• Brioche rib: The primary stitch pattern that forms the fabric, created through the alternating use of brioche knit and brioche purl stitches across rows
• Yarn over (yo): A foundational technique used throughout to create new stitches and the characteristic holes and texture of brioche knitting

Materials and Tools

The Noro Brioche Cowl/Capelet requires two distinct yarns to achieve its two-color brioche effect. The main color (MC) is Noro Kotori in colorway #3, requiring one 100-gram skein. The contrasting color (CC) is Noro Silk Garden Sock Solo in colorway #S10, also requiring one 100-gram ball. The project calls for US 7 (4.5 millimeter) circular needles measuring 24 inches (60 centimeters) long, which accommodate the large stitch count without joining the work in the round. Additionally, two US 7 (4.5 millimeter) double-pointed needles and a stitch marker are needed. The recommended gauge is 16 stitches and 38 rows to 4 inches (10 centimeters) over brioche rib using US 7 (4.5 millimeter) needles, and achieving this gauge is essential before beginning the project.