Powder and Cement are the colorways I used for the first sample, Caramel and Pinku for the second one. Sounds already like an exciting contradiction! Actually it feels like spring in pandemic times: certainly the winter is over, but you are not sure about what is coming next…? Surely challenging times and hopefully the best spring ever!

The pattern is using different brioche techniques: one-color-brioche for the brim, two-color-brioche for the pattern and basic brioche stitches. The pattern is a good challenge to start brioche knitting and interesting enough for brioche knitters too, it is surprisingly simple when it comes to the crown.

BRIOCHALLENGE is showing little buds all around and a wonderful crown solution. It has a one-colored brim, is fully reversible, slightly slouchy and well-fitting at the same time. It’s important to note that there is no 4-stitch-decrease to be knit. You can do it, knitters!

The hat can be knit in multiple sizes only by changing needle size and gauge; Block the finished cap over a steep-sided bowl or other head-shaped form to smooth the crown.

MEASUREMENTS
17 1/4”/44cm to fit head circumference 21”-23 1/2”/54-60cm.

DEPTH
9”/22,5cm.

YARN
Altogether 230yd/210m of DK weight yarn (140 yd/130m of MC yarn, 90 yd/80m of CC yarn).

Rose version shown was knit with WalkCollection Merino DK (100% Merino, 246yd/225m-100g) in POWDER (MC) and CEMENT (CC).

Pink version shown was knit with La Bien Aimèe Merino DK (100% Merino, 252yds/230m-115g) in CARAMEL (MC) and PINKU (CC).

NEEDLES
Size 4 US/3,5mm 16”/40cm circular and dpns or long circular for preferred method of working small circumferences in the rnd.

NOTIONS
Stitch marker, darning needle for weaving in ends.

GAUGE
20 sts, 24 rounds = 4” / 10cm in blocked brioche stitch.

TECHNIQUES
Cast on, k, p, sl1yo, brk, brp, brkyobrk, brRsldec, brLsldec, br4stinc.