Patternum Novum :: Macaron Slouch

For the longest time, I was completely terrified of Brioche Stitch. Every time I went to try it, I found all these terms I'd never seen before (brk? brp? what the...) and got all discombobulated. But when I finally got it together and just sat down with some yarn, needles, and a good webpage devoted to the Brioche, I realized something. I already knew how to do everything. There was absolutely nothing new about the techniques used in Brioche Stitch -- they're just called something different. And then I realized that a) it's extremely fun, and b) it's also super pretty. So then of course I had to design something.

Macaron Slouch is a super simple slouchy hat that I made in collaboration with Kitterly (the fabulous online pattern and kit shop) that utilizes Brioche Stitch for a deep and squishy brim. And because I don't want anyone to be unnecessarily scared of Brioche like I was, I've included photos and explanations in the pattern of every step (which can also be ignored if you already know what you're doing!). Brioche Stitch is extremely stretchy and looks just as good on the wrong side as it does on the right, so I gave Macaron just the right amount of slouch that the brim can be folded up and the hat pulled down like a close-fitting beanie (you know, if you don't want to wear Macaron Slouch as a slouch).

The pattern is currently only available as an exclusive kit on Kitterly here -- they've put together lots of delicious color combinations, and you can even get your needles and pompom maker at the same time if you'd like. (The only thing I wish they'd include are those yummy macarons in the photos!)



The specs...

Finished measurements: 16.5 (18.25, 20.25)” / 42 (46, 51.5) cm to fit heads up to roughly 20 (22, 24)” / 51 (56, 61) cm around


Yarn: Filatura Di Crosa Zara (100% Merino); 2 skeins in color 1401 White (MC) and 1 skein in color 1925 Pale Spring Green (CC) -- or whatever color combo you'd like!

Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle, 16”/ 40 cm long, or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 22 sts & 29 rows = 4"/ 10 cm in Stockinette St; 15 sts & 24 rows = 4"/ 10 cm in Two-Color Brioche St

For more information on the Macaron Slouch, you can check it out on Ravelry here.  And if you'd like to knit along with others and/or share photos, come join the Macaron discussion in my Ravelry group, The Yarniad's Symposium.