Knitting With 2 Colors Made Easy: No-Purling Pattern + Video

AKA Two-Color Half Brioche Knit Stitch

For some knitters knitting with two colors could sound scary, but this two-color Half Brioche stitch will prove you wrong. 

In a previous tutorial, I shared how to knit the Half Brioche stitch (also known as the Bee stitch) using one color, because its texture is simply adorable.

Today, you’ll see how to incorporate another color to create a chunky, cozy fabric -without purling and without strands at the back of the work.

Moreover, it’s a four-row knitting pattern that starts with two setup rows. And the repeat has just two steps!

Follow the step-by-step video and try this gorgeous texture.

Grab your needles, your favorite two colors, and let’s get started!

Right Side vs. Wrong Side

Materials

For this swatch I used:

US 7 (4.5 mm) bamboo needles (smooth double-pointed, sharp tip, perfect for swatching, dishcloths, socks, sleeves, hats, etc.) #ad

And 100% Merino Superwash wool yarn (worsted weight, no-fuzz, smooth, soft, and structured, ideal for stitch definition) #ad

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Knitting With 2 Colors Made Easy: Half Brioche Stitch Pattern

Pattern Notes

• 2 setup rows
• 4-row repeat
• The odd rows form the right side of the work
• The even rows are plain knit rows
• There are 2 selvedge (edge) stitches included

Stitch Multiple

CO an even number of sts (this number will include 2 edge/selvedge stitches). For example: 12 sts.

Row-by-Row Instructions

Setup Row 1 (RS): With CA, K across

Setup Row 2: With CA, K across

Row 1: With CB, K1 (edge), *K1bo, K1*. Repeat from * to *, to last st, K1 (edge)

Row 2: With CB, K across

Row 3: With CA, K1 (edge), *K1, K1bo*. Repeat from * to *, to last st, K1 (edge)

Row 4: With CA, K across.

Repeat rows 1 – 4 until the desired length is reached. 

When finished, BO knitwise after row 4 using CA (RS).

Abbreviations

Tips For Best Results When Knitting With 2 Colors

• Use two contrasting colors especially if you’re a beginner.

• A stretchy cast-on is important (the Long Tail cast-on or the German Twisted cast-on are great options)

• Try working with fibers of the same thickness, quality, and brand, whenever possible (preferably worsted weight or thicker; avoid very thin yarns).

• Wool yarn should be your first option. It’s very forgiving, elastic, and durable.

Where to Use This Stitch Pattern

Cowls, hats, socks

Baby Blankets (add a nice border using one of the colors)

Sweaters / Cardigans

Home decor projects (cushion covers, placemats, etc.).

Variations

• Play with textures and combine with stockinette and/or garter stitch blocks

• Create different stripes alternating one of the colors every four rows

• Use a XL yarn weight for volume and a super chunky texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this 2-color pattern reversible?

No, the Half Brioche stitch isn’t reversible (even in one color, but it wouldn’t prevent me from knitting a blanket).

Does it curl?

It doesn’t really curl; maybe the sides tend to bend a little bit, so I’d block it gently. Anyway, before starting a project, I’d swatch to see how the fabric behaves.

Is it good for beginners?

Yes! If you can knit, you can do this. This is a good introduction to knitting color work.

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A big hug, and happy knitting,

Carolina – So Woolly