Basics of Brioche - A Study in Shadows and Stitches 2026

IN PERSON REGISTRATION ONLY. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS CLASS, PLEASE STOP BY THE REGISTRATION DESK AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO THE CLASS START TIME.

Class Time: Sunday, April 26, 2026, 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Location: St. Louis Community College - Meramec Campus, 11333 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Check in at Registration 15 minutes prior to class starting at PE Building for location.

Room: Science West, Room 210

CONTACT NOTE: Failure to provide your email address and/or opt out of marketing updates will result in no communication from the Festival about updates or from your  instructor. Our system does not permit us to reach you through other means. If you choose to decline and do not provide an email address, please ensure that all necessary details have been noted down.

The class fee includes admission to the Vendor Marketplace every day of the festival; April 24 - 26, 2026.

Instructor: Shaina Bilow

There are certain techniques in the knitting world that, much like an enigmatic case presented at Baker Street, appear deceptively simple upon first glance yet conceal remarkable depth beneath the surface. Such is the nature of brioche knitting, a method currently enjoying immense popularity and one that rewards the inquisitive mind.

In this workshop, we shall acquaint ourselves with the intriguing “ribbed” structure of the brioche stitch, a texture so plush and dimensional it might be likened to a series of closely kept secrets woven into the fabric itself. Its lofty, cellular appearance makes it particularly well suited for the warmest of accessories and the most comfortable of garments.

Our investigation begins with the fundamentals:
- Mastering the construction of single-color brioche, a technique that requires both subtlety and precision in handling slipped stitches and accompanying yarnovers
- Once these foundations are firmly established, we shall proceed to create a two-color brioche sample, wherein contrasting hues reveal the hidden architecture of the stitch like clues brought to light under Holmes’s magnifying lens
- To conclude, participants will be presented with a collection of pattern suggestions ideally suited to practicing and perfecting their newly acquired skills.

Skill Prerequisite:
To derive the greatest success from this inquiry into brioche, students should:

• Be proficient in basic knitting skills (casting on, knitting, purling)
• Comfortably execute yarnovers, slip stitches, and knit-two-together variations
  
• Have some experience following written instructions or charts
• While prior exposure to brioche knitting is not required, a steady hand and a willingness to experiment—qualities Holmes himself valued—will serve the student well.

Ages: High School, Adult

Supplies Included in Class Cost: None.

Additional Supplies Needed

• 2 Contrasting colors of worsted-weight yarn
• One 24" (60 cm) circular knitting needle in either US size 7(4.5mm) OR US size 8(5mm)

Homework

• None

Class Policies

• The class minimum is 6 students. If we are unable to fill these spots, we will cancel the class and provide a full refund.
• By signing up for this class, you have admission to Friday Night Vendor Marketplace Preview.
• If a class is sold out, click here to be placed on the Wait List.
• No refunds will be issued after April 1, 2026.
  
• For any cancellations prior to April 1, 2026, a $25 administrative fee will be assessed.