Brioche Pass Counter
Distinguish row passes and colors.
How Brioche Pass Counter Works?
The Brioche Pass Counter works by counting Brioche Pass (MC/CC) for each half-row and Completed Rows for each full visible row. Two-colour brioche works each row in 2 passes: one pass with the main colour (MC) and one with the contrast colour (CC).
Start with the main colour
Work the first pass in MC and tap the count pad or press Space.
Work the contrast pass
Slide the work back without turning, work the CC pass and tap again.
Log the full row
Press → after every 2 passes to add 1 to Completed Rows.
Read the colour
An odd pass count means the next pass is CC; an even count means the next pass is MC.
Brioche Pass Counter Formula
The Brioche Pass Counter formula is visible rows = passes ÷ 2. Brioche fabric shows 1 visible row on each side for every 2 passes.
- Rows from passes
Rows = P ÷ 2P is the Brioche Pass count.
- Next colour
Next = CC if P mod 2 = 1MC follows an even pass count.
- Brioche length
Length = rows ÷ visible rows per inchWorsted brioche shows about 4 visible rows per inch.
Worked example: A brioche cowl with 160 passes shows 160 ÷ 2 = 80 visible rows, about 20 in (50.8 cm) in worsted yarn.
Brioche Pass Counter Conversion Table
The Brioche Pass Counter conversion table converts passes into visible rows and length in 2 yarn weights.
| Passes | Visible rows | DK (5 rows/in) | Worsted (4 rows/in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 5 | 1 in (2.5 cm) | 1.2 in (3.2 cm) |
| 20 | 10 | 2 in (5.1 cm) | 2.5 in (6.3 cm) |
| 40 | 20 | 4 in (10.2 cm) | 5 in (12.7 cm) |
| 80 | 40 | 8 in (20.3 cm) | 10 in (25.4 cm) |
| 120 | 60 | 12 in (30.5 cm) | 15 in (38.1 cm) |
| 160 | 80 | 16 in (40.6 cm) | 20 in (50.8 cm) |
| 240 | 120 | 24 in (61 cm) | 30 in (76.2 cm) |
Brioche uses about 1.5 to 2 times the yarn of stockinette for the same area.
What is Brioche Pass Counter?
A Brioche Pass Counter is a counter that tracks the 2 passes of each two-colour brioche row. Brioche pairs a slipped stitch with a yarn over to make a tall, squishy rib.
A missed pass puts 2 passes of the same colour together and breaks the colour pattern. Counting passes keeps MC and CC in order.
The Stitches Counter tool saves the pass and row counts in your browser.
What are the uses of Brioche Pass Counter?
There are 4 main uses of the Brioche Pass Counter, including scarves, cowls and hats.
Scarves
Count passes on two-colour brioche scarves.
Cowls
Count passes on brioche cowls in the round.
Hats
Track passes on brioche hats.
Brioche shaping
Count passes between brioche increases and decreases.
About the Brioche Pass Counter
Track two-color brioche knitting where each completed visual row requires two distinct passes (one with Main Color, one with Contrast Color).
How to Use This Tool Efficiently
- ✓Remember: Bark (Brioche Knit) with MC and Burp (Brioche Purl) with CC.
- ✓Slide stitches back across circular needles to work the second color pass without turning.
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