How to Crochet the Braided Stitch (Knit-Look Crochet)

The crochet braided stitch creates soft, textured rows that closely resemble knitted fabric. Using slip stitches and extended half-double crochet stitches, this crochet stitch forms beautiful braided ridges with excellent drape and flexibility. Because of its soft, knit-like appearance, the braided stitch works especially well for scarves, shawls, blankets, and garments. This tutorial will show you how to crochet the braided stitch step by step.

What is Crochet Braided Stitch

Crochet braided stitch is an attractive stitch that looks similar to knitting. Another stitch that looks like a knit stitch is the waistcoat stitch. This stitch is easy once you have practiced the extended half-double crochet stitch and is a simple two-row repeat. The braided texture creates a soft, flexible fabric with excellent drape.

Get the complete collection of crochet stitches.

How to Crochet Braided Stitch (Step-by-Step)

Best yarn for braided stitch: Light and medium-weight yarns usually work best because they create soft flexible fabric and show the braided texture clearly. Using a crochet hook half a size larger than usual helps improve the drape and prevents the fabric from becoming stiff.

Special Stitch – Extended Half Double Crochet (EHDC)

The extended half double crochet stitch creates slightly taller stitches with extra flexibility and drape.

1. YO, insert the hook into the stitch below and pull up a loop. (3 loops on hook)
2. YO, and pull through only the first loop on the hook. (Again, 3 loops on hook)
3. YO and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.

As you can see, this stitch looks like a mixture of the half double crochet and the double crochet. That extra step gives the stitch a little extra height. The secret to this stitch is inserting your crochet hook into exactly the right spot in the previous row.

Row 1

1. Foundation ch, this can be any number of stitches.
2. (RS) 3 ch, then work an ehdc into 4th ch from the hook, then continue working ehdc into each ch along the row.
3. Turn.

Row 2

1. (WS) Ch1, work a sl st into only the front loop of each st along the row. Work this row loosely.
2. Work a sl st into the top of the turning ch.
3. Turn.

This shows where you need to insert your hook and the top view of where to insert your hook. It must be into the front part of the V’s made at the top of your ehdc stitches.

When your row is complete, a ridge should still be below your slip stitches. Notice the V’s formed at the top of this row. This is the front view.

Row 3

• (RS) Ch 3, work an ehdc into the front loop only of each slip stitch.
• Turn.

Once again, you will be working into the front part of the V’s at the top of your row of slip stitches, and there should be a ridge below this row of stitches.

Repeat rows 2 and 3 of braided stitch until your fabric is the required length.

Tips for Working Braided Stitch

It’s a good idea to make the slip stitch row as loose as possible. This will make it easier to insert the hook into the stitch to make your ehdc row and will help speed up your work.

At the end of each braided stitch row, be sure to work into the final stitch, and keep counting your stitches to ensure you aren’t reducing stitches along the way.

One of this stitch’s most attractive aspects is the way it drapes and flows. If you use a hook half or one size bigger than what is suggested for your yarn, your fabric will have that soft, flexible look and will not be stiff.

Is Braided Crochet Stitch Beginner-Friendly?

The braided crochet stitch is suitable for adventurous beginners because it uses simple repeating rows and basic crochet techniques. I find the trickiest part is learning where to insert the hook into the front loops, but after a few rows the braided texture becomes much easier to recognize.

Best Projects for Braided Stitch

Because the crochet braided stitch resembles knitting, it can be used for anything: scarves, shawls, blankets, or garments. It may be too soft and stretchy for items like tote bags, but you could always use it to make a pretty cover stitched over a canvas bag. The braided crochet stitch works especially well for:

• scarves
• shawls
• blankets
• sweaters
• cowls
• lightweight cardigans
• knit-look crochet projects

Because the stitch creates soft, flexible fabric, it is ideal for wearable crochet items.

Crochet Braided Stitch FAQs

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In Conclusion

The braided crochet stitch creates beautiful knit-look crochet fabric using simple repeating rows of slip stitches and extended half double crochet stitches. Its soft drape and flexible texture make it ideal for scarves, shawls, blankets, and wearable crochet projects. Once you become comfortable working into the front loops, the braided stitch becomes an easy relaxing crochet pattern with impressive textured results.