Tag Archives: braided

Braided Horizontal Cables

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Braided Horizontal Cables are pretty straight forward to create if you have a couple of stitches in your tool box.

This type of cable is created by making arches, and “weaving” a subsequent arches through the original. The arches are created using Foundation stitches. The sample I am giving below will utilized Foundation Single Crochet Stitches, but after you understand the concept, you can utilize other foundation stitches. Just make sure the arch is large enough to fit the “woven” strand through.

Create a base fabric to start.

Ch 27, sc in the 2nd ch from hook, sc in each ch across, turn. -27 sc

“Wave/Arch”

Special Stitches

Foundation Single Crochet (fsc): Chain 2, insert hook in the second chain from hook, yarn over, pull through a loop, chain 1 (note this chain, pinch it, as this is where subsequent stitches are worked), yarn over, and pull through both loops on the hook. Insert hook into the pinched chain, yarn over, pull through a loop, chain 1 (pinch this one as it is the place the next subsequent stitch will be worked), yarn over, pull through both loops on hook. (For some nice videos checkout Moogly or One Dog Woof)

Extended Single Crochet (esc): Insert hook in indicated stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, chain 1, yarn over, pull through both loops on hook.

Joined Single Crochet (Jsc): Insert hook into the chain of the last Foundation stitch created, yarn over, pull up a loop, insert hook into the next stitch of the row, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through 3 loops on hook.

Let’s Start!

Row 1: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next st, [esc in next st, 9 fsc, skip 5 sts, Jsc in next st, sc in next st] three times, sc in last st, turn. -3 “arches” made

Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change color, turn.

Notice how the second row basically just follows the row above.

Weave the second arch through the first. You want to be mindful of where the working yarn is located before working the joining single crochet. Do not “trap” the working yarn under the foundation stitches just created.

Pay Attention Here

Row 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, esc in next st, 4 fsc, working in front of “arch”,

skip 1 st on join row, Jsc in next st, sc in next st, esc in next st,

[9 fsc, push fsc under arch, working in front of “arch”: NOTE: ensure that working yarn is not “trapped” under the fsc stitches when working the Jsc,

skip 1 st on join row, Jsc in next st, sc in next st, esc in next st] 2 times,

4 fsc, push fsc under arch, working in last 2 sts atop last row, Jsc in next st, sc in last st, turn.

“Push” or “pull” the foundation stitches through the opposite arch to change the cable direction.

Row 4: Ch 1, sc in each st across, change color, turn.  

Once again, the row above just follows the previous row.

Make it an edging or an entire fabric. Just add a joining row to add more.

Row 5: Joining row: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in next 2 sts, ch 1, [skip next 4 sts of next “arch”, sc in next 3 sts, ch 1] 5 times, skip next 4 sts of next “arch”, sc in next 3 sts, turn.  : NOTE: the precise number of stitches skipped is not critical, as long as the fabric lays flat and the “arches” lay even.

There is More then One Way to Join a Motif Together

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ScannedImageWhen the average non-crocheter thinks of crochet, often one of the first thoughts is the classic granny square. This motif has become a historic staple, however working any motifs worked in crochet can have a fun, stunning, and classic appeal. The draw back? Stitching them together.

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Remove hook from working loop, insert hook into stitch to be joined to and re-insert into working loop.

I have stated it before, but I am a crocheter, not a seamstress. So join-as-you-go has been a savior of sorts for me. It has allowed be to work various motifs without having to stitch them together, but simply work a stitch into the adjoining motif and they are now connected.

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Pull working loop through stitch

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Complete the stitch, and continue.

There are various applications that can be used in join-as-you-go, but one that I have been enjoying recently, has a finish that looks like I’ve spent time whip stitching the pieces together, without ever picking up a needle and thread (or yarn). To work this Joined Whip Stitch, or Braided Join, is actually pretty easy. When you are ready to join to the adjacent motif you simply remove your hook from your working loop, insert your hook through the stitch you wish to join to, re-insert into the working loop and pull it through the stitch, then begin and complete the stitch you wish on the motif you are working on. Essentially you are bringing the loop through another fabric and then completing your work, there is nothing fancy, nothing difficult, just a simple way to weave the fabrics together.

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The finished look of the Joined Whip Stitch or Braided Join

The look that this technique creates has a hand sewn appearance to some, and a braided effect to others. It is a little slow, and only a little, as removing your hook and getting it placed and then reworking the stitch can take a little time, not to mention a little fear of the working loop being pulled out. However the technique is simple and can be worked with any motif pattern without having to change the stitch structure. So give this method a try next time you have a motif to put together, you may find that it makes your project a little more enjoyable, with no needles required.