This quick video tutorial covers how to work a "braided" crochet stitch that looks like knitting. This stitch is quite simple and perfect for confident beginners. It's also what's used in the free Braided Boho Poncho crochet pattern!
This braided crochet stitch video tutorial is part of an ongoing collaboration with Lion Brand Yarn. This post contains affiliate links.
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Braided Stitch Background
As I shared work-in-progress shots of the free Braided Boho Poncho pattern on Instagram, I got a lot of questions about the stitch I was using.
This little combo is something I came up with one day when I was sitting on an airplane trying to find a crochet stitch that looked like knitting. This simple stitch accomplishes that "knit" look, while remaining very easy to work.
Related: Crochet Poncho Patterns for All Seasons
What Is The Braided Crochet Stitch?
I don't think I've ever seen this combination of stitches in any "official" capacity, so I've called it the "Braided Extended Half Double Crochet" stitch. If you have seen it before and know it has a different name, please let me know in the comments!
Just as it sounds, it's a knit-looking crochet stitch with a super simple combination of extended half-double crochet and slip stitches. Never worked an extended half double crochet before? Don't worry! I cover exactly how to do it in the How To Work a Braided Crochet Stitch video tutorial below.
Scroll right below the video for the step-by-step written instructions and photo tutorial.
I think this braided crochet stitch pattern would be beautiful worked in a scarf, blanket, or sweater.
(And if you love finding new stitches, this list of different crochet stitches for blankets and afghans and this list of 20 multi-color crochet stitches will give you a ton of inspiration.)
Related: 27+ Easy Hats to Crochet for Winter
Braided Crochet Stitch Video Tutorial
Follow along with the video tutorial below to learn how to make the braided crochet stitch.
Suggested Yarn
• Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the color Glacier
Links referenced in the video:
• Braided Boho Poncho free crochet pattern (sizes S-3X)
Step-By-Step Written Instructions
Below, you'll find written instructions and a photo tutorial for crocheting the braid stitch.
Materials
- Any weight of yarn (the yarn used in the video tutorial is Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick)
- Crochet hook in the correct size to match your chosen yarn
- Pair of scissors to cut yarn
Abbreviation (US Terms)
ch - chain
hdc - half double crochet
ehdc - extended half double crochet
sl st - slip stitch
Notes:
• See photos below for exact hook placement.
How To Start Braided Crochet
Foundation Row: Ch any multiple of stitches with any size crochet hook.
Row 1 (RS): Sk first 3 ch, ehdc in each ch to end of first row; turn.
Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, loosely sl st through the middle loop only of each hdc; turn.
Row 3 (RS): Ch 3, ehdc in front loop of each sl st; turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for pattern.
Here's a quick photo tutorial on the extended half double crochet stitch (ehdc) in case you aren't a big video watcher.
More Crochet Stitches That Look Like Knitting
To learn more about making crochet look like knitting, you'll want to check out this collection of free crochet patterns that look knit, which includes hats, sweaters, mittens and lots more.
I love how versatile yarn is! Isn't it amazing the things you can do with it? You can also find all my free crochet video tutorials here!
Final Thoughts
Learning the crochet braided stitch will give you an amazing tool to incorporate into your yarn projects. With a row of long crochet stitches and a simple twist at the beginning, you can achieve a beautiful texture that's similar to knit stitches.
This stitch can be used to create stunning blankets, garments, dishcloths, potholders, pillows, and more.
Now that you've mastered this "braided" knit-looking crochet stitch, you might like to learn from these other crochet video tutorials. (You can also find all my crochet stitch tutorials here!)
Braided Crochet Stitch FAQs
If you still have questions about the braided crochet stitch, read on for answers.
The braided puff stitch and the braided crochet stitch are two crochet stitches that look like a braid.
They have a similar stitch pattern, but the braided puff stitch creates a bulkier fabric. Both of these stitches work well for knit-look projects like hats and scarves.
More Crochet Stitch Tutorials
Would you like to learn more unique crochet stitches that are far simpler than they look? You'll love these!
See more crochet stitch tutorials →
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss using the braided crochet stitch and lots of other projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each other's questions and share their stitches. Come join us here.
How to Work the Braided Crochet Stitch
Materials
Yarn
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick
Other Supplies
- Crochet hook
- Scissors
Abbreviations + Glossary (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- hdc – half double crochet
- ehdc - extended half double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
Want some company while you crochet?
Get support (and camaraderie!) in the Make & Do Crochet Crew Facebook Group. Search “Make and Do Crochet Crew” on Facebook.com.
Permissions + Copyright
Please do not publish or share this pattern as your own. You may make items to sell with this pattern. In exchange, please link back to this page. Do NOT use my photos as your own sales photos.
Instructions
How to Work the Braided Crochet Stitch
- Foundation Row: Ch any multiple of stitches.
- Row 1 (RS): Sk first 3 ch, ehdc in each ch to end of row; turn.
- Row 2 (WS): Ch 1, loosely sl st through the middle loop only of each hdc; turn.
- Row 3 (RS): Ch 3, ehdc in front loop of each sl st; turn.
- Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for pattern.
Giana Demaria says
Im currently creating a blanket our of this stitch but I was wondering if you could add a different color into a row of 30 stitches but 100 rows long. Thank you in advance for any advice/help
Katt says
I know this is late, but how would you increase it decrease with this stich? Like if you were shaping a neckline for a sweater.
Josefina Villanueva says
Thank you....
Love your patterns
and the help in learning new stitches....j
Loris Lutke says
Hi Jess, I was working on this exact same stitch today. I saw it on YouTube from moogly. She called it the Alternative Double Crochet Stitch. To me, it gives the double crochet a more finished look. It also adds a ribbing effect to your work.
Kim McAllister says
I really like this stitch! Do any of the turning chains count as stitches? triple or single? I thought I heard you say the single chain turning chain does not... Also, on the original chain, when you chain into the fourth stitch from hook, does that count as one or two stitches? Knowing whether or not turning chain stitches count as a stitch is a real problem for me. Many patterns seem to vary even when using the same stitches. Some double crochet patterns count the turning chain and some do not. Length of chain varies too depending on the pattern. Please help 🙂 Thanks!
Gloria says
What is the yarn color you used for the boho poncho pattern
Thanks
Gloria
Sierra says
I love how combining stitches makes a totally new look! You’re so creative Jess? Thanks for sharing the video.
Lynda says
Love the pattern, can’t wait to try it out! I thought the extended half double crochet that you made was actually a Herringbone stitch. I’m sure I’m confused though.
DONNA says
olá recebi mais um video adoro-os, os seus trabalhos são lindos e os videos são muito bem explicados. Espero que possa traduzir o meu comentário.
Melissa says
This is such gorgeous texture and unique combination!! Love it! 🙂
Jess @ Make and Do Crew says
I'm so glad you like it, Melissa. It's fun to see how different it looks in different yarns. 🙂