This is something I had never heard of until recently, when somebody asked me about it. I really like this stitch, or technique. It's a great way to add a little something impressive to your knitting. I tested it out on a crescent shawl and it looked great. Give it a try the next time you need a little something extra on a project.
I am showing this technique in the same color, but you can make the braid in a contrasting color. I recommend watching
the DROPS video. If you have never seen one of their videos, there is no sound. You just watch and learn.
The first thing you'll need to do is cast on a new stitch at the beginning of the row where you want your braid. For my sample, I used the
cable cast on. You can also use the
knitted cast on. (The new stitch should be placed on the left needle.)
Next, *knit into the back of the loop of the second stitch on the left needle. Do not drop the stitch yet. Now, knit into the front of the first stitch as normal. Drop both stitches from the left needle.
Then, slip the first stitch from the right needle back to the left needle. Repeat from *
When you get to the last stitch, knit it, then pass the second stitch on the right needle over.
You now have a lateral braid running across your knitting. How cool is that?