Monica Knits

Lily braidThe horizontal braid is a decorative stitch, resembling a horizontal chain stitch. This makes a good transition from one stitch pattern to another, for example from the sock foot to the sock toe as well as from a lace cuff to the sleeve. It is used in the Lily of the Valley Socks pattern and adds elegance to the design. It starts with a Lifted Increase Left. Read more ... for additional photos and detailed instructions for creating the horizontal braid.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3a Step 3b

Step 4 Step 5

Instructions for Horizontal Braid

1. This pattern starts with a Lifted Increase Left, which is returned to the left hand needle, from the right hand needle. This increase only occurs at the start of the row. After the first chain has been completed, the loop closest to the end of the right hand needle is returned to the left hand needle.
2. In the first photo (labelled Step 1) above, we are ready to start the 3rd "chain". Two have been completed.
3. Place the stitch just completed on the left hand needle. Photo 2.
4. With the right hand needle, knit through the back of the second stitch in from the end of the left hand needle. Photo 3a.
5. Draw the loop through the stitch, but do not pull the stitch off the needle. Image 3b shows the loop being drawn.
6. Knit the first stitch of the left hand needle. Image 4.
7. Draw the first stitch off the left hand needle and onto the right hand needle, pulling the second stitch along, but allowing it to fall off the needle. Image 5 shows the completed stitch.
8. Repeat steps 3-8.

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Related Articles:
Lifted Increase Left
Lily of the Valley Socks
Stitch Patterns
Horizontal Braid - Crochet Method.