The Pulled Stitch Blog: June 2023

Have I got some gems for you today!

Last month I talked about how to make Basic Hairpin Lace. I have some more advanced braids today which I hope will inspire you. I am using a 2"/5cm loom and Schachenmayr Catania 4ply cotton throughout. Varying the width of the frame and the weight of the yarn can have a big impact on how the finished braid looks. You can go as delicate or chunky as you like.

Two Double Crochet

The Braid we made last time used just a simple Double Crochet (Sc-US) on either side. Let's start by looking at two Dc (Sc-US) per side.

START as you would normally:

Make a slip-knot loop and place it over the frame with the knot in the centre and the working yarn to the back of the frame;

Place the hook under both loops, catch the working loop and pull it back to the front;

And now working over both loops, catch the working yarn again and pull through the loop on hook to create a Chain1.

Place the hook under the Front Left-hand Loop (abbreviated to FLL from now on)

and work two Dc (Sc-US).

*Remove the hook from the loop. Turn the frame, as if turning a page from right to left, and allowing the yarn to wrap around the frame. Replace the hook in the loop.

Catch the working yarn above the work and Ch1.

Make 2Dc in the FLL.

Repeat from * to the desired length.

Double Crochet Front and Back Left-hand Loop

Now lets try something that sounds the same but gives us a surprising result.

Start as instructions above.

*Place the hook under FLL and work a Dc.

Place the hook, from above, under Back Left-hand Loop (BLL),

and work a Dc.

Turn the frame as before, catching the yarn above the work and Chain1.

Repeat from * to required length.

Three Treble Crochet

We aren't restricted in the height of stitch that we use or even the number of stitches we use.

Start as before.

Place the hook under the FLL and make three Treble (Dc-US).

*Turn as before, catching the yarn in the centre of the frame, above the work, Ch1.

Work 3Tr in FLL.

Repeat from * to the required length.

Three Chain, One Double Crochet

In contrast this braid has a much more lacy feel.

Start as before.

Dc in FLL.

*Turn the frame, catching the yarn in the centre and Chain3.

Make a Dc in FLL.

Repeat from * to required length.

Treble, three Chain, Treble

The addition of treble stitches makes this braid more lacy still.

Start as before.

*Place the hook under the FLL and make Tr, 3Ch, Tr.

Turn as before, catching the yarn in the centre with a Ch1 and repeat from * to the desired length.

Chain2 Loop

This was a puzzle to me in the beginning so be careful it doesn't catch you out!

Start as before with a Chain1

Now Chain2 and Dc under FLL.

*Turn the frame, catch the yarn above the work, Ch1 and Dcx2 under the first ch2-loop. Do Not Turn!

Ch2 and Dc into FLL.

Repeat from * to required length.

Bullion Stitch

I would have told you that Bullion stitch was my nemesis but somewhere along the way I seem to have finally picked up the required skills to make this sample. If you also struggle you might want to look at the post I wrote about Crochet Tatting for some handy hints. If this doesn't prove you can use any stitch you like to make hairpin braid, I don't know what will!

Start as before.

*Put the hook under the FLL, pull up a loop [2 loops on hook]

(YO the hook, put hook under FLL, pull thru a loop) x2 [6 loops on hook]

YO the hook and pull thru all loops on hook. [bullion st made]

If you have trouble making the stitch, try keeping the tension of the working yarn light, pull the yarn thru the loops on the hook two at a time, and try holding them at the base with fingers of the left hand while pulling down on them as you pull the hook thru.

Turn the frame, catching the yarn above the work with a Ch1. Repeat from * to required length.