I have worked a Latvian braid in two different patterns. The first time was in a pattern that is no longer available but I have a photo of the braid I can show you. I went back to the pattern and it doesn’t give directions for how to work the braid, so I was left to my own devices. I don’t remember what I did, pretty sure it involved a crochet hook… I just know it wasn’t the method that I am going to share in this post.
The most recent time I worked a pattern with a Latvian braid is the Christmas stocking I’ve been making. This is a pattern that I tech edited before making it. I chose this pattern because of the plug and play opportunities in the design. Each of the stockings I’ve made are completely different. This pattern has directions for a Latvian braid that are fun and easy. I highly recommend this method and this pattern!
After some digging on the internet I learned that this technique isn’t unique to this pattern and therefore I can share it. I didn’t find any directions using a crochet hook for a knitted Latvian braid. It’s okay, this method is better.
The braid looks best worked in 2 contrasting colors, though can be worked in 1 color using 2 strands of that color. It takes shape over the course of 3 rounds. I’m sure it can be worked flat as well, but I haven’t had need to explore that yet.
Even though this is sort of like stranded color work, I hold both colors in the same hand for Rounds 2 and 3. For Round 1 I hold one color in each hand.
To work the swatch you will need needles to work your favorite method for small circumference knitting in the round and 2 contrasting colors of yarn in the same weight, a weight appropriate for those needles. One stitch marker to mark the beginning of the round.
Chose one of the colors as your main color and use it to cast on 36 stitches using any cast on method.
Join to work in the round and knit 4 round.
BRAID
Rnd 1: (K1MC, K1CC) around.
Just trust the process and follow the directions, it will make sense as you do it.
You will always be working the same color into the same color.
Rnd 2: Always bring the next yarn under the previous yarn. (P1MC, P1CC) around.
Rnd 3: Always bring the next yarn over the previous yarn. (P1MC, P1CC) around.
Let the yarn twist and don’t worry about untwisting it, that will happen naturally as you work Round 3.
Here are my finished braids on this stocking. Remember I am a mirror knitter. I haven’t done enough swatching yet to see if the braid of a right handed knitter points in the opposite direction. It could also make a difference when being worked in the round if you are working from the bottom up or the top down, again I don’t know.
Share you photos HERE!
Happy making!
Azariahs Fibre Arts 