How to Crochet a Triple Braid Panel Stitch

Crochet comes from the French word for "hook."

The triple braid panel stitch, sometimes referred to as the treble braid, is a popular stitch often used when crocheting hats and sweaters. While the triple braid may appear complicated, especially for beginning crocheters, the stitches used to form the panel are actually quite basic. Single and double crochet stitches, which are two of the most commonly used stitches in the craft, form the basis of this lovely panel.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Crochet needles
• Cable needle

Instructions

1. Cast on the yarn. In most cases, a triple braid panel stitch starts with 15 stitches. Crocheters who wish to make larger or smaller panels can vary the number of stitches cast to the needles. But remember to adjust the number of stitches used in the rest of the pattern as well.

2. Start the first row of the panel. Single crochet three stitches, then double crochet nine. Finish the row with another three single crochet stitches.

3. Crochet the second row of the panel. This row will be almost an exact mirror image of the first. Start with three double crocheted stitches, then single crochet nine. Finish the row with another three double crochet stitches.

4. Form the third row. Purl three stitches, then slip the next three from the needle and hold temporarily with a cable needle in front of the panel. Double crochet the next three stitches on the crochet needle, then add the three from the cable needle back to the panel with double crochet stitches. Double crochet three stitches, and single crochet the last three to end the third row.

5. Crochet row four. Repeat the process described in Step 3 to form this row.

6. Crochet row five. Repeat the process described in Step 2 to form this row.

7. Crochet row six. Repeat the process described in Step 3 to form this row.

8. Crochet row seven. Single crochet three stitches to start row seven. Double crochet three stitches, then slip the next three from the needle and hold temporarily with a cable needle in back of the panel. Double crochet the next three stitches on the crochet needle, then add the three from the cable needle back to the panel with double crochet stitches. Finish row seven with three single crochet stitches.

9. Form row eight. Repeat the process described in Step 3 to crochet this row.

10. Repeat Steps 2 to 9, if desired, to form a longer panel.