Trend alert! Braiding patterns for crochet are so hot right now, and it’s no secret why. Adding braids into your crochet projects is a surefire way to make them look more intricate and more attractive (even if you choose an easy method of braiding).
You’re probably wondering how to get the braided look in crochet. Lucky for you, this wonderful craft of ours has multiple ways of doing so!
Apart from just crocheting strips and then literally braiding them together, you can also achieve crochet braids using cablework, puff stitches, clusters of post stitches, and interlocking loops.
Today we’re showcasing 10 gorgeous free crochet patterns that employ a variety of these braiding techniques, so you can try them all and see which one you like best.
This is actually the best time of year to learn these new crochet skills because most of the braiding patterns for crochet that are out there are for cold weather.
That’s right, we’ve got cowls, scarves, beanies, and headbands – all with that coveted braided aesthetic – to keep you warm and cozy all winter long.
And if you still have a couple of people left on your Christmas list – these would all make great gifts too! So what are you waiting for? Scroll down and prepare to be inspired!
1. Braided Ear Warmer Crochet Pattern
There are many different ways to achieve a braided look in crochet, but this one might just be the easiest. For this straightforward design, you crochet 4 individual strips of fabric using half double crochet and then you braid them together just like you braid hair! It’s super cute and totally easy too.
Designer: Sewrella
Click here for the free pattern!
2. Braided Cowl Crochet Pattern
The braids on this cozy cowl add luxurious texture. They are made using basic crochet cablework techniques. The cowl is long enough to comfortably wrap around your neck twice for maximum warmth. You could also decide to skip attaching the two ends together if you prefer the look of regular braid scarves.
Designer: All About Ami
Click here for the free pattern!
3. Braided Scarf Crochet Pattern
Speaking of braid scarves, here’s one that features one single braid running right through the center of the scarf. The slight fuzziness of the Hygge Yarn used for this scarf gives it that nice halo effect. This free crochet pattern introduces yet another way to achieve the look of braided stitch crochet – puff stitches!
Designer: My Hobby is Crochet
Click here for the free pattern!
4. Crochet Braid Pattern for Beginners
Not all braiding patterns for crochet are complicated. In fact, this beautiful blanket is easy enough for beginners! The pattern only calls for double crochet and chain stitches. You’ll be working in an easy striped pattern and creating a long column of loops. The loops are then interlocked to create a faux braid.
Designer: Yarnspirations
Click here for the free pattern!
5. Another Braided Crochet Cowl Pattern
Here’s another great example of braided stitch crochet in a cowl pattern. This cowl is much smaller, and it calls for striped colorwork, so it’s a great way to use up yarn you might have leftover from other projects. The pattern calls for puff stitches crocheted in turned rounds to achieve the braided effect.
Designer: MissNeriss Crochet Design
Click here for the free pattern!
6. Braided Crochet Headband Pattern Free
Accessorize in style with a chic braided headband. This pattern uses simple crochet cablework techniques to create a braided look. The design calls for just basic crochet stitches and stitches worked around the post. I like the buttoned closure because it makes it really easy to put the headband on without messing up your hair.
Designer: Kristen Stoltzfus for WeCrochet
Click here for the free pattern!
7. Another Crochet Braid Scarf
I just can’t get enough of these crochet braid scarves! The textured braids make these scarf patterns really stand out from the crowd because they look so intricate. This pattern uses the faux braiding technique we talked about earlier where you create loops as you work and then you interlock them at the end.
Designer: Cute as a Button Crochet
Click here for the free pattern!
8. Braided Cable Beanie Crochet Pattern
This crochet beanie pattern features a double-thick brim for extra warmth and to ensure a snug fit. The braided cable design is so striking and is sure to send some compliments your way every time you wear it. If this design looks familiar it’s because this hat and the cowl from #2 were designed as a matching set!
Designer: All About Ami
Click here for the free pattern!
9. Crochet Braid Hat
Of course, you aren’t limited to one color when it comes to braiding patterns for crochet. This free crochet pattern will walk you through how to crochet a beautiful braided hat pattern with two colors. The design also features yet another way of creating braids in crochet that we haven’t touched on yet – clusters of post stitches.
Designer: Littlejohn’s Yarn
Click here for the free pattern!
10. Strand Braided Crochet Headband Pattern
Here’s another way to incorporate more than one color into your braiding patterns for crochet. This gorgeous headband pattern looks so stylish that it just has to be a really complicated pattern, right? Wrong! You can make it using just basic crochet stitches – single, half double, and double crochet. There’s even a helpful video tutorial if you get stuck.
Designer: Littlejohn’s Yarn
Click here for the free pattern!
Are you ready to turn up the texture by adding some braiding into your next crochet project? I am so excited to hear about the inspiration you got from this list, and I can’t wait to see your beautiful braided crochet projects. Share with me in the comments below!
Happy Crocheting!
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