Braided-look edging

This simple little edging gives a great, sturdy, gender neutral finish to any project. It's especially nice to firm up the edges on patterns that have a tendency to stretch at odd angles.

I've only worked this pattern around the edges of blankets and like items, where it can be worked in the round without turning. You can use any two colors of yarn and appropriate hook.

With color #1 join anywhere on your piece. Chain 2, hdc in each stitch around. Put three hdc in the corners and at other points that stick out from the body of the piece, like you'd have in a chevron blanket. Join with a slip stitch to the back loop at the top of your starting Ch2.

Continuing with color #1, chain 1, sc in the back loop of each hdc. Once again, use three stitches at all corners. Slip stitch as normal to the starting Ch1. Cut yarn and weave in ends.

Hdc and Sc in back loop complete

Join with color #2 in the back loop of any hdc (the exact same place you did your sc stitches). Slip stitch in the back loop of each hdc stitch. It will appear as though you're slip stitching on the post of the sc, but without looking so crowded! Use only one stitch on the corners, as there's only one space to put them in. Slip stitch under your first slip stitch to join the round. Pull the join very tight so it about disappears. Cut yarn, pull to the back of your work and weave in.

Insert your hook as shown. The stars indicate where the following stitches are placed.

I hope you enjoy this pattern! Please post comments and photos back to the ravelry page!