Braids with knitting needles: types, diagrams and description. Simple braids for beginners

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:46

All lovers of knitting must have paid attention to the beauty and variety of such patterns as braids made with knitting needles. These patterns can look completely different. From delicate, thin braids on baby booties to complex, intertwined Aran knitting patterns. Based on the simple principle of crossing loops, a huge number of different types and patterns of knitting braids were invented.

Varieties of the braid pattern

There are several separate types of these patterns: braids themselves, plaits and aran. They differ not only in appearance and complexity, but also in execution technique. But all of them are united by one common nuance: when knitting according to the braid pattern with knitting needles, the loops of the pattern will definitely cross.

Drawings from braids are dense, textured and very elegant. They are chosen both for knitting children's clothes, and for adult models. Lately, snood sets and braided hats have been very popular.

Technique for knitting the braid pattern

When knitting different types of braids, one technique is used, the loops of the pattern are crossed, creating a pattern.

For knitting according to any, the most simple braid pattern with knitting needles, you will need the so-called additional knitting needle. Professional extra needles have one end rounded in the form of a loop, which prevents the removed loops from slipping off and facilitates work. But if there is none, but you want to try, then you can use a regular knitting needle or a safety pin.

In order for the loops of the future braid not to stretch when crossing, it is better to choose an auxiliary knitting needle a number less than the main one.

For knitting a braid pattern with knitting needles, an even number of loops are used. This pattern will be more expressive if you knit a narrow vertical path from purl loops along the edges of the braid (2-5 loops, depending on the width of the braid).

Little secrets when knitting a braid pattern

When calculating the yarn consumption, it must be taken into account that the wider the braid, the more it shrinks when the loops are crossed and the greater the yarn consumption will be. Another amount of yarn depends on the frequency with which the loops of the braid will intersect: the more often, the more threads will go, and vice versa.

If the yarn consumption is large or the fabric is too dense, you can fix this a little by making the frequency of loops crossing more rare. In order to find the optimal combination, it is better to knit several control samples and settle on the one you like.

From thick yarn braids are very embossed. So that the product is not verydense, it is better to dilute them with stripes of simple patterns, such as the front surface or a small pearl pattern. Then the beauty of the braid will be visible, and the product will turn out to be softer and more comfortable.

If thin threads, such as mohair or cotton yarn, are used to knit a braid pattern, you can make them a solid canvas with small dividing stripes. The pattern is stylish and elegant.

Simple knitting patterns for braids

In order to learn how to knit braids, it is better to practice on the simplest pattern. Knitting a braid with knitting needles for beginners may seem incomprehensible and complicated. But it is worth starting work, and all questions will be resolved.

We offer a description of a simple pattern pattern. In order to better see the resulting pattern, it is worth studying with thick yarn and knitting needles of a suitable diameter.

For knitting sample cast on 10 loops (2 edge loops, 4 loops are involved in the braid and 2 on each side will emphasize the pattern).

1. Edge, knit 2, purl 4, knit 2, hem.
2. Edge, purl 2, knit 4, purl 2, hem.
3. Repeat row 1.
4. Edge, purl 2, cross 4 loops (remove 2 loops on the auxiliary knitting needle and leave them before work, knit 2, then knit the left loops), purl 2, edge.
5. Repeat from 1st to 4th row.

You can change this pattern a little if you leave loops on the auxiliary needle not before, but after work. Then the braid willtwist not to the left, but to the right. In a solid web of braids, you can alternate this simple technique, which will make the structure of the pattern more unusual.

As can be seen from the diagram and description, knitting a braid pattern is absolutely not difficult, the main thing is patience and attentiveness.

In a similar way, you can knit wider braids, crossing not 4 loops, but up to 10-14. It can be wider, but the wider the braid, the more the edge of the knitted fabric can be deformed.

More complex braid patterns

Having tried and learned how to knit simple braids with knitting needles, you can move on to more complex braid patterns. In fact, such simple patterns, in which the loops cross only in one direction, are distinguished into a separate group of braids - plaits.

The term "braid" itself implies a pattern in which weaves of loops are combined in different directions, several combinations of loops can be mixed. One nuance unites them: unlike arans, the same number of loops always cross in braids.

Very beautiful braids with knitting needles are obtained by knitting a wide strip, for example, the "royal braid" pattern. It looks very bold on the front or back surface. To knit such a braid, the number of loops should be a multiple of 30. In the purl rows, all loops are knitted purl, the pattern is formed only in the front rows.

• 1 row - front surface;
• 3 row: 5 sts are removed on an auxiliary needle before work, 5 front sts, then knit offfront loops. Then 10 loops of the front surface, again throw 5 loops on the auxiliary knitting needle and leave them already at work, 5 front ones and knit the removed loops with the front ones;
• the next 5th and 7th rows are knitted in stockinette stitch;
• 9 row: 5 sts in stockinette stitch, slip 5 sts and remain at work, then knit 5 and knit 5 slipped sts. Again, 5 loops are removed on the auxiliary knitting needle, leave them before work, 5 front ones, then knit the removed loops with the front ones and the remaining 5 loops with the front ones.
• 11 row - facial surface.

Repeat from rows 1 to 11.

This pattern will look good in a warm pullover or wide snood pattern.

Magical beauty of arans

The most difficult braid patterns in knitting are considered to be arans. It is known that the beginning of this knitting technique came from the craftswomen of ancient Ireland. In those days, all these complex weaves of plaits, braids and loops had a magical, protective meaning. Over time, this symbolism disappeared, and the stunning beauty of this knitting technique continued to develop.

Today, there are a huge number of braid patterns using the aran knitting technique. These are very unusual, bewitching patterns, but it is difficult to describe even one of them in a small article.

When knitting arans, it is not necessary to move the same number of loops as when knitting a braid pattern with knitting needles. In this technique, on the wrong side (aranas are always performed on the wrong side), you need to move a different number of loops. In difficultschemes intersect with each other not just loops, but bundles and braids.

It will take a lot of attention and patience when knitting arans, but the result will be worth it.

What can be tied with a braid pattern

The answer to this question will be very simple: almost everything! In products, beautiful braids knitted with knitting needles will harmoniously look both on cute children's things and on a men's pullover.

It will be interesting to get a knitted set of mittens, a hat and a scarf for a baby decorated with braids. You just need to pick up soft bright yarn, choose a pattern and knit things that will warm your baby in a cold winter. You can also knit a baby blanket or blanket decorated with thin braids.

Very harmoniously different combinations of braids adorn cardigans, pullovers, blouses. A long coat made in the technique of Aran knitting will certainly cause a slight envy of the oncoming ones. Or maybe a pullover made of weightless mohair yarn, decorated with intersecting braid paths, will be the subject of admiration of acquaintances. And you can also please your beloved man by knitting him a warm winter sweater with embossed braids.

Knitting with braid pattern for home

Separately, I would like to highlight how harmoniously you can use the technique of knitting a braid pattern with knitting needles to decorate your home. It can be quite simple things like a set of potholders for the kitchen or a beautiful cover for a decorative pillow. Knitted chair covers will also look very stylish in the interior,made with embossed braids.

And when the cold comes, how nice it will be to wrap yourself in a warm blanket, knitted with your own hands using a braid pattern.

The possibilities of using these patterns are almost limitless, the main thing is to show a little imagination and patience, then everything will work out!