If you’re interested in making a Latvian Braid but want to avoid the knitting, this might be a great way to do it! I’d recommend using a yarn for the Latvian Braid that’s at least as thick as the item you’re embroidering.

Materials

Yarn – I used SweetGeorgia Superwash DK in Dreamboat (MC) and Candy Floss (CC for the embroidery).

Yarn Needle (you don’t need a sharp needle for this. In fact, I recommend a dull one to make it easier.)

How to do the Latvian Braid Alternative

Cut a length of yarn for embroidery. Knot it – much larger than a single loop. I did a good 3 or 4 times so it both secured it and didn’t go through. I didn’t see the knot from the RS.

Thread the yarn through the needle. Place the needle under the knitted piece.

Setup: Put the needle through and keep it on the RS.

Step 1: Create a loop in the yarn.

Step 2: Put the needle through, very close to the place it came out of in Step 1.

Step 3: Then, put the needle back up and through the loop in Step 2. You might find it easier to use your finger tip to help point the needle up.

I’ve written them as separate steps, but you’ll really just do it as one (as I’m picturing above).

Repeat Steps 1-3 until it’s the desired length.

You’re done!

Here’s what it looks like after 4 are done:

What does the WS look like?

Practice makes perfect

Knit a small swatch. Then, try out the embroidery on the swatch.

Uses

This is a great way to add decoration to an item. You can actually use this on any garment – even if it’s not knit! You do need to use a needle strong-enough to go through the fabric. And, knitted fabric is a great introduction to embroidery because you can count the stitches easily and the fabric allows the needle to go through almost effortlessly.

What can you use this on?

A Latvian Braid can be used in so many places, including:

• Edge of a mitten
• Top of a sock
• Wherever ribbing changes to something else
  • Draw attention to a specific place
• To cover a hole or other unsightly “feature”
  • People often did this back in the day to prolong being able to use something
• To change the way an item looks to give it a different aesthetic and breathe new life into it