From CroChet! magazine, January 2010, vol. 23, no. 1, Copyright © 2010 CroChet! magazine

CoCo Chanel revolutionized the fashion world in the 1920s and 1930s with her sim-plistic designs. To this day, women around the world continue to em-brace her classic jacket embellished with simple braid. Of course, most of us are not able to pay $5,000 for a typical Chanel suit, but that same classic look is not difficult to achieve for a crocheter!

The secret to Chanel’s enduring style and appeal is based on a tried-and-true premise: Keep it simple. While hemlines may lower or raise over the years, the basic Chanel sil-houettes remain the same, as does the use of braided embellishments. This sophisticated approach uti-lizes the trims in a straightforward, yet subtle manner to enhance the details of a garment itself by sim-ply using the trim to outline a basic design element such as a neckline, bodice, cuff or pocket.

Crochet tailored trims for classic looks, or add ruffles or flowers for a romantic touch. Ex-periment with different weights and types of yarns, and hook siz-es to create the perfect look. Go one step further by adding other elements to your braid such as buttons, beads, sequins, crystals, shells or woven ribbon.

Whether you think of a won-derful crochet project or use a store-bought item, many an or-dinary item is begging to serve as a blank slate for transformation. For example, a plain pillow takes on a whole new persona when you add a fancy outer trim, or twist hand-crocheted trims into vari-ous shapes to create loops, flowers or other shapes. Crochet simple strips to form diamonds or add a simulated envelope-style flap. Turn a T-shirt into a work of art by us-ing braid to create the outline of a collar, add a necktie or make the

outline of a pretend pocket. Use a length of crochet braid to create a real or faux necklace, then add large beads. Glue braid around a picture frame, lampshade or bul-letin board.

Of course, one embellishment idea leads to another. No doubt you’ll think of ideas such as out-lining the yoke or cuffs of a jean jacket or adding a picot edging to a baby cardigan. Layer strips of dif-ferent edgings, one atop another, to a child’s outgrown pants or a skirt to create more length. Bits of cro-chet trims can magically hide a rip or stain on a sweater or an afghan.

Create a storyline to delight a child. Short lengths of trims can be transformed into a picket fence or a strip of grass from which embroi-dered flowers bloom, or press cord into the shape of a tree by forming zigzags (wide at the bottom and narrowing to the top), or to simu-late smoke coming from a chimney.

AmAzing brAids And trims cAn be crocheted quickly to embellish Any number of everydAy items to creAte A chic And unique look. Any crocheter cAn trAnsform the mundAne into the extrAordinAry with minimAl time And effort.

embellishing with brAid

B Y D A R L A S I M S

From CroChet! magazine, January 2010, vol. 23, no. 1, Copyright © 2010 CroChet! magazine

Want more ideas? Coloring books are great sources for simple shapes and themes for children. Flip through magazines and cata-logs, tearing out ideas before toss-ing print materials into the recycle bin. Online sources of inspiration abound whether you want ethnic ideas, something whimsical or the latest fashions. Check out Web sites that reflect your interests and hobbies to get inspiration for ei-ther clothing or home decor.

Here are a few easy trims to get you started. Try working them in threads or yarns in colors of your choice to create your chic and unique embellishments for yourself, your loved ones and your home.

Version 1: PiCot BraidChain a multiple of 3 plus 5, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in next ch, [ch 3, sl st in top of last sc (picot), sc in each of next 3 chs] across to last 2 chs, ch 3, sl st in top of last sc, sc in each of last 2 chs. Fasten off.

Version 2: Puffed arChessPeCial stitCh

Puff stitch (puff st): [Yo, insert hook in place indicated, pull up lp] 3 times, yo, pull through all 7 lps on hook.Row 1: Ch a multiple of 4 plus 6, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each rem ch across, turn.Row 2: Ch 1, sc in first st, ch 4, puff st (see Special Stitch) in same st,*sk next 3 sts, (sc, ch 4, puff st) in next st, rep from * across to last 4 sts, sk next 3 sts, sc in last st. Fasten off.

Version 3: WraP it uPsPeCial stitCh

Wrap: [Yo, insert hook around last 3 dc and pull up lp] 3 times, yo, pull through all 7 lps on hook.Ch a multiple of 3 plus 7, dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each of next 2 chs, work wrap (see Special Stitch) around last 3 dc, [dc in each of next 3 dc, work wrap around last 3 dc] across, ending with dc in last st. Fasten off.

Version 4: WaVesRow 1: Ch a multiple of 6 plus 2, sc in 2nd ch from hook, [sk next 2 chs, 5 hdc in next ch, sk next 2 chs, sc in next ch] across. Fasten off.Row 2: Working in starting ch on opposite side of row 1 with RS facing, join with sc in same ch as first sc, complete row as for row 1. Fasten off. C!

Version 1

Version 2

Version 3

Version 4

®DEFINING CROCHET

29 ENTICING IDEAS/ Meditation Mask: Soothing Relaxation

MAY 2009 / CROCHETMAGAZINE.COM

Create a Stunning Prizewinning Jacket!FANTASY IN COLOR Unravel the Mystery of Pattern RepeatsMAKING SENSE OF MULTIPLESTurn a Classic Neck Scarf Into a Chic ToteBANDANNA BAG

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CROCHET

33 FUN, FRESH IDEAS / Special Craft Directory Inside!

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A One-of-a-kind Cardigan

With Standout Status

CROCHET & DENIM Breast Cancer Awareness Scarf

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Quick, Easy Projects for

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26 TEMPTING PROJECTS/ Get Hip With Our Cool Hemp Belt!

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32 INSPIRING IDEAS/ Double Take: Designs for Him & Her

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Get Wrapped Up inPlush, Cozy Style

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26 NEW IDEAS/ Pretty for Easter: Holiday Finery for Little Girls

Diagonal Stripes Give Figure-Friendly StyleLAZY DAYS JACKET Make Either a Rug or Doily From One Pattern!LATTICE ROSECreate Fun New Looks For the Basic ChevronRAZZLE DAZZLE RIPPLESLearn Its History and Stitch a Lovely Lace CuffIRISH CROCHET

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27 IDEAS TO STIR YOUR CREATIVITY/ Custom Fit Your Socks!

JANUARY 2009 / CROCHETMAGAZINE.COM

Show Your Support for Women’s Heart Health GO RED! Crochet a Simple Scarf With a Powerful MessageTHREADS OF COMPASSION 1 Easy Hat Pattern For 2 Great Looks!DOUBLE YOUR PLEASUREInsider Secrets for Pulling It All TogetherSEAMING SUCCESS

From CroChet! magazine, January 2010, vol. 23, no. 1, Copyright © 2010 CroChet! magazine

s t i tC h G u i d e

F o r m o r e C o m p l e t e i n F o r m a t i o n , v i s i t f R e e p A t t e R n S . c o M

beg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . begin/begins/beginning bpdc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . back post double crochet bpsc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back post single crochet bptr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .back post treble crochet cc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . contrasting color ch(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chain(s) ch- . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . refers to chain or space

previously made (i.e., ch-1 space) ch sp(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chain space(s) cl(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .cluster(s) cm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . centimeter(s) dc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . double crochet (singular/plural) dc dec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . double crochet 2 or more

stitches together, as indicated dec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . decrease/decreases/decreasing dtr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . double treble crochet ext . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .extended fpdc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . front post double crochet fpsc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . front post single crochet fptr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .front post treble crochet g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gram(s) hdc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .half double crochet hdc dec . . . . . . . . . . . . half double crochet 2 or more

stitches together, as indicated inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . increase/increases/increasing lp(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .loop(s) Mc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .main color mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . millimeter(s) oz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ounce(s) pc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .popcorn(s) rem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . remain/remains/remaining rep(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .repeat(s) rnd(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . round(s) RS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . right side sc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . single crochet (singular/plural) sc dec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .single crochet 2 or more

stitches together, as indicated sk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . skip/skipped/skipping sl st(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .slip stitch(es) sp(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . space(s)/spaced st(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .stitch(es) tog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .together tr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . treble crochet trtr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .triple treble WS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . wrong side yd(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . yard(s) yo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . yarn over

Single crochet decrease (sc dec): (insert hook, yo, draw lp through) in each of the sts indicated, yo, draw through all lps on hook.

Half double crochet decrease (hdc dec): (yo, insert hook, yo, draw lp through) in each of the sts indicated, yo, draw through all lps on hook.

Double crochet decrease (dc dec): (yo, insert hook, yo, draw loop through, draw through 2 lps on hook) in each of the sts indicated, yo, draw through all lps on hook.

example of 2-sc dec example of 2-hdc dec example of 2-dc dec

Slip stitch—sl st: insert hook in st, pull through both lps on hook.

Half double crochet—hdc: yo, insert hook in st, yo, pull through st, yo, pull through all 3 lps on hook.

chain—ch: yo, pull through lp on hook.

Single crochet—sc: insert hook in st, yo, pull through st, yo, pull through both lps on hook.

Front loop Back loop

front post stitch—fp: Back post stitch—bp: When working post st, insert hook from right to left around post st on previous row.

Back Front

post of

stitch

change colors: Drop first color; with 2nd color, pull through last 2 lps of st.

Double crochet—dc: yo, insert hook in st, yo, pull through st, [yo, pull through 2 lps] twice.

treble crochet—tr: yo twice, insert hook in st, yo, pull through st, [yo, pull through 2 lps] 3 times.

Double treble crochet—dtr: yo 3 times, insert hook in st, yo, pull through st, [yo, pull through 2 lps] 4 times.

U n I t e D S tAt e S U n I t e D K I n G D o Msl st (slip stitch) = sc (single crochet)

sc (single crochet) = dc (double crochet)hdc (half double crochet) = htr (half treble crochet)

dc (double crochet) = tr (treble crochet)tr (treble crochet) = dtr (double treble crochet)

dtr (double treble crochet) = ttr (triple treble crochet)skip = miss

treble crochet decrease (tr dec): holding back last lp of each st, tr in each of the sts indicated, yo, pull through all lps on hook.Example of 2-tr dec example of 2-tr dec

A B B R e v I A t I o n S front loop—front lpBack loop— back lp