How to Crochet the Fishtail Braid Edge Border

Hi everyone! I’m Donna Wolfe from Naztazia.com, and today, I’m excited to show you how to crochet the elegant and simple fishtail braid edge. This beautiful edging can be used on blankets, scarves, hats, and many other crochet projects.

The fishtail braid edge is made primarily using linked slip stitches on both sides of the previous stitches. To begin, you’ll need a finished crochet item, such as a granny square, along with some yarn and a 5.5 mm crochet hook.

Starting the Fishtail Braid Edge

  1. Make a loose slip knot since one of the stitches will be worked into it.
  2. Insert your hook into the first corner of the granny square to begin the edge.
  3. Yarn over and draw through both loops on your crochet hook.
  4. Turn your work to locate the initial loose slip knot and work a slip stitch into it.

Creating the Fishtail Braid Stitch

  1. Insert your hook into the top loop formed by the previous stitch.
  2. Then, insert your hook into the next stitch of your project and pull the loop through both loops on the hook.
  3. Turn your work to the reverse side.
  4. Instead of working into the two loops just made, make a slip stitch into the next loop over at the back.
  5. Repeat this process:
    • Insert your hook under the top loop and then into the granny square.
    • Yarn over and pull through the two loops.
    • Find the third loop over and make a slip stitch into it.

As you continue, the fishtail braid pattern will start forming beautifully. The back loop becomes easier to see as the stitches progress, making the pattern look even more refined.

Working Around Corners

When reaching a corner, you have two options:

  • For a rounded corner, place two stitches in the same stitch.
  • For a sharper corner, place three stitches in the same stitch.

Finishing the Edge

  1. Complete your last stitch and fasten off the yarn.
  2. Use a yarn needle to sew the last stitch to the first stitch, following the flow of the fishtail braid pattern.
  3. The great thing about this design is that it’s very forgiving, so the join doesn’t have to be perfect!

And that’s it! Now you know how to crochet the fishtail braid edge border. It’s a simple yet elegant way to add a decorative touch to your projects.

For more tutorials, visit my blog at Wonderful Housework. Happy crocheting!