The braided chain stitch is worked almost the same way as the heavy chain stitch. There is only a slight difference in the way the needle is taken under the existing loops, thus giving it a totally different and embossed look. It  follows a reverse pattern like the reverse chain stitch and so we work it from top to bottom.

To work this stitch, you should be aware of at least the lazy daisy stitch. Knowledge of the reverse chain stitch and heavy chain stitch will only be more helpful. I will be working over a curved stitch line.
 
braided_chain_stitch_1       braided_chain_stitch_2
Fig 1: Lay the foundation by doing a lazy daisy stitch with a slightly longer tail, and the base as point A.   Fig 2: Bring the needle out through B and take it under the tail of the lazy daisy without plucking the fabric.

   
braided_chain_stitch_3   braided_chain_stitch_4
Fig 3: Put the needle back in B to get another loop, layering the lazy daisy from outside.
Bring the needle out through C. Take it over the outside loop and under the inside loop as illustrated. 		   Fig 4: Put the needle back in C to finish that loop.
Now Bring the needle back again through D and continue with the same procedure.

   
braided_chain_stitch_5   braided_chain_stitch_6
Fig 5: To make the taking of needle over and under the loops easier, here is a tip. Before tightening the ‘outer’ loop completely, you can take the needle under the ‘inner’ loop.   Fig 6: You can then tighten the ‘outer’ loop by pulling the thread with your fingers and continue with the procedure.

   
braided_chain_stitch_7   Fig 7: A finished braided chain stitch will look like this. It has a slightly embossed finish.

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