How to make crochet puff braid

That’s a beautiful crochet puff braid or leaf stitch pattern! 🌿
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make it:

---

🧶 What You Need

• Yarn: Medium-weight (Category 3 or 4)
• Hook: 3.5 mm–4.5 mm crochet hook
• Scissors and yarn needle

---

🌼 Pattern Overview

This design combines:

• Puff stitches (for the round, puffy texture)
• Front Post Treble Crochets (FPTC) (for the twisted “leaf” or braid effect)

Each section forms a leaf-like twist framed by soft puffs.

---

🪡 Step-by-Step Tutorial

🔹 Step 1: Foundation Chain

Make a chain in multiples of 6 + 2 extra for balance.
Example: Chain 20 (18 + 2).

---

🔹 Step 2: Row 1 – Base Row

This row builds your base.

1. Yarn over, insert hook in 3rd chain from hook, make 1 double crochet (dc).
2. Continue making 1 dc in each chain until the end.
3. Chain 2 and turn.

💡 Tip: Keep stitches loose so the next row is easy to work into.

---

🔹 Step 3: Row 2 – Puff Stitch Row

Now you’ll make the puffy texture.

1. Chain 2 (counts as first dc).
2. Skip 1 stitch, then make a puff stitch in the next:
   • Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook)
   • Yarn over, insert again, pull up a loop (5 loops)
   • Repeat until you have 9 loops on hook
   • Yarn over and pull through all loops
   • Chain 1 to lock the puff.
3. Skip 1 stitch, 1 dc in next stitch.
4. Repeat across the row:
   skip 1 → puff stitch → skip 1 → dc
5. End with 1 dc in the last stitch.
6. Chain 2 and turn.

💡 Each puff should be soft and even — don’t pull too tight.

---

🔹 Step 4: Row 3 – Leaf Twist Row

This is the row that makes the “leaf” or twisted look.

1. Chain 2 (counts as 1 dc).
2. Yarn over twice (for front post treble crochet – FPTC).
3. Insert hook around the post of the next dc two rows below, pull up a long loop.
4. Finish a treble crochet (tr) as normal (yarn over, pull through 2 loops × 3 times).
   • This pulls the stitch forward and gives that twisted effect.
5. Then work 3 dc across the puff stitch (top loops).
6. Repeat pattern:
   1 FPTC around next dc post two rows below → 3 dc on top of puff
7. End with a regular dc at the end of the row.
8. Chain 2 and turn.

💡 The FPTC should wrap around the vertical “post” of the earlier dc — this creates the twist crossing over the puffs.

---

🔹 Step 5: Repeat the Pattern

Continue alternating:

• Row 2: Puff Stitch Row
• Row 3: Leaf Twist Row

Repeat until your piece is as long as you like.

---

🌷 Finishing

• When finished, cut yarn and pull through to secure.
• Weave in ends neatly with a yarn needle.

---

💡 Optional Variations

• Use two colors (one for puffs, one for base) for a braided look.
• Make wider pieces by increasing the chain in multiples of 6.
• Perfect for scarves, headbands, blankets, or bag straps.

---