I found two names for this stitch, either Portuguese Border Stitch or Portuguese Braid Stitch. Either way, it begins the same way with a row of parallel straight stitches that act as a foundation.
Once you have your foundation stitches in place, begin by bringing your needle up in the center under the lowest straight stitch or rung. Slide your needle under the second and first rung. (Don't pierce the fabric, just slide the needle underneath.)
Pull the needle through and then take it under the second rung again. Always keep your thread on the left hand side of your stitching.
Now go up and slide your needle under the third and second rung and pull it through.
Slice your needle under the third rung again.
Continue on in this manner, moving up the rungs of the foundation stitches.
Once you get to the top of the row, either finish off your thread on the back or slide it under your stitches on the back to bring it back down to the bottom again to work the other side.
Bring your needle up again under the lowest rung. For this side, you keep your thread to the right hand side of your stitching as you work.
Then take your needle back up and under the second rung again. Continue on in this way working your way back up the foundation rungs until you reach the top. Take your thread to the back and secure it.
This is what you end up with! Imagine it done in a highly variegated thread - how cool would that be?
Slide your needle under the second and first rung.
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Deb