This is a very complicated braid-like stitch, made by alternating a Coral Stitch and a Cable Chain Stitch.

First, make a normal Coral Stitch by taking a small vertical bite out of the fabric, with the thread looped under the needle (Step 1). Insert the needle close to the bottom of the Coral Stitch and angle up and to the left, looping the thread under the needle (Step 2). You are now in position to take the next stitch (Step 3).