You've invested time and effort into making a gorgeous blanket, and now it's time to learn how to edge a crochet blanket, giving it the perfect finishing touch.
Keep reading to uncover easy and effective tips, that will give your work a polished, and professional.
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13 Expert Tips For Beautiful Borders and Finishing Touches
Learn how to edge a crochet blanket with our easy and effective tips. Use these suggestions to frame your crochet blanket and give it a refined and elegant finish.
1 - Use the same hook and yarn weight as the blanket
When it comes to edging a crochet blanket, make sure to use the same hook size and yarn weight as you used for the main body of your blanket.
This will ensure that the edging looks cohesive and help it lay flat against the blanket without puckering or stretching.
If you want to use a different yarn for the border, try to find one with a similar weight and fiber content to maintain a consistent look and feel.
If you are uncertain how your chosen yarn will work for the edging, don't hesitate to make a small swatch to test the combination before committing to the entire border.
2 - Choose the right border for your blanket
There are hundreds of different border options, from simple and elegant to intricate and eye-catching.
When choosing your border think about the overall look and feel of your blanket and choose one that will enhance it.
Remember, sometimes less is more! A simple single crochet border can do wonders for a busy blanket, while a more intricate shell border might be perfect for a simple design.
3 - Start with a foundation round
Before starting your chosen border, I recommend working a foundation round of single crochet around the entire blanket.
It will give you a solid base to work from, and it can help even out any inconsistencies in your stitch count.
It is also a good opportunity to add a contrasting color to your blanket if you are feeling adventurous!
4 - Keep your border stitch count consistent
When working on your foundation round, it's essential to maintain a consistent stitch count around the entire blanket.
A consistent stitch count helps to make the border lie flat without puckering and rippling.
When crocheting around the sides of your blanket, it can be tricky to know where to place your stitches, especially when working into the sides of stitches.
My rule of thumb is to make 1 stitch per row of single crochet, 2 stitches per row of double crochet, and so on.
Don't worry about being too precise, just try to be consistent!
5 - Joining New Yarn with a Magic Knot - A Clever Technique
At times, we need to connect a new skein of yarn while working on our border, and we want the transition to be as smooth and unnoticeable as possible.
Here's a nifty method I've picked up along my crochet journey: When you're down to about 6 inches of yarn from your current skein, it's time to use the Magic Knot to make that seamless connection.
To create this knot, place the new yarn end and the old yarn end next to each other, then tie a simple knot with each end around the opposite yarn strand.
Pull the two knots together, and give them a gentle but firm tug to secure them. Now you can trim the ends close to the knots and continue crocheting as usual. The result? A nearly invisible join that's both strong and discreet.
By using the magic knot, you'll have a beautifully continuous border without any obvious yarn joins.
6 - Corners are key
Corners on crochet blankets can be a bit intimidating, but they're super important for a polished look.
When working your border, make sure to add extra stitches at each corner to help the edging lay flat and maintain a nice, sharp angle.
Usually, I add 3 stitches in each corner, but this might vary depending on your specific pattern.
7 - Blocking for a flawless finish
Blocking is the process of gently shaping your finished blanket and border with water or steam to help it lay flat and even out any inconsistencies.
I like to pin my blanket to a blocking mat, spritz it with water, and let it air dry. This little extra step makes all the difference in achieving that professional, polished look.
8 - Experiment with color combos
Don't be afraid to play around with different color combinations when it comes to edging.
A pop of contrasting color can add a whole new dimension to your blanket, while a tone-on-tone approach creates a more subtle, sophisticated look.
Feel free to get creative and try out different yarns, too! You might be surprised how a variegated or gradient yarn can transform a simple edging pattern.
9 - Use stitch markers to your advantage
Stitch markers are a crocheter's best friend, especially when it comes to edging.
Use them to mark your corners, as well as any spots where you'll be adding special stitches or embellishments.
This will help you keep track of your progress and ensure you're staying consistent as you work your way around the blanket.
10 - Try adding texture with stitches
One fun way to make your edging stand out is to play with texture. Experiment with different stitch patterns like bobbles, puff stitches, or even cables to add an extra element of interest to your border.
Just be sure to choose a stitch that complements your blanket's overall design, and remember that it's all about balance.
11 - Give Picot edging a go
Picot edging is a classic crochet finishing touch that can add a delicate, lacy feel to your blanket. To create a picot, simply chain 3 and then slip stitch back into the first chain.
Add picots in between regular stitches around your border for a sweet, decorative touch that's perfect for baby blankets or heirloom-quality projects.
12 - Practice makes perfect
Like with any crochet technique, practice is key when it comes to mastering edging.
Don't be discouraged if your first few attempts don't turn out exactly how you envisioned.
The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with working around the edges of your blankets and creating beautiful, polished borders.
13 - Turn to the crochet community for inspiration
Finally, don't forget to lean on the wonderful world of fellow crocheters for inspiration and support.
There are so many amazing resources out there, from blogs and YouTube channels to Ravelry groups and Instagram hashtags.
Take the time to explore what others are doing, ask questions, and share your work. You never know where your next great edging idea might come from!
Easy Crochet Blanket Patterns
Learn To Crochet
If you are new to crochet and would like to learn more. You might like these:
- Basic crochet stitches for beginners
- How to crochet for beginners
- Crochet terms and abbreviations
- How to read a crochet pattern for beginners
- How to read a yarn label
- How to hold yarn when crocheting
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