To be honest, nothing is more disappointing than a crochet project that you put in so many hours of hard work and effort to not turn out as you want. Edges make and break a project. If your crochet project is disappointing you, just pick up your crochet hooks and get it dressed up in a beautiful edging pattern. This is not just for the edges of your blanket, scarf or dishcloth but can be easily adapted to a sweater, hat, or even socks. It is easy to make tassels, pom poms or fringes to the edges but with a few crochet techniques, you can have neat edges for all your projects.
There are several tried-and-tested stitches and techniques to make sure that the edges are neat and artistic. In this post, we'll share some with you. It’s time to get your crochet hooks out and get started! You can get started with any of your single-ended crochet hooks. Even if you are working with regular crochet, you can work with interchangeable Tunisian hooks but don’t attach the cord. You can also work on a combination of regular crochet with a border of any of the basic Tunisian crochet stitches. Oh, and don’t forget your stitch markers. Marking the border stitches will help you at the beginning to separate your border pattern from the rest of your work. Sharp scissors, measuring tapes and other accessories will assist your crafting.
So, let’s get started. You can plan your edges while working on the project or also add them later. The beauty of crochet is that you can easily work with new stitch patterns anytime at the edges. What stitch pattern and how you will make a neat edge depends on the project. A dishcloth or a blanket will look good with a different hat or shawl.
For all your neat crochet edges, here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Always work a row of slip stitches or single crochet (SC) before starting your border. This will ensure that the borders are evenly spaced out and clearly visible.
- You can also work with the same yarn or use a contrasting shade. You can also work with a different yarn weight or fiber.
- If the first row of the edge stitch pattern makes the project curl, it is because you are adding too many stitches at one time. This means you need to recalculate the stitches so that they are spread uniformly.
- Also, if you are working on a stitch pattern that is based on multiples of stitches, then make sure that the last row of the project has the same multiples.
- If the edge stitches are not standing out, you can opt for a bigger crochet hook size in comparison to the yarn weight.
Basic Crochet Stitches
The single crochet stitch is the most basic pattern that creates a stable and sturdy edge. If you do not want the simple stitch pattern then the Reverse Single Crochet (RSC) stitch makes an interesting pattern. It is an easy border stitch pattern that makes a neat edge. You can work it out in the same shade of yarn or work with a contrasting shade of yarn. Instead of working the SC in the right direction – right to left, you will be working from left to right.
Slip Stitch and Drop Stitch Border
Another basic crochet stitch, slip stitch with a dropping stitch border. This is perfect when you do not want to add much width or height to your crochet piece but still want a finished look. Knowing how to work the slip stitch in crochet works. You simply move the yarn from one point of the crocheted fabric to the other without adding to the height or texture.
Row 1. Sc all around.
Row 2. Sl st and drop st. To slip stitch, insert the crochet hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull through the stitch with the active loop on the hook. Next, drop the stitch and let it loose.
You can work with any combination of drop stitches.
You can work on row 1 and row 2 a few more times to have an interesting effect.
Bobble Edging
Bobble are interesting textures. You can knit or crochet one. They are basically a 3-dimensional design made with yarn and stitches. They can also be added on the crocheted fabric along with the border. You can refer to our blog on easy steps to knit and crochet bobbles.
Row 1: Attach the yarn to the edge of your project. Work 5 double crochet stitches into the next stitch, remove the hook from the loop, insert the hook from the front to the back through the first double crochet of the cluster, insert the hook back into the loop, yarn over, and pull through all loops on the hook, chain 1 to secure the bobble.
Repeat this pattern across the edge, ending with a slip stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Shell Edging
Shells are beautiful crochet patterns. Add it to the border of a shawl or shrug and the effect is amazing. The stitch pattern works with a combination of double crochet (DC) and slip stitch (Sl St).
Row 1: Attach the yarn to the edge of your project. Skip 2 stitches, work 5 double crochet stitches into the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, slip stitch into the next stitch.
Repeat this pattern across the edge, ending with a slip stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends.
A single row of shell edges is enough for a neat edge.
Picot Edging
Picots are beautiful. It is a delicate stitch pattern that has a lace-like effect. It is made with chain, slip stitches and single crochet stitches.
Row 1: Attach the yarn to the edge of your project. Work a slip stitch into the first stitch. Chain 3, slip stitch into the third chain from the hook, slip stitch into the next stitch of the project.
Repeat this pattern across the edge. Fasten off and weave in ends with finishing needles.
Ruffle Edging
Playful and fun, ruffles are easy to add to the edge of a crochet project. You can work ruffles with any crochet stitches. They basically work on crochet increases and decreases in easy steps.
Row 1: Attach the yarn to the edge of your project. Work 5 double crochet stitches into the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, slip stitch into the next stitch. Repeat this pattern across the edge. Fasten off and weave in ends.
These are just a few examples of quick and easy crochet edging patterns. You can modify them or combine different stitches to create your own unique designs. Have fun experimenting with different patterns and adding beautiful edgings to your crochet projects!
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