Crochet Edgings

Carefully chosen crochet edgings lift any crochet project.  Traditionally we think of using crochet edgings for baby blankets but you can also add them to beautify a wide variety of crochet items.  Add them to jackets, throws, hats and scarves and they finish off a simple pattern. If you are making a gift with a beautiful edging the person receiving it will know you have gone that extra mile for them.

An edging can be as simple or complicated as you like and will frame your finished design. Or you can make the edging the main part of your design and this works particularly well if you are making a simple design.

Use one of the colours from your project for your edging

If your crochet project has popcorns or clusters add rows of these to your edging and finish with a simple row of dc’s (sc’s) to create a stunning effect.

Use a loose slip stitch using 2 colours from your project together or use them alternatively

Ruffle edgings look very pretty and these are deceptively simple to make. Make a row of double crochet (SC). On the next row work 4 dc into each dc of the previous row, then continue making rows of dc’s on dc. Add some colourful stripes and your cushion throw or waistcoat will look amazing.

Stitch your edging lengthwise by joining on to the last row of your work and create an edging row on row around your work.

Stitch your edging horizontally and you can also make an edging separately by making a number of chains for the width of edging you want and by working horizontally. Carry on until your edging is the length you need, then attach by sewing on to your work or slip stitch together. This creates a completely different look to your work.

Plain stripes – use the colors of your project to create stripes. Make this edging special by working into the back loops only on all or rows or alternative rows to create a very pretty ribbed effect. Make uneven rows of colours or switch between trebles and double crochet (SC’s) rows.

A final row of shells stitches, looks lovely on baby blankets. Depending on the size of your project make shells by working into every 3^rd or 4^th stitch (1dc 1htr 3tr 1htr 1dc).

To add a small simple frilly edging, use 1sl st 1ch all around

A simple picot edging adds elegance to any project. Make 3ch and sl st or dc (sc) into the first ch

Add rows of half tr’s and dc’s (sc’s) to create a contemporary look

Simple rows of tr’s (dc’s) and dc’s (sc’s) working in back loops are easy to make and create a contemporary look

Crochet edgings are not just perfect for pieces of crochet. The Victorians made crochet edgings in fine cotton thread to add to embroidered handkerchiefs, now we can add them to homemade furnishings and clothing.

Crochet scarf with acorn edging.....

Finishing off

When you spend time making something special and original to you finishing off well will show your work in the best light. Remember if you are making something like a scarf both sides of your work will be on show!

Make one extra chain for a more secure finish before weaving in ends. Fastening off the ends of thicker yarns, thread through denser areas of the same colour.

To keep the back of your work tidy crochet over loose ends as you work if you can. This works well if you are working with a thicker yarn or making a close work pattern. Doing this also makes finishing off easier.

Make sure the corners of cushions or bags are fully pushed out, use the back of your hook to do this.
If you are using a fine cotton yarn block out your motifs and your work will look 100% better.
For cushions and scarfs block edges to get a crisp straight edge finish.

Depending on what you are making if your first chain row is a bit loose crochet a dc(sc) row at both edges of your work or all around.

Attaching a material lining or backing add right side to right side with your work and use a matching shade of cotton. Use stem stitch and your stitches will disappear into the fabric of your crochet stitches.

Use back stitch on the wrong side when stitching motifs together.

If you don’t like sewing you can double crochet or slip stitch motifs together or even use something a bit more complex to make the joining of the motifs a feature of your work.

Leave long ends when finishing off or changing yarn, so you have enough to fasten off securely.
Sounds obvious, but invest in a pair of sharp embroidery scissors to make your finish ends  neater
Trim pompons and tassels so all strands are even

If possible use your main thread for stitching on buttons

If you can crochet edgings directly on to cushions and baby clothes rather than stitching it on for a better and more secure finish.

Making cushions choose a cushion pad slightly larger than your finished cushion cover. Your cushion will look plumper and will show your work off more distinctly

If you are making button loops add a row of dc’s (sc’s) for more secure fastening than a simple row of chains.

Designing an Edging

Adding an edging makes a massive difference to any finished item, giving it that little extra va va voom, whether it is a crochet cushion, throw or clothing. Go that extra mile with an edging and lift your crochet work making it something special to be proud. If you are making a gift with a beautiful edging the person receiving it will know you have gone that extra mile for them.

An edging can be as simple or complicated as you like and will frame your finished design. Or you can make the edging the main part of your design and this works particularly well if you are making a simple design.

What type of edgings?

Ruffle – can look very pretty and these are deceptively simple to make. Make a row of double crochet (SC). On the next row work 4 dc into each dc of the previous row, then continue making rows of dc’s on dc. Add some colourful stripes and your cushion throw or waistcoat will lookamazing.

Stitch lengthwise – make your edging by joining on to the last row of your work and create an edging row on row around your work.

Stitch horizontal - You can also make an edging separately by making a number of chains for the width of edging you want and by working horizontally. Carry on until your edging is the length you need, then attach by sewing on to your work or slip stitch together. This creates a completely different look to your work.

Plain stripes – use the colors of your project to create stripes. Make this edging special by working into the back loops only on all or rows or alternative rows to create a very pretty ribbed effect. Make uneven rows of colours or switch between trebles and double crochet (SC’s) rows.

Small or large edging – to create a frame for your main work, with a few simple stripes and a final row of shells stitches. This looks lovely on baby blankets. Depending on the size of your project make shells by working into every 3^rd or 4^th stitch (1dc 1htr 3tr 1htr 1dc).

Tassel it – add a few simple rows of a stripe edging, then add a final row of tassels, using the yarn of your work. You can add tassels to the corners only or all around. Be warned tassels use up a lot of yarn! To see how I used these edgings visit.....