How to Edge With Crochet

A simple crochet edging completes a crochet beret.

Finishing your project with a crocheted edging can really make the item stand out. The edging can be as simple as a single crochet. Color brightens up a plain place mat. A fancy border updates a vest with a new look, which will also add extra width and length if desired. Quality edging smooths out irregularities that appear in the edges of a project worked by someone new to crochet.

Things You'll Need

• Crochet edging pattern
• Crochet thread
• Crochet hook
• Sewing thread
• Needle

Instructions

Sewn-On Edging

1. Select a crochet edging design suited to your level of skill and experience with crochet. Measure the edge of the project to determine the length of edging required. Crochet the selected edging to the required length. Measure the crochet edging against the project edge to ensure there is enough edging.

2. Thread a sewing needle with thread to match the color of the edging. Tie a knot in one end. Start at an inconspicuous spot and push the needle from the back to the front of the item.

3. Hold the crochet edging and the project edge together. Make small overhand stitches close together to attach the crochet edging. Keep the tension even. Every few inches stop and make sure the edges are being held snugly together.

Crocheted-On Edging

1. Push the crochet hook from the front to the back of the project. Create a slip knot on the hook. Wrap yarn around the hook, pull a yarn loop through to the front of the project. Pull another yarn loop the first loop to create a single crochet. Continue to work single crochet or your selected edging around the edge of the project.

2. Check tension periodically to ensure it is not pulling the item out of shape.

3. When the two ends of the edging meet, join them together with a slipknot, feed the end back to the reverse side of the crocheted piece and weave it through the stitches on the reverse side.

Tips & Warnings

• Use short lengths of thread to attach a crochet edging. If part of the edging is pulled loose, you will only need to stitch a small piece of it to fix the problem.

• Adjust the thickness of the thread and crochet hook to the weight of the project. For example table linens such as napkins look best with a narrow border crocheted with thin thread. A woolen blanket requires a wide edging of medium to heavy-weight wool.

References

• Vintage Crafts Patterns Designs: How to Create and Use Crocheted Edgings For Your Special Project
• Woolcrafting: Crocheted Edgings

Resources

• Crochet With Dee: History of Crochet
• Crochet Pattern Central: Edgings