How to Crochet Around a Strip of Material
Modern stitchers can re-create the look of vintage crocheted-edge table and bed linens by using simple techniques. Antique linens were woven loosely, allowing easy insertion of fine steel crochet hooks used in working the edgings with delicate cotton or silk thread. Crocheters who lack the time to work these dainty stitches can still get the same effect using heavier fabrics and yarns. Crochet hooks won't pierce these fabrics, so raw fabric edges need a different finishing technique. A simple blanket stitch is sewn around the edges of the fabric to prevent raveling and to provide a looped foundation for the crochet stitches.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Fabric strip
- Straight pins
- Cotton thread
- Sewing needle
- Scissors
- Yarn
- Crochet hook
Instructions
-
Simple Edging
-
1
Turn under the raw edges of the fabric strip. Use straight pins to hold the folded edge in place.
-
2
Sew evenly spaced blanket stitches to secure the folded edge. The loops formed at the folded edge of the fabric make a foundation for the crochet stitches.
-
-
3
Attach the yarn to a blanket stitch loop at one corner with the crochet hook. Work one round of single crochet stitches into the blanket stitch loops on the edges. Make three single crochets at each corner. Cut the yarn and secure the end when the edges have been worked.
Simple Decorative Edging
-
4
Attach the yarn in a corner blanket stitch. Chain three stitches. Skip one blanket stitch, then slip stitch into the next one. Repeat the chain-three spaces and slip stitches in every other blanket stitch loop. Work one or more rounds, single crocheting into the chain-three space of the previous round.
-
5
Make the foundation row with single crochet. Work blocks of double crochet on the next round. Double crochet in two stitches, make two chain stitches, skip the next two stitches. Repeat around to the end of the round.
-
6
Make a simple shell edging by working a single crochet, a double crochet and a second single crochet in the same stitch. Chain three stitches, skip the next stitch and make another shell. Repeat around the fabric edge to the end of the round.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use a thread for the blanket stitch that's compatible with the fabric strip and the edging yarn. The result is durable and looks better than heavy thread sewn to a light fabric.
After mastering crocheting around the edges of a fabric strip, take on the fun challenge of crocheting an edging on a pair of pillowcases and a matching flat sheet.
Embellish a simple towel with a crocheted edging using the steps above.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Maria Teijeiro/Lifesize/Getty Images
