How to Crochet the Edge of a Fleece Blanket
Adding a crochet trim around the edges of a fleece blanket gives it a decorative, finished look. The advantage of fleece fabric is that is does not fray, meaning you can simply leave the edges raw, punch holes around the perimeter and crochet through the fabric directly. Unlike woven fabrics, you don’t need to take any extra steps to prevent the fabric from unraveling or hide unsightly raw edges. Even beginning crocheters can create a simple foundation-stitch edging on a fleece blanket. Those with more advanced crochet skills can build upon the foundation stitch with a variety of other decorative stitches.
Things You'll Need
- Fleece blanket
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Fabric marker
- Sharp awl
- Crochet hook
- Yarn
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
Instructions
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1
Use the ruler or measuring tape to mark dots around the edges of the fleece blanket. Make the dots about 1/4 inch in from the edge and space them evenly about 1/4 inch apart.
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2
Take the sharp awl and carefully pierce the fabric through each dot. It will help to hold the fleece as taut as possible while you pierce it with the awl. You should now have small, evenly spaced holes around the perimeter of the blanket.
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3
Starting in one corner, insert the crochet hook through the first hole from the front to the back. Hold the yarn behind the blanket.
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4
Holding the tail of the yarn with your left hand and the crochet hook in your right hand, pick up the yarn with the hook and pull a loop through the hole to the right side of the blanket.
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With the first loop still on the crochet hook, reach the hook over the outer edge of the blanket adjacent to the first hole and catch the yarn (the ball-end, not the tail-end) with the hook. Pull this section of yarn back through the first loop of yarn and allow the original loop to slip off the hook. The section of yarn that you caught up should now form the only loop remaining on the hook.
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Push the hook through the next hole on the right from front to back. Pick up the yarn from behind the blanket and pull it through the hole. You now have two loops on the crochet hook.
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Reach the hook over the edge of the blanket and catch the yarn. Pull this section of yarn through the two loops on the hook, slipping the two loops off the end. You should now have only one loop.
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Repeat until you have used all the holes and returned to the point where you started.
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9
Cut the yarn tail and pull it through the final loop on the crochet hook. Pull the yarn tail to tighten the loop. Thread the tail into a yarn needle and weave the end under the crochet trim for a finished look.
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Tips & Warnings
If you use a large crochet hook and bulky yarn, make the holes further apart. If you use a small hook and fine yarn, make them closer together.
Remember to use machine washable yarn if you want the blanket to remain machine-washable.
This simple edging forms a base to allow you to crochet more complicated, decorative edging patterns. If you plan to continue with a decorative border, do not cut and tie off your yarn.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
