As we wrap up our journey through the 2024 Sampler Blanket, it’s time to focus on one of the most exciting parts of any crochet project—the border! The border is more than just a decorative element; it’s the finishing touch that ties everything together and adds a sense of completeness to your work. In this post, I’ll guide you through our beautiful 6-round border pattern, showcasing how it can enhance your sampler blanket.
WHY A BORDER MATTERS
A well-designed border can elevate your blanket from ordinary to extraordinary. It provides a polished look, frames your crochet work, and can even highlight the various stitches and colors used throughout the blanket. Whether you’re looking to create a rustic feel or a vibrant statement piece, the right border can make all the difference.
INTRODUCING THE 2024 SAMPLER BLANKET BORDER
Our 2024 Sampler Blanket Border features six unique rounds, each crafted with a different stitch and color. This combination not only adds character and detail but also infuses your blanket with vibrant interest.
YARN SELECTION
For this step, we’re sticking with our go-to, Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino. This yarn is perfect for its lovely sheen, soft feel, and the added bonus of being machine washable—ideal for a project that's going to get a lot of love.
Color Choice: For the border of the blanket, we're using colors #02/ Tuffet, #79/ Bordeaux Heather, and #63/ Pale Lilac. This combination of super light and super dark creates a dramatic contrast emphasizing the stitches and rounds of the border.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
Watch my video tutorial on YouTube to learn and master the border for each square. For an ad-free experience and exclusive access to all my PDF patterns, join my Crochet Club. Not sure yet? Try our 7-day free trial and see how it can enhance your crochet journey!
MATERIALS:
Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino or any Size 3/DK Weight Yarn
Crochet hook size G/6 - 4.25mm (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Scissors
Stitch Marker
Yarn or Tapestry Needle
KITS
Want everything you need in one place? Check out our 2024 Sampler Blanket CAL Kits. These kits include all the materials required for a seamless and enjoyable crochet experience.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Color Coordination: Choose colors that complement the main body of your sampler blanket. Consider using shades that echo colors used in your blanket or go for a bold contrast for added interest.
Stitch Practice: If you’re unfamiliar with any of the stitches used in the border, take a moment to practice them separately. This will ensure you feel confident as you work through the rounds.
Stay Consistent: Pay attention to your tension as you switch between stitches and colors. Keeping a consistent tension will help your border look neat and professional.
Stitch Abbreviations (US Terminology):
ch / Chain
st / Stitch
sl st/ Slip Stitch
sk/ Skip
sc / Single Crochet
hdc/ Half Double Crochet
dc/ Double Crochet
YO/ Yarn Over
FLO/ Front Loop Only
BLO/ Back Loop Only
For a convenient, printable version, the PDF pattern is available for purchase below:
Special Instructions
sc Twist
Insert crochet hook into st, YO, pull yarn through st, with 2 loops on your hook,
twist your hook starting by moving hook forward, around, and back to position.
YO, pull yarn through both loops on hook.
2 hdc Cluster
YO, insert hook into ch-1 sp, YO, pull yarn through st, YO, insert hook into ch-1 sp,
YO, pull yarn throug st, (5 loops on hook), YO, pull through all 5 loops.
PATTERN INSTRUCTION
RND 1:
With the Tuffet Color. Find the 3rd st of the corner to attach the yarn to the project. Sl st BLO in this stitch. Ch 1, and sc BLO in that same ch-2 sp. Continue to sc BLO in every st across the first square.
When working over the join, sc in the corner middle st that already has a st in it from the join. Make 3 sc around the ch-3, then sc in the next square corner middle st that also has a st in it from the join.
Corner: in the middle st [sc BLO, ch 2, sc BLO] rotate blanket.
In Corner #4, sc BLO, ch 2, and then sl st in the first sc st made for Rnd 1 to close round. Cut yarn leaving long enough tail to weave in ends. Tie off.
ROW 2:
Switch to the Pale Lilac color. Sl st into the top corner ch-2 sp to attach the yarn to the project. Ch 1, make one hdc in the ch-2 corner, continue to make one hdc in each st. In every corner ch-2 sp, [hdc, ch 2, hdc].
In Corner #4, hdc in the ch-2 sp, ch 2, then sl st into the first hdc already in that corner to close the round. Cut yarn leaving long enough tail to weave in ends. Tie off.
RND 3:
Switch to color Bordeaux Heather. Sl st in the top corner ch-2 sp to attach the yarn to the project. Ch 1, sc twist (refer to special instructions) in the ch-2 sp, continue to make one sc twist in the FLO in each st. In every corner [sc twist, ch 2, sc twist] around the ch-2.
In Corner #4, sc twist, ch 2, then sl st into the top of the first sc twist that is already in the ch-2 sp to close round. Cut yarn leaving long enough tail to weave in ends. Tie off.
RND 4:
Switch to Pale Lilac color. Sl st in the top corner ch-2 to attach yarn to project. Ch 2 (does not count as a stitch) dc into the first sc twist st of the corner. We are making a regular dc st into this stitch because the stitch was not made into a FLO. Push the sc twist sts forward so you can see the left behind loops of the round 2 sts. Dc in the BLO loop.
In each corner: dc into the sc twist st, ch-2 sp [dc, ch 2, dc], dc into the next sc twist st.
In Corner #4, dc in the sc twist st, in ch-2 sp [dc, ch 2] then sl st into the first dc to close the round.
Cut yarn leaving long enough tail to weave in ends. Tie off.
Rnd 5:
Switch to Tuffet color yarn. Sl st in the top corner ch-2 to attach yarn to project. Ch 1, sc in the ch-2 sp, ch 1, sk the next st, sc in the following st.
Repeat ch 1, sk 1 st, sc in the next st across row. In the corner ch-2 space work a (sc, ch 2, sc). If you are following the (ch 1, sk 1, sc) pattern and you reach the corner where your last sc is in the st right before the corner, just continue with the corner combination (sc, ch 2, sc). If you reach the corner and there is one st between your sc and the corner, just ch 1, sk that last st and work your corner combination.
Repeat around. In Corner #4, sc, ch 2, then sl st in the first sc to close round.
Cut yarn leaving long enough tail to weave in ends. Tie off.
RND 6:
Switch to the Bordeaux Heather color. Sl st in the top corner ch-2 to attach the yarn to the project. Ch 1, 2 hdc cluster (refer to special instructions) in the ch-2 corner.
Ch 1, sk over the sc st, 2 hdc cluster in the ch-1 sp. Repeat, ch 1, sk over the sc st, 2 hdc cluster in the ch-1 sp. In ever corner ch-2 sp, (2 hdc cluster, ch 1, 2 hdc cluster, ch 1, 2 hdc cluster) for a total of 3 x (2 hdc clusters), then ch 1 to sk over the sc st and continue the repeat.
In Corner #4, 2 hdc cluster, ch 1, 2 hdc cluster, ch 1, and sl st into the top of the first 2 hdc cluster already made in this corner to close round.
Cut yarn leaving long enough tail to weave in ends. Tie off.
For a PRINTABLE VERSION, please click here.
Join the Fun!
The 2024 Sampler Blanket Border is the perfect way to bring your crochet project to a beautiful close. With its six unique rounds of stitches and colors, you’ll create a stunning finishing touch that highlights your hard work and creativity. Whether you’re making this blanket for yourself or as a gift, this border will surely impress!
Happy crocheting, and I can’t wait to see how your borders turn out! Be sure to share your finished blankets in our community; I love seeing your creations! #CWT2024CAL.
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