As a crocheter, I know how much time and effort goes into creating a beautiful blanket. From selecting the perfect yarn to choosing the right stitch pattern, every aspect of the process matters. However, one element that is often overlooked is the crochet border. A crochet border is not only functional but also adds a finishing touch to your blanket, making it look polished and complete. In this article, I will share some tips on how to choose the right border pattern for your crochet blanket and provide a step-by-step guide on how to crochet 3 fun & easy border options. Additionally, I will share some creative ways to customize your crochet blanket border and provide some simple and elegant crochet border patterns for different crochet blanket sizes.
The Importance of a Crochet Border
A crochet border serves many purposes. Firstly, it provides stability to the edges of the blanket, preventing them from curling or unraveling. Secondly, it adds a decorative touch to the blanket, making it look more interesting and visually appealing. Lastly, it can hide any imperfections or mistakes made during the crocheting process. Therefore, choosing the right crochet border pattern is essential to achieving a professional-looking finished product.
Tips for Choosing the Right Border Pattern for Your Blanket
When choosing a crochet border pattern, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you should consider the style and purpose of your blanket. If you are making a baby blanket, you might want to choose a soft and delicate border pattern, whereas if you are making an afghan, you might want to choose a more intricate and decorative pattern. Secondly, you should consider the color scheme of your blanket. You might want to choose a border pattern that complements the colors of your blanket or adds a pop of contrasting color. Lastly, you should consider the size of your blanket. A smaller blanket might require a simpler border pattern, whereas a larger blanket might require a more elaborate pattern.
How to Crochet a Border on a Blanket - Step by Step Guide
Border #1: The Linen or Woven Stitch Blanket Border
Rnd 1: Foundation Row
Taking the yarn you want to use for the foundation row (or round 1) of your blanket border, and your crochet hook, slip stitch into the same stitch space you ended your blanket at. Usually a top corner stitch.
Chain 1, Sc in the same stitch space you just slip stitched into.
Make one Sc stitch in each stitch space and each chain space across the top of square #1. This includes the corner chains.
Make one Sc into the join stitch space, then continue across the top of the next square.
Repeat all the way across the top of your blanket.
Corners:
In the corner stitch space make 4 Sc stitches, then work the next side of your blanket the same as you did the top. With a Granny Square Blanket, all 4 sides will be worked the same way.
If working a rectangular blanket with full rows:
Make one Sc stitch in the side of each row ending or beginning with a Sc/Hdc/chain 1.
Make 2 Sc stitches in the side of each row beginning or ending with a Dc/chain 2.
Make 3 Sc stitches in the side of each row beginning or ending with a Tr/Chain 3.
Continue around until you get to corner #4.
Corner #4:
Make 3 Sc stitches in the last stitch space or corner stitch
Slip Stitch into the first Sc stitch you made for the border.
Tie off your work if switching colors
Rnd 2: (Choice to switch colors or stay with same color)
Slip Stitch into the first stitch space you just slip stitched into the join new color.
Chain 1, Sc in the same stitch space you just slip stitched into.
Repeat *Chain 1, skip the next stitch space, Sc in the follow stitch space.*
Find the first corner. NO matter where you are in your repeat pattern, make one Sc in the stitch space right before the corner.
Chain 1, skip over the first stitch in corner.
Make 2 Sc stitches in the second and third stitch space in corner.
Chain 1, skip over the fourth stitch space in corner.
Continue repeat pattern of *Chain 1, skip one stitch space, Sc in the following stitch space.*
Repeating each corner as you did with corner #1.
In corner #4, after you chain 1 to skip over the fourth stitch space of corner, slip stitch into the top of the first Sc stitch you made for round 2 to close round.
Rnd 3: (Switch colors or keep with same color)
Slip stitch into the chain 1 space behind the stitch you just slip stitched into to attach yarn.
Chain 1, Sc in the same chain 1 space.
Skip over the Sc stitch, find the next chain 1 space. Sc in the chain 1 space.
Repeat * Chain 1, skip the Sc stitch, Sc in the chain 1 space* across the long stretch of blanket.
In each corner: Find the 4 Sc stitches. Chain 1, skip over the first Sc stitch. Make 2 Sc stitches in the second and third stitch space. Chain 1, skip over the fourth Sc stitch.
In Corner #4, Chain 1, skip over the fourth Sc stitch of corner. Slip stitch into the first Sc stitch we made for the round.
Repeat Rnd 3 for pattern.
Tie off your work and weave in your ends.
Blanket Border #2: The Standing Flowers Blanket Border
Rnd 1: Foundation Row: Work the foundation Row using the instructions above for the Linen/Woven Stitch.
Rnd 2:
Slip stitch into the first Sc stitch to close border.
Rnd 2 & 3: Chain 1, Sc in each stitch space around.
Corners:
Look for the 4 Sc stitches, and make one Sc in the first stitch, 2 Sc in the second and third stitch, one Sc in the fourth stitch space.
Slip Stitch into the first Sc stitch you made for the round to close round.
In Round #4 we attach the Standing Flowers. Before we start, make the actual flowers.
Flower Pattern:
Chain 2
Rnd 1: Make 6 Sc in the first chain. (Total 6 sts)
Rnd 2: Chain 1, Sc in the first stitch space you just slip stitched into.
Chain 3, Sc in the next stitch space over.
Repeat around for a total of 6 petals.
On the 6th petal, you will chain 3 and slip stitch into the top of the first Sc stitch.
Tie off your work and weave in your ends.
The number of flowers you will need to make will depend on how many stitches you have along each side of your blanket and then one flower for each corner.
My blanket example has a Standing Flower Stitch every 4 stitches, but feel free to make yours however spread apart you would like.
Rnd 4:
Chain 1
Sc in the same stitch space you just slip stitched into.
Sc in the next 2 stitch space.
In the 4th stitch space, Sc into the stitch space
Chain 3
Slip stitch through one of the flower petals.
Chain 2, Sc in the same stitch space you just slip stitched into to start flower.
Repeat, 3 Sc stitches, then Standing Flower stitch.
Corners:
Continue to make the 3 Sc stitches in the corner 4 stitches. You will end right at stitch #2.
Chain 3
Slip Stitch through one flower petal to attach flower.
Chain 2
Sc in stitch #3 of the corner 4 stitches (or the next stitch space over on border). This will create a V looking shape stem that will help smoothly transition the design to the next side of the blanket.
Corner #4: After making your standing flower in the corner:
Sc in each stitch space to finish off the round.
Slip Stitch into the top of the first stitch space to close round.
Tie Off work and weave in your ends.
Border #3: Simple Puff Stitch Border
Rnd 1: Foundation Row
Start by Slip Stitching into the top corner of your blanket. If your square has 4 stitches in each corner, find the fourth stitch space (or the stitch space right before the first stitch outside of the corner on the top of blanket).
Slip Stitch into the stitch space.
Chain 1, Sc in that same corner or stitch space.
Make one Sc stitch in each stitch space and in each chain space all the way around.
In each Corner:
Sc, Chain 2, Sc (Note: If your corner has 4 stitches in it, Sc in the first stitch, chain 2, skip next 2 stitches, Sc in the last stitch space of corner.)
Rnd 2: The Puff Stitch Round. Feel free to switch colors or keep the same color
Chain 3 (Does not count as a stitch)
Work Puff Stitch in the same stitch you just chained from.
Puff Stitch Instruction:
Yarn Over, insert crochet hook into stitch space, Yarn over pull yarn through and continue pulling until level with other stitches. (3 loops on hook)
Yarn over, insert crochet hook into the same stitch space, Yarn over pull yarn through and continue pulling until level with other stitches. (5 loops on hook)
Yarn over, insert crochet hook into the same stitch space, Yarn over pull yarn through and continue pulling until level with other stitches. (7 loops on hook)
Yarn over, insert crochet hook into the same stitch space, Yarn over pull yarn through and continue pulling until level with other stitches. (9 loops on hook)
Yarn over and pull yarn through all 9 loops on your crochet hook
Chain 1, skip the next stitch space.
Repeat * Puff Stitch, chain 1, skip next stitch space* across row.
Corners: In each chain 2 corner make:
Puff Stitch, chain 1, Puff Stitch, chain 1, Puff Stitch, chain 1
Skip the next stitch space right after the corner.
Begin *Puff Stitch, Chain 1, skip 1* with the second stitch space after corner.
In Corner #4:
Work your same corner grouping in the chain 2 space.
Then Slip Stitch into the top of the first Puff Stitch we made for the round.
Rnd 3: (Feel free to switch color or keep the same color)
Chain 1
Sc in the same stitch space you just slip stitched into.
Make one Sc stitch in each chain 1 space and on top of each Puff Stitch around your entire border.
Corners: On the middle Puff stitch or 2nd Puff stitch of each corner
Make 3 Sc stitches to smoothly transition to the next side.
End round 3 by slip stitching into the first Sc stitch you made for round.
Tie off your work & weave in your ends.
You're done!
For Step-by-Step visual instruction, follow along with my YouTube video tutorial HERE!
In Summary
A crochet border is an essential element of a crochet blanket, providing stability, decoration, and a finishing touch. By following the tips and patterns provided in this article, you can create a beautiful and professional-looking border for your crochet blanket. Remember to consider the style, color scheme, and size of your blanket when choosing a border pattern and to customize your border to make it unique and personalized. With these creative border patterns, you can transform your crochet blankets into works of art.
Do you have a favorite crochet border pattern? Share your favorite crochet border pattern in the comments below!
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