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Crochet Borders and Edgings: step-by-step tutorial
Crochet borders are rounds of stitches worked around the edge of a blanket, square or garment to neaten, strengthen and decorate it. Common borders include single crochet, shell, picot, crab stitch and bobble edgings. Place three stitches in each corner so the border lies flat and turns cleanly.
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How to crochet borders and edgings, step by step
- Join yarn in any stitch along an edge, not in a corner.
- Sc evenly along each side, about 1 sc per sc row and 2 sc per dc row end.
- Work 3 sc in each corner stitch.
- Sl st to the first sc to join the round.
- Work any decorative round, such as shells or picots, into the sc foundation.
- Fasten off and weave in the tail invisibly.
How do you crochet a border around a blanket?
To crochet a border around a blanket, work a foundation round of single crochet evenly along the edges with three stitches in each corner, then add decorative rounds on top.
A foundation round hides uneven row ends and gives later rounds a consistent stitch count.
| Row stitch | Border sc per row end |
|---|---|
| sc | 1 |
| hdc | 1–2 (alternate) |
| dc | 2 |
| tr | 3 |
Which crochet edging should you use on a blanket?
Choose a blanket edging by the look you want and how much wear the edge will get. Solid single crochet and crab stitch borders are the most durable for everyday blankets; shell, picot and scalloped edgings are decorative and suit baby blankets and heirloom afghans. Every edging below starts from the same foundation round of single crochet.
| Border | Stitches used | Look | Best for | Skill level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single crochet border | sc, 3 sc in corners | Flat, firm edge | Any blanket; the base for other edgings | Beginner |
| Half double crochet border | hdc, 3 hdc in corners | Slightly taller, soft edge | Throws and chunky blankets | Beginner |
| Crab stitch (reverse sc) edge | rev sc | Corded, rope-like edge | Durable everyday blankets | Easy |
| Shell border | sc, 5 dc shells | Scalloped | Baby blankets and afghans | Beginner |
| Picot edging | sc, ch 3 picots | Small decorative points | Baby blankets and lace | Beginner |
| Ribbed post-stitch border | fpdc, bpdc | Ribbed, stretchy band | Modern throws, borders that frame stripes | Easy |
| Bobble or pom-pom edge | sc, bobbles | Textured, playful | Nursery blankets | Easy |
| Filet or lace edging | ch, dc, sk | Open, lacy band | Heirloom afghans and bedspreads | Intermediate |
Why is my crochet border wavy?
A wavy border means too many stitches were worked along the edge. A cupping or pulling border means too few.
Count stitches per 10 cm of edge and adjust, or use a smaller hook for the border rounds.
What is the easiest crochet border?
The easiest crochet border is two or three rounds of single crochet or half double crochet with increases in each corner.
Adding a final round of crab stitch turns a simple border into a corded, polished edge.
Patterns that use crochet borders and edgings
Quick chunky half double crochet throw
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Super bulky (#6)
- Hook size
- 10 mm hook
- Yardage
- 1000 yd
Free pattern
Heat-safe double thickness crochet pot holder
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 4.5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 170 yd
Free pattern
Easy moss stitch crochet dishcloth
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 100 yd
Free pattern
Solid corner-to-corner crochet blanket
- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 1200 yd
Free pattern
Flower Afghan (1951): vintage crochet pattern
- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 3.75 mm hook
- Yardage
- 4420 yd
Free preview · in bundle
Eight-square granny square vest
- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn weight
- Medium (#4)
- Hook size
- 5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 800 yd
Free pattern
Textured moss stitch crochet baby blanket
- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn weight
- Light (#3)
- Hook size
- 4.5 mm hook
- Yardage
- 1500 yd
Free pattern
Narrow Pink Cluster and Picot Edging #8112 (1951): vintage crochet pattern
- Skill level
- Easy
- Yarn weight
- Lace (#0)
- Hook size
- 0.85 mm hook
- Yardage
- Amount as printed
Free preview · in bundle
Frequently asked questions
How many stitches go in a crochet corner?
Usually 3 sc, or (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) for taller borders.
Should a border use the same hook?
Often a hook one size smaller helps the edge lie flat.
What is a picot edge?
A small loop made by chaining 3 and slip stitching into the base.