Pretty Crochet Edging For Baby Blankets: Number 3 in a Crochet Series

If you have been holding your breath, here is the promised Number 3 in this crochet series. Breathe again! :)

The polka dot flannel located in the photo above shows an example of a fancier crocheted edging that works well on fabrics printed with with soft colors and delicate designs.

Although this is more advanced than the first crocheted blanket edging, it is still a simple crochet project to make. It is enjoyable to create as well as a thoughtful gift to give.

The first and most important aspect of this introduction on making a pretty crochet edging for baby blankets for a beginner to grasp is that you can do it!

First, If you are unfamiliar with the half-double crochet stitch take a look at the video below so you can see how easy it is. Then take a little time to practice the stitch.

Next, if you haven’t already done so, this might be a good time to take a look at my introductory crochet hub (Number 1), as well as the beginner’s crochet project (Number 2). The basics with tips and photos are on those hubs so I am only giving a simplified text version of the supplies and initial directions in this third crochet hub. If you did the first project you already have enough experience to go ahead and start this second one. Begin by reviewing the basic information below.

Supplies:

1 1/4 yards flannel, scissors, size 4 steel crochet hook, crochet thread, one of the products that prevents cut edges from fraying

How to begin:

Wash and dry your flannel fabric. Fold into a triangle and cut selvedges off. You will be crocheting on raw edges. Begin approximately 6-8 inches from one corner.

Make a crochet slipknot and pierce the fabric at approximately 3/8 of an inch from the cut edge, that is a little more than 1/4” but not quite 1/2”.

* Continue to crochet 3 single stitches, piercing the fabric again at approximately 1/4” intervals for each group of 3 single crochets, repeating to the corner.

** At the corner repeat the 3 single crochet stitches process three times, going back into the same hole each time.

After crocheting around the first corner, continue to the next corner and repeat * and ** around the blanket.

Connect the last chain of single stitches into the first hole you began with. DO NOT CUT THE THREAD at this point, as in the first project.

If you have practiced the half-double crochet stitch you are now ready to finish your edging on this baby blanket.

After single crocheting into the first hole you began with, make 3 single crochets, then one half-double crochet stitch in the first loop on the fabric edge.

Repeat 3 single crochet stitches with a half-double crochet in every loop all the way around the blanket edge.

Round corners with the same stitches in the same way--3 single crochet stitches with a half-double crochet in each loop on the fabric.

Connect the last double crochet stitch into the first loop. Cut thread leaving, several inches for tying a double knot. Once the knot is tied put a drop of the fray product on it and allow to dry.

• Tip: using a fray product like this (being careful to follow manufacturer's directions) is not a typical crochet technique, but remember, this blanket is a multi-purpose, drag around blanket that will be in the washer and dryer many times.

Cut the ends of the thread close to the knot and this pretty crochet edging for baby blankets project is finished.

Look for my next crochet hub on a different example of a fancy crocheted edge for a baby blanket.

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