6 Different Crochet Borders: Enhance Your Projects with Style

Crochet borders are a fantastic way to add that perfect finishing touch to your crochet projects. With an array of different styles and techniques available, there’s definitely a border for everyone whether it’s for a scarf, blanket, or coasters. Some borders offer simplicity, while others provide a visual feast of interesting textures and intricate designs.

1. Single Crochet Border

A single crochet border is an excellent choice for adding a clean and simple finish to a variety of crochet projects. Using just one type of stitch, the single crochet, this border provides a neat and uncomplicated edging.

For a single crochet border, I suggest selecting a yarn color that complements your project, either by matching the main color or using a contrasting one for visual interest.

Start by attaching your yarn to the corner of your project with a slip stitch. From there, work a single crochet stitch in each stitch around the edge.

As you proceed, ensure that stitches are worked evenly on each side, as this will allow the border to lay flat.

If you are working into the side of stitches (for projects worked in rows), the number of stitches to work will vary according to the height of the stitches used to form each row. Typically, the following approach works well and ensures an even border:

• Work one single crochet stitch into the side of each single crochet row.
• Work three single crochet stitches into the side of each pair of half double crochet rows (i.e. 3 sc across every two rows of hdc).
• Work two single crochet stitches into the side of each double crochet row.

When you come to navigating corners, keep the border smooth by working three single crochet stitches into each corner stitch. This will create an even curve, helping the border to turn the corner without distorting the fabric. Alternatively, working 1 single crochet, 1 chain, 1 single crochet around a corner would also work.

To make your single crochet border slighting thicker, you could consider adding a second round of single crochet stitches. There are various options for this, including:

• Turn your work over and work the second round in the opposite direction to the first. This can help to avoid curling.
• Work a single crochet stitch into the back loop only of each stitch from the first round. This can add a nice ridge around the border between to two rounds of single crochet stitches.

While the single crochet border is simple, it can be modified to suit your personal style. For instance, experiment with different yarn types or colors to create unique edgings that match your project. You can also try alternating single crochet stitches with other stitches like slip stitches or half-double crochet to create different effects.

To sum up, a single crochet border is a versatile and straightforward way to finish your crochet projects. Its simplicity allows you to quickly add a polished and professional touch to your work, while still providing opportunities for customization and creativity.

2. Picot Edge Border

A picot edge border is a delicate and elegant crochet edging perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your projects. Its charm lies in its simplicity and the graceful peaks that form the characteristic picot stitch border.

This edging is especially fitting for fancier or more ornate designs and can be added to shawls, mandalas, blankets and more.

Here’s a brief description of how to create a simple picot stitch border:

1. Start by working a base round of single crochet stitches evenly around the edge of your project. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet.
2. Begin the second round by chaining one and placing a single crochet into the first stitch.
3. Next, add a picot by chaining three to create a picot loop. Then, slip stitch into the third chain from your hook, completing the picot.
4. Single crochet into some further stitches of the base row until you are ready to form your next picot stitch.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 around the entire edge of your project, creating a series of picot stitches at your chosen spacing.

You can easily modify the above method for example by using stiches other than single crochet as your base stitch, such as half double crochet or double crochet.

To accentuate the picots, you could form a repeating pattern of sc, hdc, dc, hdc and sc stitches around your item, with picots at the top of each dc stitch.

3. Ribbed Border

A ribbed border is a great addition to cozy blankets, garments and accessories, giving them a professional appearance and making them extra snuggly.

There are various ways of forming a ribbed border but two of the most popular are using alternating front and back post stitches and crocheting in the back loop only.

If you opt to use post stitches, first form a base round of single crochet stitches around your project, followed by a round of double crochet stitches. In the next round, crochet alternating front and back post double crochet stitches around the project. Repeat that round until your border has your desired width, taking care to crochet a front post stitch around each front post stitch from the previous round, and a back post stitch around each back post stitch from the previous round.

The back loop only (BLO) technique is slightly different as it involves working short rows of BLO stitches away from and then back towards your project, joining them to the project with a couple of slip stitches before repeating the rows. This approach works well with half double crochet, single crochet or even slip stitches, all crocheted into the back loops only.

4. Shell Border

A shell border is a popular crochet edging technique that gives a delicate and charming finish to a wide range of projects. It is commonly used on afghans, baby blankets, and other home décor items. This crochet border features a series of shell stitches in a repeating pattern.

The shell stitch, a versatile staple in the crochet world, is created by working multiple stitches (usually double crochets) into the same stitch or space, followed by a slip stitch before starting the next shell. These grouped stitches form a fan or “shell” shape, adding texture and visual interest to any crochet project. Shell borders can be adapted to fit various stitch patterns and yarn weights, making it a go-to choice for many crocheters.

A simple shell border typically consists of a series of shell stitches worked along the edge of the project, separated by slip or single crochet stitches. This creates a tidy and symmetrical pattern, perfect for adding a clean, finished look to an item. To create a shell stitch for the border, follow these basic steps:

1. Work a slip or single crochet in the stitch or space where you want to start the shell.
2. Skip a stitch or two (depending on your pattern), then work a predetermined number of double crochets (usually 5 or 7) into the next stitch or space. This forms the shell shape.
3. Skip another stitch or two (the same number as before), then work a slip or single crochet in the next stitch. This anchors the shell stitch and creates a spacing between shells.
4. Repeat steps 2-3 around your project.

The shell border is an accessible and adaptable crochet finishing technique suitable for various projects. With its pleasing appearance and relatively simple construction, it is no wonder that the shell border is a favorite among crocheters.

5. Bobble Border

A bobble border is an eye-catching crochet edging that adds a playful texture to any project. This versatile border can be applied to blankets, scarves, and garments to bring a fun and distinctive finishing touch.

There are numerous ways to incorporate bobbles into a border. In the above blanket, bobbles are placed at equal spacings in the final round. The bobbles are formed in the following way (although this is not the only way to create a bobble):

• Chain 3.
• Crochet a cluster of four double crochet stitches into the third chain from the hook as follows: *yarn over (YO), insert hook into third chain from hook, YO and pull through, YO and pull through 2 loops on hook,* repeat from * to * three more times, YO and pull through all five loops on hook.
• Slip stitch into the third chain from hook.

In the above example, the bobbles are worked in a neutral grey but they would also look great in a bright fun color or a subtle pastel, depending on your project and the other colors used in the design.

6. Crab Stitch

Although there are many more options, the final border example in this post is a crab stitch border, which is also known as reverse single crochet stitch.

This is a unique stitch as it is worked in the opposite direction to usual (i.e. from left to right if you are right-handed, or from right to left if you are left-handed). This results in an edging that is slightly thicker than a typical round of crochet stitches, which can add a nice weight to the edges of your project. It also has an attractive twisted appearance.

Before worked a crab stitch edging, it’s best to first frame your item with a round of single crochet stitches. This provides an neat and even base into which to work the crab stitches.

Next, work a round of crab stiches (in the opposite direction to usual) as follows:

1. Chain 1 and insert you hook into the last stitch of the previous round (to the right, if you are right-handed, or to the left, if you are left-handed) from front to back. This will probably feel quite different from your usual crochet method.
2. Yarn over, wrapping the yarn around your hook from the back to the front, and pull through stitch.
3. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on hook.
4. Insert you hook into the next stitch around your project (working in the opposite direction to usual).

Repeat steps 2-4 until you have worked all the way around your project, ending with step 3.

Adaptations and Further Embellishments

A border is often a great time to add your own personal touch to a project, whether that be with your choice of colors, stitches, or both. Have fun experimenting with different colors and stitch patterns, adding as many rounds as you feel suits your project best. Don’t be afraid to try things – you can always frog it if you decide to go for something else!

Once the border is complete, you could make your project extra special by adding further embellishments, such as pom poms, a fringe or tassels. These are not only a great way to use up left-over yarn from your project but can also add a really fun finishing touch.

How to Select the Best Crochet Border for Your Project

Incorporating the right crochet border can undoubtedly add the perfect finishing touch to your crochet projects. The six different crochet borders we’ve discussed bring a unique and stylish finished look to your creations. Whether you are looking for an easy and simple border or a more elaborate one, this selection ensures that you can find the perfect crochet borders for your needs.

Some of these borders offer a lovely minimalistic look, while others provide intricate and captivating designs.

When deciding which border to use for your project, bear these points in mind to help you make the best choice:

• Simple or relatively narrow borders can be best for projects where there is a lot of pattern in the main work, that you do not wish to detract from.
• More intricate or fancy designs, such as those involving picots, bobbles or shells, can be better for projects where the main work is more simple and you want the border to be a key feature of the design.
• Consider your own skill level when deciding which option to take but don’t be afraid to take on a bit of a challenge – borders can be a great opportunity to learn a new stitch.
• If you’re not sure, test out various border options around different parts of your project to see which you like best.
• Take note of how much yarn you have left to make sure you have enough in your chosen color to complete the selected border.
• Color choices play a significant role in the final appearance of the border. Remember that a chosen stitch pattern can have a completely different effect on your project when worked in different colors.
• Think about whether you want to work your border in a single color for a cleaner, simpler look, or with different rounds in different colors for a more elaborate and eye-catching appearance.

Finally, remember that there are no hard and fast rules and whatever makes you happiest is ultimately the best choice for you. Have fun experimenting with borders and see what personal creativity and flair you can bring to your next crochet project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some simple crochet borders for blankets?

There are many simple crochet borders to add a lovely finish to your blankets. Some of them include:

1. Slip stitch edge
2. Single crochet border
3. Half double crochet border
4. Reverse single crochet (crab stitch)

These borders can be easily mastered and provide a neat and simple edging to your projects.

How do single crochet borders differ from double crochet borders?

Single crochet borders consist of a round of single crochet stitches, while double crochet borders involve a round of double crochet stitches. Single crochet stitches are about half the height of double crochet stiches so a single crochet border will be narrower and slightly denser than a double crochet border. However, both borders are versatile and can be easily adapted to various projects.

Which crochet borders use less yarn?

For borders that require less yarn, simple and unadorned designs may be the best choice. Slip stitch, single crochet, and reverse single crochet borders use the least amount of yarn compared to more intricate or wider designs.

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