How to Create and Use Crocheted Edgings for Your Special Project
Crocheted edgings can add such beauty, elegance, and fun to other projects. Plus, they are usually easy to make, and come in almost every variety imaginable. The free pattern for crocheted edgings I've included below can be used to edge pillow cases, curtains, hankerchiefs, fleece baby blankets...in fact, almost anything. Most edgings are created in thread. If you have never crocheted with thread, edgings can be a great way to start. Because you are repeating the same pattern over and over, you will learn to keep your thread tension consistant very quickly. First, let's talk about how to use crocheted edgings. The easiest way to do that is to show you some examples of crocheted edgings.
Crocheted Edgings Showcase - What Can You Do?
 Add crocheted edgings to clothing. You can add trim to the sleeves, collar, pockets, etc. This example is a simple fleece jacket, with added crochet around the edges. There are also small flower embellishments added to the corners. Here's a way to add some pizzaz to a sweater or tee-shirt - add some crocheted trim. Make it out of metallic thread, and add some sparkle.
If you like to sell your crochet projects, this is an easy item to make. Add edgings to small items like hankerchiefs, fabric bookmarks, and napkins. For more ambitious projects, add trim to tablecloths and placemats. These are good places for small crocheted motifs as well.  Don't forget pillow cases and sheets, and curtains, and ... let your imagination go!
Anything with an edge (which is everything) may be a candidate for crocheted edgings.
How to Make Your Crocheted Edging Fit Your Project
Edgings are one of my favorite things to make. They are fast, and can be completely customized to your specific project. Here's how:Step One: Make 2 - 5 Sections of Your Edging - You probably have an idea o which edging you want on which project. Crochet about 2-5 sections of the pattern.
- Now place it along the edge of your piece. Is it the right scale? Does it have the look you want? Is the color right?
- If it looks good, go on to the next step. If something doesn't look right, change the pattern or thread color and try again.
Step Two: Define Your Measurements - Here's where it gets a little tricky. Start by measuring the length of the edge of the project where you will be adding your crochet.
- Now measure your sample piece you did in step one.
- Divide your project edge by the sample lenght.
- If it is a whole number, then this edging will work with no alteration. Now, divide your whole number by the number of crochet sections you made in your sample. This number is the number of sections you will make for your edging.
- If the number is not a whole number, then you need to alter the pattern, or pick a different pattern.
Step Three: Alter the Pattern- Try crocheting your sample again with the next larger or smaller hook size. This may make the pattern fit better, and will usually work.
- Sometimes you can add an extra chain to the sequence. You will have to try it first, and see if this technique works with your particular pattern.
- You can also try adding a spacer stitch in between the crochet sections. Even something as simple as adding a double crochet before you begin the next round may make the pattern fit your project.
Easy Edging Pattern
Here's an easy pattern to get started:Use steel crochet hook size 12 Ch desired length, sc in 2nd ch from hook, [ch 5, skip3 chs on foundation ch, sc in next ch] across ch, fasten off.Row 2: Make a loop on hook, work [a Shell of 1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc, ch 5, sc in 4th ch from hook, ch 2, 1 dc, ch 2, 1 dc] all in first Lp, *skip next Lp, Shell in next Lp; rpt from * across. Notes: to figure out hook/thread combinations,
visit my "Crochet Hook" page
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