A neat border can make a simple baby blanket look intentional. This tutorial uses a single crochet foundation round followed by a half double crochet round. The method works best on square or rectangle blankets with straight edges. If your blanket is wavy before the border, fix the stitch spacing first rather than forcing the border to hide it.
Supplies
- Finished crochet blanket
- Same weight yarn or slightly lighter yarn for border
- Hook used for blanket or one size smaller
- Stitch markers and yarn needle
Abbreviations
ch = chain, sc = single crochet, hdc = half double crochet, sl st = slip stitch, st = stitch.
Round 1: foundation edge
- Join yarn in any corner. Ch 1.
- Work 3 sc in the corner.
- Across the top and bottom, work 1 sc in each stitch.
- Along row ends, begin with 2 sc for every 3 hdc rows, or 3 sc for every 4 dc rows. This ratio is a starting point and may need small adjustment.
- Work 3 sc in each corner. Join with sl st to first sc.
Round 2: soft frame
- Ch 1. Hdc in each st around.
- At each corner, work 3 hdc in the center corner stitch from the previous round.
- Join with sl st. Do not pull the join too tight.
Optional final round
For a firmer edge, work one more round of sc with 3 sc in each corner center stitch. This creates a tidy frame without adding a lacy edge that can catch easily.
Troubleshooting
If the edge cups inward, you probably used too few stitches along the sides or a hook that is too small. If the edge ripples, you probably used too many side stitches or corners that are too loose. Lay the blanket flat after each round and adjust before continuing. For gifts, weave ends through several stitches and trim only after the border has relaxed.