Pretty Edge

It had been years since I had learned crochet and produced a rather awful scarf. Recently one of my students asked me to show her some crochet skills and once I had reminded myself of them it opened up a whole world of tasteful crochet possibilities! This is edging or border is a lovely simple project, that shows you how just a few crochet stitches can be effective, and tasteful!

This is your pattern for this edging-
Foundation chain of the required length-count your stitches, and make sure the chain is a multiple of 6 stitches +1
Row 1-1 chain,1 double double crochet in each stitch, turn
Row 2-1 chain *miss 2 stitches, 5 treble crochet in next double crochet, miss 2 stitches, 1 double crochet in next stitch, rep from * to end.
Fasten off.

I know that sounds complicated, but I promise its very simple! There's only 3 crochet stitches involved-chain, double crochet and triple crochet. Use your pattern as a reference. Before you undertake a project make a small sample piece, for practice and to make sure it looks as you expected.


These are 2 versions of how to do a slip knot- the very first stitch on your hook!


How to hold your yarn and hook! Tension is important- not to tight and not too loose. This will take practice.


To create your foundation chain you catch the yarn and bring it all the way through the loop on your hook. Pass your hook under and around the yarn to catch it. The hook comes towards you at the start of the movement.


This is your foundation chain. Don't forget to keep count! The first slip knot doesn't count as a stitch.


If you haven't done so already be sure to measure the area you want to trim. I'm going to edge the empire line of this linen dress. There are a host of possibilities- cuffs, hems even creating very impressive ribbons for wrapping gifts.


This the double crochet stitch. Once you have created a foundation chain of the required length (multiple of 6 +1). Turn at the end, add one chain stitch (your turning stitch) and go back along it working the double crochet into each stitch.


Working the double crochet along..


Finished row 1!


Now for the treble crochet! Be sure to practice this one a bit first.


Follow the pattern guide for row 2- 1 chain *miss 2 stitches, 5 treble crochet in next double crochet, miss 2 stitches, 1 double crochet in next stitch, rep from * to end.


Coming along nicely!


To finish cut your yarn and pull it through the last loop! Now it just needs to be sewn on. I attached it to the garment with small diagonal tacking stitches the same color as the yarn. All very simple and immensely satisfying! Now I just have to finish that dress..