Are your blankets feeling unfinished? All you’re likely missing is the perfect crochet edging idea. This collection of crochet border patterns will help you add that all-important final touch to your latest project.
You’ll also learn some of my best tips on how to make sure your borders are smooth and even and how to fix common problems when adding trim.
How to Finish a Crochet Blanket Edge
Borders and edgings are exactly what they sound like: trim patterns you can add to your crochet projects! A crochet border is one or more rounds of stitches worked around the edges of an existing project.
Borders are most often added to crochet blankets, afghans, and throws. In this guide, that’s where we’re going to focus. You can also add edgings to dishcloths, granny squares, scarves, shawls, and kitchen towels!
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Why You’ll Love Crochet Borders!
Why Add a Border?
Adding a border after you’ve already spent weeks or months on a blanket might seem like a chore. But these blanket edging patterns are not only simple – they’re gorgeous.
For just a little extra time and effort, the right border will leave your blanket looking elegant and perfectly finished.
If you don’t have a project ready for a border, browse our free crochet patterns to find your next inspiration!
Crochet Border Supplies
You don’t need much to crochet a border around a blanket! Here’s a simple list of materials:
Yarn:
Using the same weight yarn as your blanket is the easiest way to avoid creating a wavy edge. If you choose an alternative yarn and notice rippling or puckering in your edging, adjust your hook size up or down.
Crochet hook:
If you use the same weight yarn as your main project, you can also use the same hook size.
Notions:
- Tapestry needle: to weave in your ends
- Scissors: to cut your yarn at the end of the project
- Measuring tape: to measure the width of your border
Troubleshooting Common Issues
There are two main reasons why your border might look uneven. Here’s how to tell what the problem is and how you can fix it:
| My border is… | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cupping or curling | Too few stitches | Make sure you aren’t dropping stitches Increase the number of stitches in your first border round Use a larger hook for the border rounds |
| Wavy or ruffling | Too many stitches | Make sure you aren’t adding stitches Reduce the number of stitches in your first border round Use a smaller hook for the border rounds |
Free Crochet Blanket Edging Patterns
Are you ready to add a border to your latest project? Read on for some of my favorite crochet blanket border patterns. Many of these will also work well on scarves, shawls, and even knit blankets.
Whether you’re looking for a simple trim or an elaborate lacy border, you’ll find a perfect finishing touch here.
Easy Crochet Borders for Beginners
Even if you’re new to crochet, you’ll be able to make your projects stand out with these elegant blanket borders. These easy crochet edging patterns use simple stitches like single crochet (sc) and slip stitching (sl st) to create a classic finish.
Single Crochet Edging
Crab Stitch Border
Related: Design Your Own Project with These Easy Blanket Stitches
Puff Edging
Linen Stitch Border
Related: How to Crochet the Linen Stitch
Wavy Crochet Border
Tulip Blanket Trim
Clusters and Puffs Dot Border
Wide Crochet Blanket Border Patterns
Did your blanket turn out smaller than expected? These borders look especially good on larger blankets, but they can also help you increase the size of a finished project.
Camel Stitch Blanket Border
Front Bottom Half Loop Double Crochet Border
Floral Afghan Border
Spike Stitch Edging Tutorial
Elegant Lace Edgings
Want to add a refined touch to your afghan? These beautiful lace border patterns will show you how to add delicate edging to your crochet projects. It’s the perfect look for an elegant throw blanket, or even a lacy scarf.
V-Stitch and Picot Edging
Treble Scallop Edge Pattern
Granny Square Afghan Border
Related: 36 Unique Granny Squares to Crochet
Coronet Lace Trim Pattern
Triple Picot Border
Double Crochet Mesh
5 Free Lace Edging Patterns
Crochet Chain Border
Our Latest Crochet Inspiration:
Here are a few more free crochet patterns and tutorials that are hot off the presses.
Fun Fringed Crochet Blanket Edging Ideas
Add some tassels or fringe to your throw blanket or afghan for some satisfying extra texture.
Want to incorporate fringe into the whole blanket – not just the border? My Sedona fringed crochet throw is one of my favorite unique statement blankets.
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Pom-Pom Crochet Border Stitch
Related: Free C2C crochet graphan patterns
Tassel Border
Fringed Edging
Cute Crochet Borders for Baby Blankets
If you want to add some cute shapes to baby blankets, these unique edging ideas are the way to do it. Learn how to build adorable accents like hearts, stars, and flowers into your crochet borders.
Mini Heart Edging
Crochet Flower Border
Rose Flower Border
Little Stars Trimming
Textured Blanket Trims
Is your blanket missing some texture? These waves, ruffles, scallops, and bobbles will add the perfect finishing touch to any crochet afghan.
Candy Cane Border
Easy Ruffled Edge
Bobble Border Pattern
Curling Waves Edge
Cute Bobble Edging
Simple Shell Stitch Trim
Berry Stitch Crochet Edge
How to Make Pom Poms: Tutorial for Knit & Crochet Hats, + More
Obsessed with finding the best free crochet patterns?
Check out these collections of handpicked patterns to find your next project.
You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.Tips for The Perfect Blanket Edging
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you add the perfect finishing stitches to your next crochet afghan project.
Pick a suitable color
There’s no real science behind choosing the right color for your blanket’s edge. Look at the colors you’re already using, and think about what you want to add to the palette. Are you going for a contrasting color that will really pop, or something more complimentary?
Can’t decide on a color? Try a blanket edge pattern that includes multiple rounds and work each in a different color.
Start with single crochet
A round of single crochet stitches will give the rest of your border a solid foundation. It’s also an opportunity to fudge the stitches a bit to achieve a specific stitch count if your desired border pattern requires it.
This is especially helpful if you’re planning an intricate, lacy edge. It will help you to space out your stitches and avoid miscounting.
Pro Tip: If a round of single crochet looks a bit crowded, try alternating single crochet and chain stitches along the blanket edge. Then on the next round, treat single crochets and chains interchangeably.
Increase at the corners
When turning corners with your edging, you’ll need to add extra stitches. Otherwise, the corners will curl up. As your border gets wider, the problem will get worse.
If you’re working with a crochet pattern, it should tell you exactly how many stitches to add at each corner. If you’re designing your own finishing trim, a good rule of thumb is to add three stitches in each corner.
Edgings and Borders FAQs
Here are answers to common questions about how to crochet a blanket edge.
No, your blanket or afghan doesn’t need a border. Some crochet and knit blankets are considered complete without additional trim. But a border can be a great way to add a neat, professional finish to your blanket.
It’s up to you! But generally speaking, your border should be proportionate to the rest of your blanket. If your border is too wide, it can draw the eye away from the blanket.
Smaller blankets look good with smaller borders, ideally less than 6″ wide. But bigger blankets can support a trim as wide as 12″ or 14″.
You don’t have to use the same yarn for the border as you did for the blanket. But it’s a good idea to match the gauge and weight of the yarn if possible. Otherwise, your border might end up with a wavy texture.
For a clean, invisible join, finish off your border with a slip stitch to the first stitch of the round.
Free Blanket Patterns
Looking for your next crochet throw blanket pattern? Here are some M&DC favorites!
Learn a New Skill
When you’re ready to master a new skill, check out our detailed guides that include everything you need to know to level up your crochet game.
- How to Corner to Corner (C2C) Crochet for Beginners – with video tutorials to get you started
- How to Crochet a Beginner Hat – make an entire beanie in 1.5 hours!
- How to Crochet Amigurumi for Beginners – the ultimate guide to making your own toys and plushies
- How to Tunisian Crochet – learn with this video and a standard hook
That was so fun! Now what?
Invitation to our Facebook group
Come discuss adding borders to blankets and lots of other crochet projects and techniques in our Make & Do Crew Facebook group. Here thousands of helpful crocheters answer each others questions and share their stitches. Join us!
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