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IN THE KNOW
Top tips and techniques to get you adding crochet edgings and trim in all the right places If you feel like your project’s missing that certain something, why not pep it up with some clever crochet edging? Once mastered, this nifty embellishment is a great go-to for neatening edges, hiding mistakes, increasing the size of your project and adding that much-desired professional finish to your pieces. Edging is also a fab little crafty ace up your sleeve when it comes to revamping homewares and breathing life into old clothes.
TOP TIP
When creating your crochet edgings, don’t forget about adding allowance for your corners. An extra three or five stitches should suffice. To be on the safe side, we recommend creating a swatch so you know how your corners affect your pattern repeat.
Q
Why do some patterns refer to edge finishes and others just edgings?
A
Simply put, an edge finish is a form of crochet edging that is worked directly onto the lengths and sides of another piece of crochet. Edgings, on the other hand, are primarily worked separately by using a foundation chain that’s the total length required to create a border to the project. The added bonus of working with edgings is that they can be used to trim woven fabrics as well as crochet pieces.
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Scales: looks lovely and is easily worked up quickly
TALKING TECHNIQUES
Turn to Fabric Love for some more fab-looking ideas for pepping up your crochet projects
ALL YOU NEED
1 CROCHET THREAD is used to create intricate trims and edgings. It comes in sizes 3 to 100 (the larger numbers represents thinner threads). 2 CROCHET YARN can be used too, although this will create heavier trims making it perfect for upholstered items. 3 CROCHET HOOKS are of course a must. Small steel ones are the preferred choice; hooks go as small as 0.5mm. 4 SMALL SCISSORS are needed for clipping ends, make sure they have a sharp point.
Sawteeth: a basic edge of tiny v-shaped loops
Q A
What’s an approximate foundation chain?
It can be hard to produce the perfect sized edging to fit your work, so it’s always preferable to err on the side of caution. To do this, create a foundation chain that’s longer than required to go right around your item and work the appropriate number of edging pattern repeats into it. Manipulate the edging by stretching or easing the piece to find where the nearest repeat sits that completes the border. Continue working the edging by turning at this point, leaving any additional chains unworked. Once the border has been completed, snip the slip knot at the end of the unworked chain, unravelling the stitches and finally weaving in the ends.
Eyelet triangles: adds a sweet, gentle ruffle
Ripple: looks great and surprisingly easy to master
Rings: an ornate edge made of simple stitches
Arabesque: inspired by calligraphy borders
Q A
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
This pretty array of edging is taken from Exquisite Trims in Thread Crochet by Caitlin Sainio (£10.99, Search Press). With a vast compilation of crochet edgings, you’ll be addicted in no time. MIT readers can buy this book for the special price of £9.99 with free UK P&P. Call 01892 510850, quoting ‘Make it Today’.
How do I stop my crochet trim from curling?
Blocking your work, whether it’s a separate edging or a complete project, allows for a process of stretching and shaping to occur that will even out your stitches and limit any curling or spiralling. There are two main ways to do this, wet blocking or steaming; it’s recommended that you check any information on your thread or ball band first to choose the most appropriate option. To wet block, dampen your work so that it is wet through, squeezing out any excess water. Press it flat and straight (to the correct measurements) and leave on a towel until completely dry. For steaming, hold an iron so that it’s hovering over your work, apply steam until the yarn relaxes and pin to the right measurements before allowing it to set.
Eyelet fringes: a pretty embellishment for blankets
Simple chain: excellent for beginners
Arches: brilliant for when you need a textured edge
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