Are you still struggling with how to finish a crochet blanket edge? When you finish your project, it’s important to know how to end the process in a professional way that doesn’t compromise the rest of your work. Ending a project is almost as important as starting it. The finishing touches are what make your piece stand out among similar works and showcase your skills as a crafter. Since finishing touches can be somewhat confusing, we have compiled an in-depth guide on how to finish a crochet blanket edge and other tips on how to end your projects in an excellent way. Continue reading for useful information about finishing the last few inches of your next project, whatever its shape or size may be.
How to Finish a Crochet Blanket Edge
1. The Weave Method
One of the easiest ways to finish a crochet blanket edge is to use the weave method. This is a popular method among crocheters and can be done in just a few minutes, depending on how long your piece is. To begin, you will need to weave in all your ends using a tapestry needle. If you aren’t comfortable with this process, you can do it in sections as you go along while making your piece. When all of your ends are woven in, cut them approximately one inch longer than the rest of the yarn so that it doesn’t come out while wearing or washing the blanket.
2. The Whip Stitch Method
The whip stitch method is another popular way to finish a crochet blanket edge. This is an easy method that is done by hand and requires you to use a yarn needle and two strands of yarn that are the same color as your project. To begin, cut the ends of your project at an angle so that they are easier to work with. You can also leave them long if you aren’t worried about them coming out in wear or washing. Thread your needle with two strands of yarn, then knot it once on one end and again on the other end so that it won’t slip out while you are working. Beginning at one end, weave the needle under each stitch until you get to the other side of your piece, then weave through each stitch again in the opposite direction. When you get back to where you started, give it a final pull and cut off any excess string.
3. The Picot Edge Method
A picot edge is another popular method for finishing a crochet blanket edge and can be done in just a few minutes per side once all of your ends are woven in. To begin this process, cut four pieces of yarn approximately three feet long and set them aside for now. Thread your tapestry needle with two pieces of yarn and tie them together at one end so that they don’t slip out while you are working with them later on. Beginning at one corner of your blanket, weave your needle under the first two stitches, then bring it up through the third one. Now, weave your needle back down under the second and first stitch again and pull it tight. Repeat this for each stitch across the side of your piece. When you get to the end of your row, tie off with a knot and weave in any loose ends. Then repeat this process on the other side of your blanket.
4. The Seamless Method
The seamless method is another popular way to finish a crochet blanket edge and involves sewing a seam along both sides of your project in order to create a finished look without any visible stitching. This is an easy method that can be done in just a few minutes per side once all of your ends are woven in but does require you to have access to sewing equipment such as needles, scissors, and yarn thread or yarn that matches your project well. To begin this process, cut four pieces of yarn approximately three feet long and set them aside for now. Thread your tapestry needle with two pieces of yarn and tie them together at one end so that they don’t slip out while you are working with them later on. Beginning at one corner of your blanket, weave your needle under the first two stitches along one side, then bring it up through the third one on that same side before weaving back down underneath both of those same stitches again and pulling tight. Repeat this for each stitch across that side of your piece until you get to the end of that side. When you get to the end of your row, tie off with a knot and weave in any loose ends. Then do the same thing along the other side of your blanket until you reach the end. Tie off with a knot and weave in any loose ends.
5. The Cabled Edge Method
Similar to the picot edge method, this one is also another popular way to finish a crochet blanket edge and can be done in just a few minutes per side once all of your ends are woven in. To begin this process, cut four pieces of yarn approximately three feet long and set them aside for now. Thread your tapestry needle with two pieces of yarn and tie them together at one end so that they don’t slip out while you are working with them later on. Beginning at one corner of your blanket, weave your needle under the first two stitches along one side, then bring it up through the third one before weaving back down underneath both stitches again and pulling tight. Repeat this for each stitch across that side until you get to the end of that row, tying off with a knot as you go along until you reach the corner where all three sides meet up with each other again. You should have six squares or “v” shapes on each side when finished. Once there are six squares on each side, simply take your needle under two squares on either side at once as if it were one stitch to create a cabled edge. Then do the same thing along the other side of your blanket until you reach the end. Tie off with a knot and weave in any loose ends.
Why is finishing your crochet projects so important?
- It makes your work look more professional.
- It protects the edges of your work from fraying.
- It makes it easier to handle and display your finished product.
- It helps to keep the pieces of your project together as a whole piece rather than as loose pieces of yarn all over the place without a purpose or goal in mind, making it easier for you to use and enjoy them later on for years to come!
What is the Difference Between Binding and Finishing?
- Binding is done when you are crocheting a piece in the round and you want to continue on from one end to the other, but don’t want to turn it as you go along.
- Finishing is done after your project is completed and it involves sewing or weaving loose ends of yarn together in order to keep them from unraveling and becoming loose strands of yarn all over the place, making your piece less attractive and more difficult for people to work with.
Why Is Crochet Blanket Edging Important?
- It makes the border of your blanket stand out, giving it a more finished look and making it easier for people to work with.
- It helps to keep your yarn from unraveling on the edges of your blanket, which will make it last longer and look better.
- It gives you a place to secure your yarn when you are working with multiple colors or using more than one type of yarn in order to create patterns or designs on the edges of your blankets that go beyond just a border around the sides.
Conclusion
The finishing touches are what make your piece stand out among similar works and showcase your skills as a crafter. Since finishing can be somewhat confusing, we have compiled an in-depth guide on how to finish a crochet blanket edge and other tips on how to end your projects in an excellent way. Finally, it’s important to know how to finish a crochet blanket edge because the finishing process can vary depending on the type of project you are working on. Smaller projects like hats and scarves can be finished using the same method as one would use to finish a larger piece like a blanket, but finishing smaller pieces is typically easier. Ultimately, finishing your projects well is essential for many reasons.
