20+ Best Crochet Edging and Border Ideas
Hi there! Sometimes there are days like today, in which I want to share with you clever ideas, but don’t have much time to spend writing a big post. That’s why I came up with the Quick Roundup series, in which I will be sharing 5-10 best ideas for crochet techniques, projects, and patterns 🙂
See all my articles from the Recommendation Series!
The Finishing Touch
Today’s theme is edgings and borders – that’s right, all the important goodies for finishing your projects! With a proper arsenal of ideas and techniques, you will be able to adapt them to any project you are actually working on because they are versatile and always look great!
Below you can see a sneak peak of what’s to come, so if you like it, be sure to pin it to your Pinterest board or save it for later in your library!
click for photo sources: top, top left, bottom left, bottom right. All of the sources are properly credited later in the article.
Easy Free Crochet Edging Patterns
Beautiful crochet edging can elevate your design to the next level, and the examples I’ve gathered below will prove me right. Borders don’t have to be complex to finish off your project nicely, but they must fit right into it. Remember, it’s all about balance, so if your edging doesn’t play well with the rest of your design, it’s probably better to look for a different one!
Read carefully for free crochet patterns and tutorials.
Spider Stitch Edging by Catherine McLennan
Sometimes, the simpler the finishing, the better! Catherine’s granny squares don’t need elaborate borders – the spider stitch edging is just right. As you can see in the photos, the most important thing is establishing a solid base for the edging, in this case, a row of single crochet stitches.
photos by Catherine McLennan on ravelry.com
Find this free crochet pattern on lullabylodge.com, or read more on ravelry.com.
Traveling Afghan Border by ChiWei Ranck
Choosing the right border for a very textural project may be a challenge, but ChiWei’s solution is spot on! Delicate bobble stitches create the perfect balance for dramatic basketweave. Additionally, ChiWei kept the whole blanket neutral in color, which helps combine various stitches and styles.
photos by ChiWei Ranck on ravelry.com
Find this free crochet pattern on 1dogwoof.com, or read more on ravelry.com.
Simple Shell Edging by Catherine McLennan
If you’re looking for something simple but impactful, the shell stitch edging will be a great choice. It works wonders with both basic stitch projects and more complex projects. Whether you add a base of single crochets first or apply the edging directly, you’ll surely add flair and visual impact to your project.
photos by Catherine McLennan on ravelry.com
Find this free crochet pattern on lullabylodge.com, or read more on ravelry.com.
Harlequin Stitch Blanket Version by Kelly Martinelli
This design by Daisy Farm Crafts is a classic one, and I already wrote about it in my post about Harlequin Stitch! Kelly, the author of the version in the photo, got a special feature on the designer’s blog – and rightly so, because her color choices are to die for. The blanket is lovely, but the edging is worth mentioning, too. The ribbed border adds a little bit of interesting texture, even when it’s crocheted in a neutral color.
photos by @hardknotlifecrochet on Instagram: top, bottom
This whole blanket is based on Daisy Farm Crafts’ Crochet Harlequin Blanket, which is available for free on daisyfarmcrafts.com.
Cute Bobble Edging by Catherine McLennan
Yet another stunning piece by Catherine features fun bobble edging with a contrasting base. It’s very easy to crochet, even for beginners, so make sure to bookmark it for later. Adding a straight contrasting line creates a visual edge and makes the bobbles pop even more.
photos by Catherine McLennan on ravelry.com
Find this free crochet pattern on lullabylodge.blogspot.com, or read more on ravelry.com.
Back Loop SC Ribbed Border Version by Repeat Crafter Me
Did you know that you can work the border perpendicularly to the blanket? It’s a fun and easy way to create a ribbing effect without the fuss of post stitches or complex techniques. As you can see below, it needs a base – as any other border does! Sarah decided to go with bold black to finish off her sunset-colored blanket.
photos by @repeatcrafterme on Instagram: source
Learn how to make this border with Daisy Farm Crafts’ free video tutorial available on youtube.com.
Back Loop SC Ribbed Border Rounded Corners by Daisy Farm Crafts
This clever border goes around the blanket in an organic and fluid way, so if you want to achieve nicely rounded corners, try it out. In the photos below you can see that it creates a delicate ribbed effect, which works very well with stripes. The crocheting ladies behind Daisy Farm Crafts are true masters of their craft, so you can be sure that their tutorials and patterns are of the highest quality.
photos by Daisy Farm Crafts on daisyfarmcrafts.com
The free crochet pattern and video on how to make this border are on daisyfarmcrafts.com.
Moss Stitch Border by gilbert_crochet
Borders don’t have to be ornamental or complicated. All you need to finish off your projects is something that works and fits your particular crochet creation. Simple moss stitch edging is a great choice for those who like simplicity and versatility. Take a look at the photos and see how Anna incorporated the colors of the blanket into the border.
photos by @gilbert_crochet on Instagram: top, bottom
Anna used a simple moss stitch border for her project – you can find a free tutorial on how to crochet one on everytrickonthehook.com.
Iris Stitch Edging by Lullaby Melodia
As I’ve mentioned before, edgings don’t have to be complicated to be beautiful, and Iris Stitch Edging is definitely one of them. Lacy stitch will look great with lacy blankets, so take a look below and get inspired by this combination of openwork. Beginners, this idea is for you – be sure that you keep it in your library of stitches!
photos by Lullaby Melodia from Ravelry.com
You can find this free crochet pattern here: Iris Stitch Edging by Lullaby Melodia, or get more info on Ravelry here.
You may also like this article – Clamshell Stitch Ideas.
Pom Pom Edging by Helen Louise Smith
Why not add some fun? Dotted or bobble blankets call for pom-pom edgings, that’s for sure. It’s an easy way to make a simple blanket more interesting, especially if the pom-poms are dangling freely, like the one in the photo. Helen decided to go for a colorful bunch, but you can always make them in the colors you like best.
photos by @emkatcrochet on Instagram: top, bottom
This is Spots & Stripes Baby Blanket by Helen Louise Smith – purchase it on ravelry.com, but you can find a free crochet pattern for pom pom border on daisyfarmcrafts.com.
Free Decorative Crochet Edging Patterns
Fancy Pants Border by CatsWhiskers Crochet
This project is the perfect example of a decorative border that is easy to make. We often think intricate projects must be complex, but this finishing one uses basic stitches and simple techniques. As you can see, this border looks equally stunning in colorful and monochrome versions, so which one do you prefer?
photos by CatsWhiskers Crochet on ravelry.com
Find this free crochet pattern on ravelry.com.
Banksia Border by Dedri Uys
Working on a border can be a true pleasure, and I imagine Dedri’s design to be super fun to make. The delicate lacy pattern features butterfly-like motifs and is completely made with basic stitches. There are so many projects looking beautiful with this border – from super simple designs to very structural pieces.
photos by Dedri Uys on ravelry.com
Find this free crochet pattern on lookatwhatimade.net, or read more on ravelry.com.
Zig-Zag Border for Nuts About Squares – Version by Little Paws Crochet
If you are looking for beautiful ornamental borders, always remember to check out CALs, because they often are available for free. Tatsiana Kupriyanchyk designed this beauty, where post stitches create a nice zig-zaggy overlay pattern. In the photos below you can see how great it looks in stonewashed yarn!
photos by Little Paws Crochet on ravelry.com
This beautiful edging is a part of Nuts About Squares CAL, and it’s available for free on lillabjorncrochet.com. To see this particular version, check out the link to Ravelry under the photo!
Crochet Tulip Border by Repeat Crafter Me
I love floral stitches, and you know that! This border by Sarah is no exception. A row of puffy tulips is what this blanket needed, but I can already see it added to thousands of other blankets. What I like most about it is the combination of solid stitches, lacy tulip rows, and three-dimensional tulip bulbs – just look at it! This border is in itself a true work of art.
photos by Repeat Crafter Me on repeatcrafterme.com
This border is part of a free crochet pattern called Crochet C2C Bird Blanket, which you can find on repeatcrafterme.com – Sarah included a video tutorial, too!
Berry Stitch Edging by Made by Gootie
Vintage-looking scalloped edging will be a nice addition to any blanket or afghan. I can see it in many accessories, too! Gootie went for a classic fan-shaped stitch, which is very ornamental and lacy, but she added little ‘berries’ at the top. Isn’t it clever? They are worked as an additional row, so you can make them whatever color you want.
photos by Made by Gootie on madebygootie.com
Instructions on how to crochet berry stitch edging are available for free on Gootie’s blog madebygootie.com.
Beachcombing Blanket Border by Zlata Safokhina
Beachcombing Blanket is a rich, complex design, in which every stitch has its place, but that also means, that you can play with it! Zlata documented the process of making this amazing colorful blanket on her Instagram, and as you can see below, the wide border looks great on many stages. You can easily stop on the wavy part, and it will look great!
photos by @zlatasafokhina on Instagram: top, middle, bottom
Beachcombing Blanket is available as a free crochet pattern – you can find it on coastalcrochet.com or read more about it on Ravelry.
You may also like this article – 6 Day Kid Blanket Ideas.
Beachcombing Blanket Border by Alison Hayton
Alison chose subdued colors for her blanket and decided to finish it off with the wavy part of the border on two sides, and shells on another two. Beautiful borders don’t have to use typical corners, so take a look at the photos below and see for yourself! The wavy part and shell part come together at a 90-degree angle, and this is fine, too.
photos by @alicatcrochet on Instagram: top, bottom
Beachcombing Blanket is available as a free crochet pattern – you can find it on coastalcrochet.com or read more about it on Ravelry.
Persian Dream Border by madabaoutpooh
Bold and ornamental edgings often become an art in itself, not only adorning your main design but becoming a crucial part of it. That’s the thing with Persian Dream Border, which is as important as the rest of the blanket! Take a peek below to see all the nuances it hides – petal-like motifs, little picots, and spiky shells.
photos by madababoutpooh from Ravelry
The free crochet pattern for Persian Dream Border by Diana Krenz is available to download directly from Ravelry.
You may also like this article – Larksfoot Stitch Ideas.
Meet Me on the Corner by Chris Ludlow
This dense, structural border will be perfect for blankets and afghans because it has an ornamental quality to it. It reminds me of carpet borders, in which timeless beauty is present after years and years. This lovely design will look great in many different color combinations, too, so if you would like to employ it in a more colorful design, it will do great.
photos by Chris Ludlow from Ravelry
Meet Me on the Corner by Christine Bateman is a free crochet pattern, which you can find on Ravelry.
Betty’s Beautiful Border V2 by Betty Byers
Floral borders have something sweet in them, so they are great for feminine blankets or bedspreads. As you can see in the photos, this border designed by Betty featured delicate popcorn tulips, which hide between front post stitches. Corners are simple and plain, but also crisp and eye-catching.
photos by Betty Byers from Ravelry
This border pattern is free, and you can download it directly from Ravelry.
Betty’s Beautiful Border V2 by cuddlycritter
This version of Betty’s border is a little bit more delicate and simplified, but still looks great. Cuddlycritter decided to go for spring-inspired colors, such as greens and lilacs, making the “tulip” part a little bit less obvious. It works great, right? Take a look below and decide for yourself.
photos by cuddlycritter from Ravelry
This project is based on a free crochet pattern for Betty’s Beautiful Border V2 by Betty Byers and you can download it directly from Ravelry.
You may also like this article – Moss Stitch / Linen Stitch Ideas.
Stunning Crochet Edgings in Premium Patterns
Climbing Rose Wrap CAL Border by Jane Crowfoot
Well, I must admit, that this crochet border is just breathtaking because it’s meticulously designed to fit each spot and corner. The wrap itself is made with crochet hexagons, which create a straight line on one side, but dips and valleys on the other. This crochet edging fits flowers in each of these dips and flows seamlessly from one side to another.
photos by @janiecrow on Instagram: top, bottom
Climbing Rose Wrap CAL by Jane Crowfoot was originally posted in four parts in Inside Crochet Magazine, but now it’s available for purchase online – download it from Ravelry or read more on janiecrow.com.
Vibrant Vintage Blanket Border by Rachele Carmona
A wide ornamental border is the most expensive frame for your masterpiece, so it’s important to choose the right one. This lovely vintage-inspired design by Rachele will fit right into your project if you are working with lacy squares or stitches. The corners are especially beautiful because they feature bold fans and picots.
photos by Rachele Carmona from Ravelry
You can purchase this pattern on Etsy, or read more about it on Ravelry.
Do you like working with squares? Great, because you may also like this article – Battenberg Blanket Crochet Ideas.
Smitten Border by CrochetObjet by MoMalron
If you want to give lightness to your project, choose a lacy border, such as the one you can see below. It consists of two parts – simple, but delicate net, and spiky vintage crochet edging. It’s a great idea for those of you, who work in one color only because it doesn’t need more embellishment.
photos by CrochetObjet by MoMalron from Ravelry
You can purchase this pattern on Etsy, or read more about it on Ravelry.
Looking for a simple edging. You have many beautiful ones here and I look forward to trying them.
That’s great to hear, Joyce! Keep me updated on how it came out and which one is your favorite 🙂
Suas peça são fantásticas!!!!
Looking for a simple edging. You have many beautiful ones here and I look forward to trying them.