Crochet Border Basics for Beginners

You will need:
  • Fleece (scored and ready to crochet)
  • Yarn (acrylic)
  • Crochet hook 
Yarn
Not all yarn is suitable for blanket borders. Please use acrylic only. Look for 4-ply (medium - worsted weight) or 3-ply (light - baby or sport). Choose a color(s) that coordinates with the fleece. Select one or two coordinating solids, one solid and one variegated, or all one color. You choose!
 
Crochet hook
Size F or G is usually recommended, depending on the yarn, and on your tension (how tightly or loosely you crochet). Larger hooks can make the pre-scored holes too large, while smaller hooks may not hold the yarn well.
 
Stitches for basic borders:
  • Single crochet (sc)
  • Half double crochet (hdc)
  • Chain (ch)
  • Slip stitch (ss)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * IMPORTANT * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Many of our blankets go to children in health care facilities. For their safety, we must follow strict guidelines:
  • To prevent potential allergic reactions, no wool or wool blend yarns. Acrylic yarn only.
  • Blanket borders and corners must lay flat, not curled.
  • Borders should be only two rows. More than two rows can result in a blanket that could be too heavy and bulky for children.
  • Crochet stitches must be close together. This means no “holey” patterns, for little fingers and toes or IV tubing to catch in. 

Base Row – Single Crochet
The base row creates a hem on the blanket, and provides the foundation for the second row. As you crochet, tuck the edge of the blanket down so as to form a hem. This prevents the fleece from fraying.
 
Look for the silk tag – this will be on the wrong side of the fleece. Hold the right side facing you as you work.

Your choice of yarn will dictate which base row you will use.
  • Base Row #1 (1 single crochet, chain 1) -- Use this with 4-ply worsted weight (Caron Simply Soft, Big Twist, Vanna’s Choice, Red Heart With Love or Super Saver, etc.)
 
Insert crochet hook through one of the scored holes and pull loop through. Chain 1. In next hole, do 1 single crochet, chain 1. Continue around fleece. When you reach the corner, do 3 single crochets in the same hole, and chain 1.
 
Note, for the child’s safety, the corners must be flat, not puckered or curled. You may need to chain 1 in between one or more of the 3 single crochets for this to happen. When you reach the start, join with a slip stitch.
  • Base Row #2 (2 single crochet, no chain) -- Use this with 3-ply soft, baby yarns. (Bernat Softee Baby, Bernat Sport, Lion Brand Baby, Anne Geddes Baby, etc.)
 
Insert crochet hook through one of the scored holes and pull loop through. Chain 1, single crochet in same hole. In next hole, do 2 single crochets (note there is no chain stitch between).
 
Continue around fleece, placing 2 single crochets in each hole. When you reach the corner, do 3 single crochets in the same hole, and chain 1. Note, for the child’s safety, the corners must be flat, not puckered or curled. You may need to chain 1 in between one or more of the 3 single crochets for this to happen. When you reach the start, join with a slip stitch. 

Second Row
For beginners, we recommend either
 
  • Single crochet in each stitch. At the corners, do 3 single crochets in the center stitch of the group of 3 single crochets in the base row.
 
  • Half double crochet in each stitch. At the corners, do 3 half double crochets in the center stitch of the group of 3 single crochets in the base row.
 
If you wish, you can change colors for the second row. Or, you may continue with the same color.  Finish off and weave in ends.
​Tips:
Choose a hole along the edge of the fleece to begin your border. Do not start at a corner.
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The “corner” hole may not be in the exact corner of the fleece. Choose the hole closest to the corner.
Snip off the tip of the fleece corner so it lays flat.