Crocheting a basic edging of one or two rows or rounds on the outer edges of a design can smooth out the rough spots and add a finished, professional look to your crocheted items. You can even add crocheted edgings to other materials. Here are a few options:
- Crochet a round of single crochet stitches around the bottom edge, neck edge, and cuffs of a sweater, especially one that you worked in a heavier-weight yarn.
- When making a patchwork afghan or sweater, edge each panel or motif with a row of stitches (typically the slip stitch or single crochet is used to create a smoother edge for joining).
- Crochet decorative strips of some of the fancier stitches (such as shells, clusters, and chain loops) with cotton thread and sew these edgings on pillowcases, sheets, handkerchiefs, and towels — or down the seam of your jeans!
Although knowing how to do a simple edging on your own is helpful, any pattern that includes an edging to finish off the design will tell you in detail how to complete it.
