The little birds...

If you watch little birds you will see they are busy and happy! Using whatever they can find they create the most gorgeous little nest.
I would be the little bird with some glittery thread in her nest!
We can be like this. Happily working away with the things that are available to us to create a beautiful and happy home.
All the while with a little song in our heart.

Banner by Free Pretty Things for You.

Wednesday 6 February 2019

A pretty and easy crochet edge.

A few ladies have asked for a tutorial on this crochet edge.  This will maybe suit beginners as I cannot read patterns!  I learn mainly by watching you tube videos and I get on very well with Attic24 where she writes the instructions up with photos and I seem to be able to follow fairly well.

This is the edge I am working on sets of hand towels right now.  I really am doing a bulk lot!  I copied it from a lovely bath mat my sister in law gave me.

It is VERY easy.  If you can do chain and a double crochet you are set that is all you need.

The first row I work through the fabric you are working with.  Towels tend to have a border so I use this as my straight line to follow.   I just guess the spacing.  Some people use a ruler and a fade out pen to mark spaces.   You need a crochet hook small enough that it will go through the fabric ok.  Towels are good as they are quite soft to work through.  If you do not want to do this you could work your first row with the yarn and a darning needle and work a blanket stitch.  This would be about the same in appearance too.


The ply you use is up to you... on pillowcases I have used quite a fine yarn and various cotton and silky textures.  Same with handkerchiefs.  On a towel or face washer I use five ply mostly and cotton. Obviously thicker yarns will give a chunkier edging.  A fine yarn will look a little more delicate and lace like.

The second row you work six chains then secure your chain into every third stitch on your foundation row.  This creates a row of arches... 



A few arches before the end of the row I will weigh up the spacing and make adjustments so they will look pretty even yet end perfectly on the last stitch.  I call this creativity! 

So now you have a nice row of arches.  Turn your work and crochet three chain. 
Now into the first arch and under the row of chain crochet three double crochets.  Then do one chain and three double crochets into the next arch and so on... you have groups of three DC in each arch and a chain between each set.

At the end of a row I crochet 3 chain and secure it into the end of the last row to kind of finish off the row neatly.  


Now turn your work and crochet three chain.   This row we are working three double crochet into the first space between the groups below.  This is the space made by that one chain between each group.  So do three double crochet in under that gap... then one chain and three more double crochet all in that one space.   You can see below...


After your second group of three work three chain... stretch those chain right over and skip the next space and go into the alternate space... you are completely missing a whole space.  Now repeat and work 3 dc, one chain and 3 dc into that space... then three chain, skip over the next gap and go into the flooding one... all the way to the end.

It can happen that you have a funny number and need to end your row with a half rather than full set of DC.  If that happens don't worry!
I think this is a case of you will see what I mean when you get there!  At the end secure your arch down with a single crochet to finish, work this into the last stitch below.

Now turn your work and work three single crochet.



The final row... into each space between your groups of three (the single crochet you did last row is the gap between your groups of three) this is where you will now work five double crochet, one chain and five double crochet all into that one space.  After your two groups of five then secure the arch you just created by going under the chain space below and working one single crochet.  Then go straight to the next gap and work five double crochet, one chain and five double crochet.  You can see in the picture you are just working straight on top of the row below only with more stitches.  
When you get to the end secure to the row below to finish it off neatly. 


This is really nice on hand towels and very quick.  It would be nice on the opening end of a pillowcase... the ends of a fleecy or wool scarf, even along a curtain for your kitchen window.



This was an earlier post on some ideas with Crochet edgings... Crochet edgings and things to make 
over with them.   This post also shows how to work a foundation stitch plus an edging I used to do at one time!

I am not sure but it might have been Cookie who worked a pretty edging around the bottom of a cardigan or sweater.   This could also lengthen a skirt.

If you have trouble following me don't give up there are countless easy crochet edging tutorials on you tube where you can follow along.   I was very daunted by patterns until I realised I can do the stitches it is all in the order.  As you can see I am no perfectionist.  My motto is get going and keep practising!

I know quite a few of you have recently taken up crochet and can now do an edging.  So a multi row edging would be the perfect next thing to try!

I hope this helps someone! xxx


30 comments:

  1. Your tutorial is absolutely PERFECT!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to write it out. This has become my favorite edging and I have been waiting for your instructions. I can't wait to get started. Love it!! Thank you!!

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    1. Thanks Lynda, I hope you can follow it and figure it out. I am finding this very quick. It really transforms things and is fun to do! With love Annabel.xxx

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  2. Very pretty! Thanks so much for the instructions I hope to try this again.

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  3. Dear Annabel, thanks so much for this new tutorial !I have some new flannels to practise on , just have to buy some cotton yarn now , hopefully in the next two days .Havent done any crafting , as been busy with family (Im the sandwich filling between generations lol) needing me at the moment . Anyway your instructions look nice and simple , once I get to the corners and work that part out as I go along. With love , Maria xxx

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    1. Dear Maria, I havent done this one yet around something only on one end. But I think you would figure it out... I will have to give it a go. the original mat was an oval..
      I think being the middle generation is a very busy time. Everyone needs help! With love Annabel.xxx

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  4. That edging makes such a pretty towel... I cannot follow a pattern either.. but I can work out what to do. I am grateful to my nana for teaching me to crochet as a little girl. I think crocheting and knitting are sadly becoming forgotten crafts. Blessings, Glenys

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    1. Dear Glenys, My Nan and Mum taught me too! I got going at about four! I have always loved it. Look up Attic24 ... I just started the Sweetpea blanket. It is so addictive. She has thousands of followers all making this blanket together. Also another is Dadas Place. Just wow. It is so inspiring to see what people are doing. Also Attic 24 posts all tutorials like this... words and pictures... I just learned a pattern called trellis and I just love it. Too many things to do not enough time! With love Annabel.xxx

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    2. Thanks so much for those recommendations. I will look them up tonight! So happy to find crocheting and knitting is still being done.... Blessings!

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  5. Annabel, Thank you for doing this, your work is so beautiful! I can't wait to try it!

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  6. Thank you thank you Annabel for this tutorial! I have been wanting to do this for so long and I don't read patterns either so it's harder for me to figure it out. Your instructions make it so clear ! I am going to try this today !! So excited!! Thank you again for your inspirations and expertise !! XOXO Gaila in the NW

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    1. Dear Gaila, Thank you, I hope you go ok with it. Look up Attic24... she posts her pattens all this way in pictures. I just learned the trellis pattern from her. I LOVE it. But maybe learn one new pattern at a time! It is really fun though! With love Annabel.xxx

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  7. You always do lovely work, Annabel. It is very thoughtful of you to write a post to share this.
    Love and hugs,
    Glenda

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  8. Annabel, Thank you so much for this tutorial. I have admired your crocheted edgings for a while now. I never realized how easy it is to do! The edgings just make the everything look so lovely!

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    1. Dear Laurie, It is really just chain and DC. Thats it! Thank you so much! With love Annabel.xxx

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  9. Dear Annabel, thankyou for sharing how you do edgings. So far I can only do Granny squares but really want to learn more, I will get this printed and give it a go. It looks really pretty. Love Clare

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    1. Dear Clare,
      With a granny square you already know the stitches for this, just chain and Double crochet. So you are set. Granny squares are a great place to start. I love them! I am sure you will be able to do this. Possibly just start on an edging and do a single row edge... usually for that (after the foundation row) I do five single crochet in a row, the five DC into one hole, then five single in a row... keep going all around and do extra in the corners. This creates a soft scallop that is easy and pretty! Let me know how you go! With love, Annabel.xxx

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  10. Thank you so much for sharing, Annabel! Your edgings are beautiful!

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  11. I can understand this!!!! Thank you so much! I also cannot read patterns and if I do understand one I still somehow mess it up before the product is finished! You're such a blessing!

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    1. Hi Holley! You sound like me... I need to see the pictures... Good luck and let me know how you go. You would like Attic24 her patterns are so easy to follow all pictures and descriptions and amazing! I am loving learning new stitches! At last someone who posts the way I can also understand. Whole new world! Thank you! Love Annabel.xxx

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  12. Thank you for sharing. and taking time to make such a thorough tutorial. It is always easier for me to follow photos. I know I can do this now.

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    1. Good luck Susan! Let me know how you go!xxx

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  13. Dear Annabel, I have serious crochet skill envy I have the basics down and hope with some practice I will be able to turn out something half decent,I commented on one of your posts awhile ago about my plans to sell and buy in the country to get some peace and live simpler than I already am.Well its happening!!Our house has sold and we have bought a heritage listed timber cottage in the country, It even has a cellar I have visions of jars and cans and potatoes and onions on shelves and in baskets and I cant wait.It needs some renovation it is perfectly liveable but needs to be loved back to its former glory it was built in 1863 by a carpenter so the workmanship is beautiful.I am loving The Tuesday afternoon club there is some very talented ladies around and it is great to see crafts being kept alive.

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  14. Annabel,
    You make it look so very easy.
    Your home must be so lovely with all of you extra touches.
    One of these fine days I may attempt your method instead of sewing edging on after crocheting it. Definitely would save me an extra step.
    I love how you found perfectly matching colors of yarn to your towels.
    You are an inspiration.

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  15. So nice! Simple and elegant.

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  16. Dear Annabel,

    What a gorgeous edging. Do you crochet an edging on just one end of the towel, or on both?

    I also have a question about the eucalyptus oil in your wool wash. Do you have different types of eucalyptus oil products there in Australia? I've only ever seen it here as essential oil in the little teeny bottles...is this the same as you are using in your wool wash? If I could just solve this problem, I'd love to make it up!! :)

    Will email you my photos for next Tuesday's show and tell this weekend.

    xx Jen in NS

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    1. Dear Jen, On the hand towels I have done just one edge so when they hang up the pretty edging shows. However I have worked a single row edging right around towels also. Both look nice. I think yes on the oil... this comes here in quite big bottles. It is not even expensive. Try Ebay and look for Bosistos Eucalyptus oil...it should be under $10 for a good sized bottle... I see one with free international shipping. I say this brand as it is a very good brand. good luck!
      Cant wait to see your photos! With love Annabel.xxx

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  17. Thanks for sharing Annabelle.
    Blessings Tanya xxx

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  18. This is so pretty! It is just gorgeous! Thank you for taking the time to post this and I will definitely try it. I just need to keep at it. Thank you for helping me and for always going above and beyond for everyone that you come across. Love, Bridge

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