At long last, the post I promised with several easy afghan edgings. I apologize that I didn’t get this posted sooner!
When edging an afghan you can choose to continue in the same color or add a new color. If you are continuing in the same color you can start the edging at your last stitch from the previous row or, if you are close to the corner, you can choose to slip stitch to the corner and start there. If you are doing an edging that requires a certain count, I will typically start in the corner. If you are adding a new color for the edge, add in the corner.
In addition, unless the edging has a specific way to do the corner then some suggestions are (depending on the afghan style pick what works best): Three ss or dc in the center corner stitch or one – three sc or dc with a chain 2 and two or three sc/dc in the corner stitch. Follow your pattern or follow your imagination, whatever works best for you. I also recommend that you do a foundation row of sc or dc before you start your edge for a cleaner finish.
These first three edges or trims are designed to be close to the afghan because when I first started making afghans I mainly crocheted premie comfort afghans. Due to the small size of these premature babies, it is recommended not to have holes or dangling parts.
Two simple yet elegant edges for afghans are variations on the shell stitch:
Small shell: ss in first ch, (sc, dc, sc) in next, ss in next ch, repeat around.
Large shell: ss in first 2 ch, 3dc in next ch, ss in next 2 ch, 3dc in next ch, repeat around.
Another variation is to make the shell with (dc, triple, dc) (not pictured)
Another easy but attractive edging, especially for masculine blankets, is: ss first ch, in the next ch (ss, dc, ss), ss in the next ch and repeat around (if you have a hard time completing the dc you can just chain 2 or 3 – see which you like best!). This makes a fun bumpy edge that is simple yet pleasing to the eye and touch.
For a more advanced and unusual trim try the block edge – I loved it when I first saw this pattern and it took a few tries to master it so don’t be discouraged if you don’t catch on right away! Have at least one if not two rows of sc before you do this edge.
Chain 4, *skip next 3 sts, 1 trc in next st, 3 ch, 4 dc around stem of trc just worked, rep from * to end.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns please let us know. If you have a favorite edge or trim stitch please share! Thanks for reading and enjoy your day!