How to Crochet a Border on a Blanket: Single Crochet, Scallop, Shell and Picot
A border straightens edges and finishes a blanket. How many stitches to work along each kind of edge so it lies flat, how to turn the corners, and four classic borders — single crochet, crab stitch, scallop and picot.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Easy
- Time
- 1–3 hours for a blanket
You'll need
- Your blanket
- Matching or contrast yarn
- Hook one size smaller than the blanket
- Stitch markers for the corners
In this post
Every crochet border starts with a round of single crochet that sets the stitch count. Work 1 sc in each stitch along the top and bottom, about 1 sc per row end on single crochet sides and 2 sc per row end on double crochet sides, and 3 sc in each corner. If the edge ripples you've added too many; if it pulls in, too few. Then add a decorative round on top.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
How many stitches along each edge
| Edge | Stitches |
|---|---|
| Top (last row) | 1 sc in each stitch |
| Bottom (foundation chain) | 1 sc in each chain |
| Sides, single crochet rows | 1 sc per row end |
| Sides, half double crochet rows | 3 sc per 2 row ends |
| Sides, double crochet rows | 2 sc per row end |
| Corners | 3 sc in the corner stitch |
Four borders
- Base round (always): Join yarn near a corner, work the single crochet round above, and join with a sl st. Lay it flat to check.
- Single crochet border: Repeat the base round 2–4 times, with 3 sc in each corner's centre stitch. Simple and clean.
- Crab stitch (reverse sc): Working left to right (right-handed), insert the hook into the next stitch to the right, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through both. It makes a twisted, rope-like edge.
- Scallop: *Sc in the next st, skip 2, 5 dc in the next, skip 2* around. Needs a multiple of 6 stitches per side — adjust in the base round.
- Picot: *Sc in the next 3 sts, ch 3, sl st into the first ch* around. Delicate, good for baby blankets.
Border tips
- A hook one size smaller than the blanket keeps the border from flaring.
- Mark the four corner stitches before you start each round.
- Edges very wonky? Fix them first: straight edges.
- Block after the border: how to block crochet.
Need a blanket to border? The beginner blanket or the baby blanket.
Common questions
Why is my crochet border wavy?
Too many stitches along the edge. Work fewer stitches per row end, or use a smaller hook.
Why does my border pull in?
Too few stitches, or tight tension. Add stitches along the sides and use the same hook as the blanket.
How do I crochet border corners?
Work 3 single crochet into the corner stitch on every round. In later rounds, work the 3 sc into the middle stitch of the previous corner.
Which border is your favourite? 🎀
Stuck on a step? Crochet Help & Fixes answers the most common problems — curling, shrinking, wavy circles and more.
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