Congratulations on completing the majority of your crocheted blanket! You’ve put in a lot of hard work and dedication, and now it’s time to finish it off with a professional touch. Finishing your blanket properly will give it a polished look and ensure that it will last for years to come. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to finish crocheting a blanket, including how to weave in loose ends, add a border, and block the blanket to give it a professional finish.
Before you begin, gather all of the materials you will need. These include a yarn needle, scissors, and a blocking board or mat. Once you have your materials, you can begin the finishing process. The first step is to weave in any loose ends. This will help to prevent the blanket from unraveling and give it a clean and tidy appearance. To weave in a loose end, simply thread the yarn needle onto the end of the yarn and then weave it through the stitches of the blanket until it is no longer visible.
Once you have woven in all of the loose ends, you can add a border to the blanket if desired. A border will help to frame the blanket and give it a more finished look. There are many different types of borders you can choose from, so select one that you think will complement the blanket well. To add a border, simply crochet around the edges of the blanket using the desired stitch pattern. Once you have completed the border, you can block the blanket. Blocking will help to even out the stitches and give the blanket a more professional finish. To block the blanket, simply lay it flat on a blocking board or mat and then use pins to secure it in place. Once the blanket is blocked, allow it to dry completely before using it.
Piecing Together the Blanket Squares
Once you have crocheted all the blanket squares, it’s time to piece them together. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common method is to use a whip stitch.
To whip stitch, insert your hook through the first loop on the edge of the first square. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Insert your hook through the next loop on the edge of the second square, yarn over and pull up a loop. Draw the yarn through both loops on your hook to complete the stitch.
Repeat this process until you have joined all the squares together. You can use a different color of yarn for the whip stitch if you want to create a decorative effect.
Types of Joining
In addition to whip stitching, there are a few other ways to join blanket squares. These include:
| Joining Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Single Crochet Join | Similar to whip stitching, but uses single crochet stitches to connect the squares. |
| Slip Stitch Join | Involves inserting the hook through both loops of adjacent stitches and drawing the yarn through to create a secure connection. |
| Invisible Join | A more complex technique that hides the seam where the squares are joined, creating a seamless appearance. |
Joining Tips
Tips for Piecing Blanket Squares:
- Make sure the squares are laid out evenly before joining them.
- Use a yarn needle to weave in any loose ends.
- Block the blanket to even out the stitches and give it a professional finish.
Joining the Blanket Sections
Once you have completed all the individual squares or sections of your crochet blanket, it’s time to join them together to create the finished piece. There are several different methods you can use to join your blanket sections, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Whip Stitch
The whip stitch is a simple and quick way to join blanket sections together. It creates a sturdy and invisible seam, making it a great choice for joining squares that will be used in blankets or throws.
Step 1: Lay the two blanket sections side by side, with the wrong sides facing up.
Step 2: Insert your hook into the first stitch on the first blanket section.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Step 4: Insert your hook into the next stitch on the second blanket section.
Step 5: Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Step 6: Yarn over again and pull through all three loops on your hook.
Step 7: Repeat steps 2-6 until you have joined all the blanket sections together.
Pros:
– Quick and easy to do
– Creates a strong and invisible seam
– Suitable for joining squares that will be used in blankets or throws
Cons:
– Can be difficult to work with bulky yarn
– Not as flexible as some other joining methods
Edging and Border Options
Edgings and borders provide a finishing touch to your crocheted blanket, enhancing its visual appeal and durability. Here are some popular options:
Picots
Picots are small loops that create a decorative edge. To make a picot, yarn over (YO), insert your hook into the next stitch, and pull up a loop. YO and pull through both loops on your hook. Repeat this process to make additional picots.
Shells
Shells are a versatile edging option that can be made in various sizes and shapes. To make a shell, work a series of double crochets (dc) into a single stitch, then skip the next stitch and slip stitch (sl st) into the following stitch. Repeat this process to create a shell. You can adjust the number of dc stitches to vary the size of the shell.
Bobbles
Bobbles are raised, textured stitches that add dimension to your blanket. To make a bobble, yarn over (YO), insert your hook into the next stitch, and pull up a loop. YO and pull through this loop. Repeat this process three more times, so you have 5 loops on your hook. YO and pull through all 5 loops on your hook. This creates a single bobble.
| Edging Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Picots | Small loops that create a decorative edge. |
| Shells | Versatile edging option made with a series of double crochets and slip stitches. |
| Bobbles | Raised, textured stitches that add dimension to a blanket. |
How to Finish Crocheting a Blanket
Once you have crocheted the last stitch of your blanket, there are a few steps you need to take to finish it off.
First, you need to weave in any loose ends. This will prevent them from unraveling and ruining the look of your blanket.
Next, you need to block the blanket. This will help to even out the stitches and give the blanket a more polished look. To block the blanket, you can either lay it out flat on a table or hang it from a shower curtain rod. Use a spray bottle to dampen the blanket and then let it dry.
Once the blanket is dry, you can add a border. This is optional, but it can give the blanket a more finished look. To add a border, simply crochet a few rows of stitches around the edge of the blanket.
Finally, you can add a fringe to the blanket. This is also optional, but it can add a touch of whimsy to the blanket. To add a fringe, simply cut a few strands of yarn and tie them to the corners of the blanket.
People Also Ask
How to weave in loose ends?
To weave in loose ends, thread a yarn needle with the yarn from the loose end. Then, insert the needle into the stitch that is next to the loose end. Pull the needle through the stitch and then back through the next stitch. Repeat this process until the loose end is completely hidden.
How to block a blanket?
To block a blanket, lay it out flat on a table or hang it from a shower curtain rod. Use a spray bottle to dampen the blanket and then let it dry. Once the blanket is dry, it will be evened out and have a more polished look.
How to add a border to a blanket?
To add a border to a blanket, simply crochet a few rows of stitches around the edge of the blanket. You can use any type of stitch that you like, but some common border stitches include the single crochet stitch, the double crochet stitch, and the half double crochet stitch.
How to add a fringe to a blanket?
To add a fringe to a blanket, simply cut a few strands of yarn and tie them to the corners of the blanket. You can make the fringe any length that you like, but a common length is about 6 inches.
