Adding a crochet border or edging to your project is a great way to give it a finished look. If you’re looking for some free crochet border ideas, you’re in luck. Check out our list of the 27 best crochet borders and edging patterns – perfect for adding a finishing touch to crochet blankets and more.
Crochet borders are that perfect finishing touch that makes your crochet projects seem professional and polished. They can also help hide any imperfections in the project, and add size to your design.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of crochet border patterns that will suit your next project. Scroll down to see everything from simple crab stitch edging to modern ribbed borders and cute bobble stitch trim. With so many options, you’re sure to find a border that you love!
New to crochet? You might want to start with our Beginner’s Guide to Crochet, and brush up on your basic crochet stitches first.
What are crochet borders?
A crochet border is simply a round (or multiple rounds) of crochet stitches that are worked around the edges of a finished project.
Crochet borders are often added to blankets and throws, but they can also be used on dishcloths, potholders, scarves, shawls, baby clothes, and more.
Crochet borders can be very simple and minimal, or delicate and intricate. You can use the same yarn so that your border matches your blanket, or use a contrasting color to make your border pop.
Why add a crochet border?
There are many reasons you might want to add a crochet border to your project. Borders are not only decorative, but they also serve a few practical purposes.
First of all, they can help to neaten up the edges of your work and make them look more professional. They can also help hide any imperfections in your projects, such as uneven stitches or wonky edges.
In addition, borders can add structure and stability to crochet projects, especially if they are worked in a tighter stitch.
And finally, borders can help increase the size of your project – something that is especially helpful if you’re making a baby blanket or afghan that ended up a bit smaller than you hoped.
Crochet Borders and Edging Patterns
Here are some of our favorite free crochet border patterns to use on your next project.
Crochet Crab Stitch Tutorial
This crab stitch edging resembles a rope and makes a simple border for all types of crochet projects. It's one of the easiest borders around, and a great choice for beginners. Click the link below for easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step pictures.
Yarn weight: Medium
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton
Single Crochet Edge Trim
Perfect for beginners, here are step-by-step instructions for making a single crochet edge trim using one of the most basic stitches - single crochet. Use the same color as your project, or choose a bright hue for contrast.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Jersey Be Good
Granny Blanket Edging
Who doesn't love crocheting a good granny square? Adding this granny square edging gives a look of completeness to your square – or any granny stitch project.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
Crochet Pom Pom Border
Infuse some life into your project with this fun pom pom border! These squishy clusters make for a fun addition to any blanket.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft Yarn
How to Crochet Blanket Stitch Edging
Here's a super quick crochet blanket edging that will add a unique touch. The "points" (or elongated stitches) add interest, and you can make them as long or short as you want.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
How To Add a Border To a C2C Afghan Block
Here are step-by-step instructions for adding an easy border to your C2C (corner to corner) afghan blocks. Whether you want to give your afghan blocks a finished look before joining them, or you want to differentiate your blocks by creating a contrasting border, these instructions will show you exactly what to do.
Yarn weight: Medium
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice
Berry Stitch Crochet Edging
The berry stitch forms a unique, puffed border, similar to a bobble border. These "berries" end up looking like little pearls – how cute!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: CotLin
Simple Crochet Border
Work a row of single crochets around your blanket before creating this puff stitch. Then, you can work either one or two rows of the puff stitch, depending on the look you want.
Yarn weight: Medium
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
Cosy Blanket Edging
This eye-catching border is worked in four rounds using different colors. Check out the post for suggested color tones to give your edging the perfect look.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Stylecraft Special DK
Rib Crochet Border
Here's another great border for your next crochet project. Start by working a single crochet border as a foundation row for this pattern. Then, you'll use the front post double crochet and back post double crochet stitches to create the ribbed look.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
Arcade Waffle Crochet Blanket Pattern
For this stunning waffle border, it's very important to use the correct amount of stitches. Fortunately, there's a guide, so you can adjust no matter what size blanket you made.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
Camel Stitch Blanket Border Tutorial
Ooh, check out this lovely camel stitch border! The camel stitch is not difficult, but it adds a unique, lined look to your border. Try it out if you want to add a wide border to your next project.
Yarn weight: Medium
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
Alpine Stitch Crochet Blanket Border
Add some color with this creative, alpine stitch border. You'll work simple stitches for this border including the chain, single crochet, double crochet, slip stitch, and front post double crochet.
Yarn weight: Medium
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
Reverse Shells Crochet Border
The reverse shell border is easier than it looks, and it's ideal for finishing off a baby blanket. The shells are worked by using single crochets and double crochets, along with the slip stitch.
Yarn weight: Medium
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
Herringbone Crochet Border
If you haven't tried the herringbone half-double crochet stitch, don't worry! There's a photo tutorial included in this free pattern to make it easy.
Yarn weight: Medium
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
Crochet Simple Shell Border
This simple shell border is easy peasy! Watch the video tutorial if you need any help.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: CotLin
Crochet Puff Stitch Border
Here's another puff stitch border that will add some squishy coziness to any pattern! Use it for a blanket, washcloth, or pretty much whatever pattern you like!
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Stylecraft Special DK
Easy Crochet Ruffle Edge
This easy crochet ruffled edging will add some major frill and texture to your project. Add more rows until it's as frilly as you like!
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
Free Crochet Pattern...Pumpkin Patch Edging!
Here's a cute, fall edging for those cozy autumn throws! If you want a unique edging, you'll want to check this one out.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
Checker Edging: Tutorial
This border starts with a granny foundation and makes a charming, cozy edge. Add it to your blanket for the perfect finishing touch.
Yarn weight: Medium
Suggested yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease
Cute Bobble Edging - Crochet Tutorial
Here's another bobble edging that will give your blanket a little extra plush! Use the same color as your blanket or add a contrasting tone.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
How to Crochet: Betty’s Beautiful Border {Photo Tutorial}
Here's a classic border with visual (and written) instructions every step of the way. If the base round becomes too wavy, you may need to go down a hook size.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft Yarn
Crochet Dot Border Stitch
Check out these fun dots! These instructions come with a video tutorial to make it easy.
Yarn weight: Super bulky
Suggested yarn: Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn
Candy Cane Border in 3 Colors Tutorial and free Gnome C2C Dishcloth!
This border is great for any project that's Christmas-themed. However, you can totally change up the colors and use the design for all seasons!
Yarn weight: Aran/Worsted
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Simply Aran
Bobble Shell Stitch Crochet Border Photo & Video Tutorial
Here's a fun border for adding texture to your project. Enjoy this versatile pattern on blankets, washcloths, granny squares, and more!
Yarn weight: Aran/Worsted
Suggested yarn: Paintbox Cotton Aran
Linen Stitch Border | Sweet Lilac C2C Crochet Along Part 8
Here's a great tutorial for a linen stitch border, also called a moss stitch border. This border is simple, but adds a sort of tidy neatness to your blanket's edge. Choose your favorite colors or add or subtract rows to make it fit your style perfectly.
Yarn weight: Worsted
Suggested yarn: Caron Simply Soft Yarn
Grannie Patches Border Tutorial
This is a perfect border for adding a few inches to the edge of your project. If you want it to be even bigger, just add a few more rows.
Yarn weight: DK
Suggested yarn: Stylecraft Special DK
Supplies You’ll Need
You’ll need your basic crochet supplies to make crochet borders and edgings.
Yarn. In most cases, you’ll want to use the same type of yarn for the border as you used for the original project. Keep the same yarn weight and gauge, but feel free to use a different color!
If you choose to use a different yarn than your blanket’s yarn, you may need to adjust the hook size and take extra precautions to prevent waviness. Keep reading to find out how to do this!
The amount of yarn you’ll need will depend on your pattern and the size of your blanket. A good way to estimate how much yarn you’ll need is by crocheting a small portion of your border, and then calculating the total amount of yarn based on what you used for that portion.
Crochet hook. If you’re using the same yarn you used for the original project, you’ll likely use the same crochet hook. But of course, check the individual pattern for specific instructions.
Other notions. You may also want scissors, a measuring tape, and a tapestry needle for weaving in your ends.
Now that you know a bit more about borders, here are some of our favorite free crochet border patterns to use on your next project.
Tips for Adding Crochet Borders
Here are a few tips for crocheting borders on your next project.
Start with a round of single crochet.
Most border patterns will start with a base round of single crochet stitches. This gives your border a good foundation and helps even out inconsistencies in the edges. In addition, it can give you a specific stitch count, which is important to know for some border patterns.
Space border stitches evenly.
When crocheting in the edges of your pattern, it can be easy to make uneven spaces between your stitches. Pay careful attention to your first round of stitches to ensure you have a solid foundation of evenly-spaced stitches.
Add increases (extra stitches) to turn the corners.
When crocheting a border around a corner, it’s important to add extra stitches in the corner stitch. If you’re using a pattern, it will generally account for this and tell you exactly what to do.
Turning the corners without adding extra stitches can cause your corners to curl. If you’re crocheting multiple rows on your border, the problem will only compound, so be sure to add extra stitches in your corners!
FAQs about Crochet Borders
Here are some frequently asked questions about crocheting borders.
Do all crochet blankets need a border?
It isn’t necessary to create a border on your crochet blanket. However, a border is a great way to add a polished look to your project.
How wide should a border be on a crochet blanket?
There’s no right answer for how wide you should make your crochet border. In general, smaller blankets usually look good with smaller borders, while larger blankets can easily sport borders up to a few inches wide. If your border becomes floppy, it might be a bit too wide, but it’s really up to you!
Do I have to use the same yarn for my border?
No, you don’t necessarily have to use the same yarn for your border as you did for your original project. However, it’s generally easiest to match the gauge and weight of the yarn.
If you choose to use a different yarn, you may need to adjust your hook size. In addition, take extra care to prevent waviness.
Why is my crochet blanket border wavy?
There are a few possible reasons why your crochet border may become wavy or start ruffling. Most likely, it’s because your border has too few or too many stitches.
If you feel like the border is curling or cupping, you might have too few stitches or are working too tightly.
If you feel like the border is wavy or ruffling, you might have too many stitches. In that case, you may need to go back and pick up fewer stitches along the edge.
How do you end a crochet border order?
Fastening your last stitch with an invisible join is a beautiful, seamless-looking way to finish your blanket. Don’t forget to weave your ends in when you’re done!
More Crochet Patterns
Here are some more crochet patterns that you may be interested in.
- 25 Free Crochet Blanket and Afghan Patterns
- 27 Free Crochet Baby Blanket Patterns
- 25 Free Crochet Hat and Beanie Patterns
- 25 Free Crochet Shawl and Wrap Patterns
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