Ask Jessica: Finishing the raw fabric edge before crocheting

Here is a common question.  Let me help!

QUESTION: Kate from the Sharp Crochet Hook facebook fan page asks: just wondering...do you finish or press your edge over before you add the edging?

ANSWER: Hi Kate. Thanks for your question! No. I leave the edge flat. Some people like to do a zig-zag or surge the raw edge of flannel with a machine before crocheting an edge over it, but I don't and I've never had a problem with it fraying.

Without treating the raw edge by sewing or folding it, I leave a 1/4" distance between stitches (eye-balled) on flannel and cotton and even after several dozen machine washings and dryings, the fabric and crocheted edging is still in tact and looks wonderful. If the fabric comes with a folded edge (like a handkerchief), I leave the folded edge there and crochet over the folded edge.

This truly is an easy way to crochet a baby blanket because you don't need to finish the edge of the fabric, get it hemstitched, prepoke holes, etc. You can actually buy the fabric to size, take it home and start crocheting with the Sharp Crochet Hook.

Here are some pictures you might find helpful:

This is a flannel blanket I made without treating the edges before crocheting. I did not fold over the edges, surge, or otherwise do anything to the fabric besides cutting it and crocheting through it with the Sharp Crochet Hook.

This is the same blanket after about 2-3 dozen hot water/cool rinse normal spin cycle machine washings and medium heat machine dryings (about 8 months later). There are no signs of fraying from the raw edge under the crochet stitches. The baby's hand is blurry because she was waving at the camera. HI JANE!

 

Here is a close up of what it looks like after all the machine washings and dryings. Yup, it still looks awesome!

If you haven't ordered the Sharp Crochet Hook, you can go here: http://www.sharpcrochethook.com/order-crochet-hooks.html

I hope this helps.

Happy Crocheting :)


Jessica
 

If you have a question about crocheting edgings, please ASK JESSICA! Email her at jessica@sharpcrochethook.com or ask her on the Sharp Crochet Hook facebook page.


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