You’ve finished creating a blanket of your own design and now you’re stuck deciding whether to add a border or not. And if it is even worth it?!

One thing I know for sure is that I have never regretted adding a border to a blanket. When you’re first starting out it can be very tempting to leave the border. It can feel a little overwhelming to figure out how to add the border and then to decide what border will work best with the blanket you’ve just created. And it quite often looks ok without one. But I can promise that it will look and feel more finished once the border is added.

And the border doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. And it doesn’t need to be elaborate either.

My second series of washcloth patterns was released with the sole purpose of providing some easy borders that could be added to almost any blanket – and without need to get the stitch count perfect! They’re all pictured in the image below.

My favourite border to add is a moss stitch border. I have added this to every single temperature blanket that I have made. It is extremely simple and can be easily changed up by changing the colour combination. It is my go to when I just want to add a basic border to a blanket that has multiple colours in it as it’s easy to bring the colours into the border.

Adding a border is also a simple way to make a basic blanket look ‘fancy’. Every single one of the washcloths pictured was made with a washcloth that was all single crochet, the most basic of stitches. But every single one is ‘levelled up’ by adding the border.

Before adding a border of any kind I will always do a round of single crochet (UK double crochet) first. It’s an easy way to get the foundations laid, especially on the sides where you need to work around the posts of stitches instead of into stitches.

Lacy look borders are easy to add by using single crochet between chain stitches. This can be as simple as working one single crochet, chain 2 or 3, skip one stitch and single crochet into the next stitch. You can then work into the chain spaces in the subsequent rounds – just make sure that you work some increases into the corners.

You can also just do rows of double crochet (UK treble) in different colours. Another border that can be simple and effective is a crab stitch border. It’s an easy stitch once you get into the swing of it and can be a really lovely way to add a border without calling too much attention to it.

Whatever you choose, don’t over think it! If you want to practice some before committing to them, practice on some smaller pieces like a washcloth. You can create basic washcloth and use it as a practice piece to decide if you’ll like it or not.

My series two washcloths are available to purchase still too. You can buy the bundle at a discounted price in my online store.

Seona x