Crochet-Edge Blanket Workshop Part 2

Welcome back to Week 2 of the Crochet-Edge Blanket workshop! This week we can get to the fun part and learn how to crochet four different edges. All the samples made for these tutorials are made from prints I designed for Art Gallery Fabrics and are in flannel (with the exception of one quilting cotton napkin). You can see more of my fabrics HERE.

Here’s what we’ll be learning this week:

• Basic crochet

• Square edge

• Clamshell edge

• Picot edge

• Pom-pom edge

Let me stress again that I’m not an expert at crochet but have managed to successfully add crochet borders to fabric in a method I really like (no large holes into the fabric) and have found four beginner-friendly edge designs that also look good without needing to know a lot of fancy stitches or complicated repeats. If you really want to learn how to crochet from an expert there are books on the subject and so many qualified instructors and creators out there on the internet so please, keep exploring and learning. Also, if you’re left handed and want to learn how to crochet, you’ll want to seek out a left handed instructor as I cannot provide good instructions or video examples for lefties—just saying, “…reverse everything I do…” is probably not enough!

Basic Crochet

The video module below will briefly touch on how to hold your crochet hook and yarn and introduce you to crochet. Each of the edge design modules will get into the actual stitches used for that particular edge. Remember, this edge-method is slightly different than creating a entire crocheted blanket so we don’t need to know the number of stitches—only the number of stitches we add to our loops in round 1 help keep the repeating edge pattern in round 2 landing at the corners where we want and looking neat and tidy.

Written crochet instructions can look like a foreign language and are made up of abbreviations and very condensed information. I’ve made a downloadable PDF handout that has my attempt at writing the instructions for the four edge styles shown in the modules. Chances are I may not have written it out in true crochet abbreviation-fashion but these were the notes I had made for myself when I created my samples and was enough information and prompt for me to get the job done. I’ve made some text caption notes in the videos showing the abbreviations so when you refer to the handout you will start to see the connection of stitch to instructions. Print out the handout and have it handy when you watch the videos and start crocheting—that way you can make yourself any notes if needed and have a reference to easily return to.

Four Edge Designs

Square Edge

This Square Edge design is one I made up after playing around with various stitches. We will start with this design as I feel it’s the simplest and easiest repeating pattern to follow for a beginner. The stitches you’ll learn to make for this edge include: Chain stitch (ch), single crochet (sc), double crochet (dc), and slip stitch (sl st). Watch how to stitch in the video below.

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Clamshell Edge

The Clamshell is a very decorative stitch that’s very easy to make. This stitch would look good in any variety of yarn weights and creates a soft, scalloped edge to a blanket or napkin. I build upon what you already learned in the Square Edge video and introduce a new repeat to achieve the Clamshell variation. Stitches used in the tutorial below include: Chain stitch (ch), single crochet (sc), slip stitch (sl st), and double crochet (dc).

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Picot Edge

The Picot Edge looks fancy like lace but is actually a very simple design! I like to use a #2-#3 weight yarn with this one to keep the stitches looking delicate. This may not be the best edge stitch for a baby blanket because of the openness of the chained area between Picot groups but would be lovely on napkins and pillowcases. For this edge design we use the simplest of stitches but it’s all in the way you cluster them that creates the fun pattern. Stitches included in the video below are: Chain stitch (ch), single crochet (sc), and slip stitch (sl st).

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Pom-pom Edge

Okay, I saved my favorite edge stitch for last because it’s only slightly more difficult than the others and if you are a beginner, it’s a good idea to try some of the other edge treatments first just to get a feel for the basic stitches and how the repeating patterns create different effects. If you’re making a receiving blanket please note that this stitch uses more yarn than the other stitches and if you crochet loosely and use a larger needle, these factors will also increase how much yarn is used and you will want to have a skein with at least 250 yards in it just to be on the safe side and have enough yarn for the project. In the tutorial video below we use stitches already learned like the chain stitch (ch) and slip stitch (sl st) but add in the very cool half double crochet (hdc) stitch used in two different ways.

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And, there you have it, four different edge designs to play with and all sort of yarn weight and crochet hook options for infinite variety and applications! Now you can take this idea and run wild with it to come up with ways to add a crochet edge to your projects and add a special, hand stitched touch.

Bonus

Just this week as I was searching for a certain crochet hook for the umpteenth time I thought to myself, “I really need some sort of case for my hooks” and then later that day I stumbled across photos of my Shine On Glasses Case project and the light bulb came on! Sure enough, the glasses case is the perfect size to store a whole bunch of crochet hooks! Download the free PDF pattern by clicking on the button below.

Did you enjoy this mini workshop? I look forward to seeing your projects posted on Instagram so be sure to tag me @sharonhollanddesigns when you share your work!

I am an Amazon Associate site and earn from qualifying purchases on the products I’ve linked below. The helpful products selected are the same or similar to materials used to make the project(s) in this blog post or related items I think you may enjoy.

Crochet-Edge Blanket Workshop Part 1

Welcome to the first week of a two-part mini workshop on how to crochet the edges of fabric to create a flannel receiving blanket, burp cloth, or flannel or quilting cotton cloth napkins.

Behind the scenes I’ve been stitching up samples and taping video tutorials to walk you through the steps for making Crochet-Edge Flannel Blankets. None of the steps are very difficult but there is a few steps so that’s why I’m splitting the workshop into two weeks. This week we are preparing your fabric to hold a crocheted-edge. There will be three video modules that you can watch at your own pace.

WEEK 1

• Module 1 - Yarn selection

• Module 2 - Hemming

• Module 3 - Hem Loops

If you like how my crocheting looks like it floats on the edge of the fabric then all the prep work you will do this week will set you up for success when we get to the fun part next week and learn four different crochet edge finishes!

SUPPLIES

The first supplies you’ll want to gather are your fabric, yarn, and #5 Perle Cotton that closely matches your yarn color.

• To make one 40-42’’ square-size receiving blanket you will want to purchase 1-1/4 yards of flannel that’s at least 43-44’’ wide. I’m using Art Gallery Fabrics flannel that’s a thick, double-brushed cotton flannel. Or, this same amount of material could be squared then cut into quarters to make four burp cloths or napkins that measure about 20’’ square. If you want to create projects larger or bigger than outlined above then buy the appropriate amount of fabric—this is a customizable project. You can pre-wash your fabrics if desired.

  • Note on project size: If you are a beginner to crochet you many want to start with a napkin-size project to begin with. You’ll notice to speed things up I even started making smaller samples.

• After view Module 1 you will have a better idea of how to select your yarn weight for this project. I have used weights from 2 (fine, sport, or baby weight), 3 (light worsted or DK weight), and 4 (medium or worsted). I used more of the 2-3 weight yarns in my samples and liked how they looked and handled. For one 40-42’’ square receiving blanket you will want to purchase a skein of yarn that has at least 175 yards in it. Adjust accordingly if you’re making a larger or several projects in the same yarn style and color—you may need to buy more skeins.

  • #2 - Fine, Sport generally calls for a 3.5-4.5 mm hook

  • #3 - Light, DK weight, Light Worsted generally calls for a 4.5-5.5 mm hook

  • #4 - Medium, Worsted generally calls for a 5.5-6.5 mm hook

• Perle Cotton #5 is my floss choice for creating the hem loops to hold our crochet stitches. I prefer that my Perle Cotton matches the yarn color as close as possible to practically disappear into the crocheting. This hem loop method is my chosen way to add a crochet-edge to a blanket. There are other ways with less preparation, yes, but I like this method because it does not put large holes in the fabric from crocheting directly into the hemmed edge.

• Basic sewing/quilting supplies like: Rotary matte and cutter (for squaring fabric), seam gauge, rulers, marking tool, needle for Perle Cotton, small scissors, iron, and spray starch, if desired.

MODULE 1

Yarn Selection

Even though we don’t start crocheting until Week 2, we will want to select our yarn right after choosing the fabric. Watch the Yarn Selection video before hand to see the four edge stitches I’ll be teaching—as the stitch may help you determine the yarn weight. Be sure to think about the end use of the project and what sort of washing instructions are given for the yarn. If you have a local yarn shop, go in and talk with the staff and feel up the merchandise! Feeling the yarn will be the best way to decide what to use. The yarn packaging will give you information about what crochet hook size to use. You may also want to have one hook size larger and smaller than the yarn suggested size as you may prefer a looser or tighter look than suggested. Here’s an affilate Amazon link for an affordable pack of 9 common crochet hook sizes by Knit Picks that are very comfortable to use. Once you have made a yarn selection then picking out the right color Perle Cotton and hook size will be easier and you’ll be ready to begin hemming with Module 2!

MODULE 2

Hemming

This workshop explains how to square your fabric, hem it, and prepare the hem to hold a crochet stitch. This method MIGHT work for pillowcases if the pillowcase hem is turned under at the edge and accessible before stitching the hem down. The lessons for these tutorials are to make a finished project that’s hemmed. If you are wanting to add crochet to a double-sided, or quilted project—you will want to search online for tutorials that teach how to work crochet on those other sort of projects.

The following video tutorial will help you to make perfect mitered-corners on your fabric and press the hem lines used to mark loop placement in preparation for Module 3.

MODULE 3

Hem Loops

Once you’ve pressed under the hem on your fabric and mitered the corners it’s time to mark the stitching guide for the loops that we’ll be crocheting onto. These loops are made with #5 Perle Cotton and hand-stitched using a back stitch at each mark. After all sides have their loops, then you can machine stitch the hem down and you’ll be ready to start crocheting with the workshop Part 2 modules!

There’s your workshop homework assignment for this week: Choose fabric and yarn plus have the size crochet hook(s), square up and miter the corners of your fabric and press the hems, and finally, mark and stitch the loops before you stitch down the hem. Next week we crochet!

If you’re on Instagram and post process photos of your work, I’d love to see what you're making so don’t forget to tag me @sharonhollanddesigns when you post!

I am an Amazon Associate site and earn from qualifying purchases on the products I’ve linked below. The helpful products selected are the same or similar to materials used to make the project(s) in this blog post or related items I think you may enjoy.

2021 Sweet Home Quilt Along

2021 Sweet Home Quilt Along

We’re back!!

The AGF designer duo who LOVES to collaborate has been busy planning a new community event—Sweet Home Quilt-Along 2021!! Join Maureen Cracknell and myself, Sharon Holland for the second Sweet Home Quilt Along.

The Sweet Home Quilt Along (QAL) is going to be a six week long sewing event beginning August 25, 2021 thru September 29, 2021 and is perfect for new to novice quilters!

This year, I’ve started a new format for hosting a quilt along. Even though this is a FREE event, you’ll need to sign up and become a Sweet Home QAL Member to enjoy all the benefits like:

• Member’s only emails for each QAL blog post from this website

• Access to the Sweet Home Kit Directory where I’ve gathered all the Sweet Home kits available from your favorite shops (a dozen different looks to choose from at the time of writing this post)

• Helpful tips and tutorials to make piecing your Sweet Home quilt the best experience

• Opportunities to enter the weekly giveaways that you wont want to miss!

Sign Up

It’s free and easy to start an account on this blog and sign up for the Sweet Home QAL 2021 event.

There’s several ways to to it:

• Look for the black Log In/Sign Up bar across a phone screen or rectangle in bottom right corner if viewing on the screen. Click and you’ll be prompted to create an account like pictured in the box below.

• Or, head over to my Sew Along page and click on the Sweet Home QAL 2021 current event image or link. The pop-up sign up prompt will come up.

• If you don’t see any pop-up boxes to fill out then you’ll need to allow pop-ups from this website to activate that sign up option.

If you don’t already have a Sweet Home quilt pattern, then you’ll want to stop by my SHOP and purchase the PDF download. The first week (August 25) of the QAL will be fabric selection so you will have a little extra time to gather your supplies but you may want to get a head start and either purchase or pre-order a kit, search through your stash, or go shopping on your own to get just the look you want.

Fabric pull ideas from the 2020 past sew along held last year can be found on these pages:

Sweet Home Quilt Along

Sweet Home Quilt Along - Week 1

I’m looking forward to making my two new Sweet Home quilts and can’t wait to see what you make this year! If you’re on Instagram you’ll want to follow both Maureen @maureencracknell and myself @sharonhollanddesigns as we post daily over on that space with pretty images of our Art Gallery Fabrics collections, the projects we’re working on, and all things sewing.

I am an Amazon Associate site and earn from qualifying purchases on the products I’ve linked below. The helpful products selected are the same or similar to materials used to make the project(s) in this blog post or related items I think you may enjoy.

Sweet Home Quilt Along Finale Week 6

Sweet Home Quilt Along Finale Week 6

It’s been so much fun sewing along with everyone and seeing all the beautiful Log Cabins and Bungalows being constructed! This is our finale week for the Sweet Home Quilt Along hosted by myself, Maureen Cracknell, and Jennifer Jones. This Quilt Along’s taken a bit of the isolation out of staying home to be able to connect with the Sweet Home quilt makers on our Instagram community as well as on our blogs. Thank you to everyone who participated! The quilts being made are so adorable—see what I mean when you search the #SweetHomeQAL hashtag on Instagram and see all the amazing quilts in progress and finished quilts.

This may be the last official week of the quilt along but the blog posts and tutorials will remain up for anyone just starting their Sweet Home adventure. Before my big reveal of my Sweet Home quilt I thought I’d show a favorite photo from each week of my QAL posts. You’ll find links to those posts in the Highlight review if you need to read more, simply click on the aqua highlight “Week” title.

The quilt along ran six weeks total and covered a different aspect of piecing or finishing for each week. If you’re a novice quilter and want more instruction along the way—we have that too in the form of recorded Instagram tutorials over on my IGTV channel on Instagram. I’ve recorded step by step tutorials for you to access on my @sharonhollanddesigns IGTV channel on Instagram and the Sweet Home Quilt series covers fabric selection, Log Cabin block, and Bungalow block construction.

You can purchase the Sweet Home quilt pattern from my SHOP here.

A Look Back at the Highlights

Week 1

The first week was about selecting your fabrics for your quilt and cutting out the pieces for the quilt. You’ll find Instagram tutorials from myself and Jennifer Jones on how to substitute your fabrics in the pattern.

View my IGTV Sweet Home QAL series

View Jennifer’s IGTV story

My fabric pull for this quilt consisted of Art Gallery Fabrics Terra Kotta collection mixed with a couple Pure Solids and one print from my Spirited collection. This kit is available at Fat Quarter Shop if you’d like to sew a quilt like mine.

Week 2

Construction of the 10 Log Cabin blocks began and we learned about the many merits of chain piecing and how to control directional prints on Flying Geese units.

Week 3

Week 3 was devoted to making the Bungalow blocks and utilizing all the skills we’ve learned during the Log Cabin construction. There’s also tips and tutorials for using up those leftover half-square triangle from trimming the roofs.

Week 4

On week 4 we stitching up the Cornerstone Squares and adding sashing to your blocks to make a quilt top.

Week 5

Week 5 was a big blog post about sandwiching a quilt, spray basting, quilting, and binding. That post is loaded with tutorial links to earlier blog posts and tutorials on my blog. I finished my quilt with Chenille-It Blooming Bias (faux chenille) binding and you’ll find a video tutorial for that on the Week 5 post.

Week 6

Finale week is were all three hosts get to show off my six weeks of work and enjoying our fun Sweet Home quilts.

Here’s my finished quilt…

This sweet little stone spring house at a local park made the perfect backdrop for my quilt. We weren’t lucky enough to have a sunny day but the wind calmed down enough to get some shots.

Don’t forget to stop by Maureen Cracknell and Jennifer Jones blogs to see their big reveals and beautiful Sweet Home quilts.

This Friday will be the last Friday Giveaway for the Sweet Home Quilt Along and it will be our grande finale giveaway. Be following along on Instagram as all the giveaways will be held on that platform and winners will be randomly drawn the following Monday from the #SweetHomeQAL hashtag pool. The quilt along members that post their progress photos to public account on Instagram and use the hashtag #SweetHomeQAL will automatically be entered into every Sweet Home Quilt Along drawing! It’s that easy to enter, so enter often to up your chances!

And, while you’re on Instagram, take a look at the #SweetHomeQAL hashtag on Instagram and see what the other QAL Makers are using in their quilts—it’s an amazing resource not only to see fabrics but to make new friends!

I am an Amazon Associate site and earn from qualifying purchases on the products I’ve linked below. The helpful products selected are the same or similar to materials used to make the project(s) in this blog post or related items I think you may enjoy.