Monday, May 31, 2010

Crochet Edge




I have been dying to learn this technique for what seems like FOREVER! I think it started when my friend made this oh so cute blanket for my little man back in October. You could find him wrapped up in it everywhere he went! I was hooked and had to learn how to do it.
If you don't know, hemstitching dates back to the early 1900's. Hemstitching is a beautiful art where delicate lace was crocheted around bed linens, table cloths and more. They make the cutest baby blankets (or any other occasion blankets your creative minds can conjure up). So have fun sprucing up your layers with some cute crocheted edges.
TIPS:
When begining: Start with something small, like a burp cloth. You can get your practice in as you get the hang of using your crochet hook, properly holding your fabric, and stitching a snug stitch. If you start with a blanket (and bless you if you do!) then you may find yourslef saying, "I swear I just went around this corner... didn't I?" Once you get your rhythm (and you will get it!) try a blanket.
Now there are several stitches you can make. Im going to start first with the basic stitch. 
Tools Needed:


1. One pre cut baby bib cloth with hemstitch around edge (make a pattern on paper, trace with pencil onto fabric, cut then sew stitch around edge) or you can buy already hemstitched bibs here. I like to create my own because there are more options of cute fabric you can get yourself.
2. Crochet Cotton # 10(it's the thread you use to crochet around the edges)
3. Crochet Hook #5 or 1.57ml (but of course!)

Step 1.
Do It Yourself Hemstitch:
First you are going to start out with your flannel. Cut out two matching pieces to desired size. When finished, lay pieces on top of each other evenly.

Sew your pieces together CLOSLY around all edges with the following stitch. If you have a hemstitch setting, use that. This works just as well but makes the stitching farther apart.
Hemstitch closely around the edges.
Then you have your cute little hemstitch.


Step 2: The Stitch
Make a slipknot. If you need directions, go here.





Now that you have reached your end, your going to punch through the hole on top of your material. (I hope that makes sense, see my horrible night time picture)

After you go through the top and have another loop, you can either continue and make another row OR just stop and tie off there. If you choose to tie off, go through your loop twice and knot the end. Them tuck extra into your stitching.



I hope that makes sense! If you have any questions let me know. Happy stitching everyone and let me know how it goes! Loves! Muah!
Rachel

5 comments:

  1. Hey there! I learned from my mom. She made for her 7 granddaughters (2 of them mine!!) beautiful and elaborated blankets and burp clothes. Since my daughters are no longer babies I don't practice stitching anymore, but you just remind of her.
    Thanks for this beautiful tutorial!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Awesome! I've done the pre-made hemstitch blankets and burp cloths, but I didn't realize it was so easy to make your own. I'll have to try it out.

    ReplyDelete
  3. :) Glad you liked it ladies! Have fun!

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails