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Supplies:
• Burp cloth in desired fabric that
has been hemstitched
• Crochet hook
• Crochet thread in desired color
Step-by-step:
Creating a decorative edge for a baby blanket
or burp rag is a fun and easy craft. You can either use
the foundation stitch alone or build on it with a decorative
shell or loop stitch.
| 1. Hold article in front of you. Push the crochet
hook through the hole (the crochet thread should be
behind the article.) (See Figure 1) |
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FIGURE 1 |
| 2. Grab the thread with the hook
and pull the thread toward you through the hole (See
Figure 2). |
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FIGURE 2 |
| 3. Reach the hook up and grab the
thread (See Figure 3). |
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FIGURE 3 |
| 4. Pull the thread back through
the loop (See Figure 4). |
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FIGURE 4 |
| 5. You now have one loop on your
hook. Push the hook through the next hole and grab the
thread (See Figure 5). |
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FIGURE 5 |
| 6. Pull the thread toward you through
the hole. You will now have two loops on the hook. Bring
the thread over the hook (See Figure 6). |
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FIGURE 6 |
| 7. Pull the thread through the
two loops that were on the hook (See Figure 7).
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FIGURE 7 |
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8. You have now completed one
single crochet. Repeat the directions from steps 1-7
in each hole. Slip stitch to connect and complete
the row. (See Figure 8)
Now that you have the foundation
stitch around your blanket or burp cloth, you can
build on it with other stitches, or finish off the
project. Here are some other
stitches to try:
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Click on image to see larger
FIGURE 8 |
Yarn Over:
Catching the yarn with the hook is part of every crochet
stitch. Whether you are using yarn (for general crochet
projects) or thread (for our project), the directions are
the same. Bring the yarn over the top of the hook, from
the back to the front, catching it in the groove of the
hook.
Slip Stitch:
| 1. Connect your first and last stitch
together with a slip stitch. With one loop on the hook
(See Figure 1) reach in under the top two threads
of the stitch you want to attach to. |
Click on image to see larger
FIGURE 1 |
Click on image to see larger
FIGURE 2 |
2. Bring the thread over the hook
(See Figure 2) and pull it back through
the top two threads and the original loop that was
on the hook (See Figure 3).
You are now ready to start the next row of your pattern
or end your project
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Click on image to see larger
FIGURE 3
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Single Crochet:
| Insert hook into foundation stitch (from the front
to the back, under both top threads of the foundation
stitch), yarn over (See Figure 1), and pull through
chain or stitch (2 loops on hook). Yarn over and pull
through both loops. One loop should remain on the hook.
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Click on image to see larger
FIGURE 1
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Double Crochet:
Yarn over, insert hook into foundation stitch, yarn over
again and pull yarn through stitch (3 loops on hook). Yarn
over and pull through 2 loops. Yarn over and pull through
2 loops again.
| Row 1: foundation stitch in each hole,
slip stitch to join.
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| Row 2: double crochet 5 in first stitch, skip 1 stitch,
single crochet in 1 stitch, skip 1 stitch; repeat around
entire article. Finish off. |
Click on image to see larger |
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Row 1: foundation stitch in each hole,
slip stitch to join.
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| Row 2: chain 4, skip next 2 single crochet, slip stitch
in next single crochet, repeat. Join with a slip stitch
to the first single crochet. (You may have to adjust
your stitches as you approach the first chain 4 by skipping
3 stitches instead of 2.) |
Click on image to see larger |
Finishing the project:
End your project by enlarging the loop on
your hook. Cut the end of thread about 3 inches long. Pull
the end through your last loop. Tighten to secure a knot
in the thread. With the back of the article facing you pull
the secured thread through a few foundation stitches.
Directions adapted from The
Crochet Primer by Danielle’s Heirloom Designs
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Trimming the Fabric
If
you are using a pre-hemstitched article, be sure to
trim the material around the stitches to 1/8 to 1/4
inch. Be careful to not trim too close, because you
might cut into the hemstitched holes and then you
won’t be able to crochet in the holes.
Crochet
Hooks
Crochet
hooks are made of steel, aluminum, plastic, and wood.
For fine work with cotton threads, the steel hooks
are always best. The aluminum, plastic and wooden
hooks are best for use with yarn. You can use several
sizes a hooks, but size 6 or 7 works best for me.
Thread
 Crochet
thread is usually wound on a small core, creating
a compact ball. It is machine washable, soft, and
easy to use. I use 100% cotton Knit-Cro-Sheen because
it comes in a lot of colors and is easy to find. I
recommend J.P. Coats crochet thread or DMC Cebelia
crochet thread.
Fabric
For
this project you can use just about any type of fabric.
I prefer terry fleece, but you can use a patterned
cotton fabric, regular fleece, or flannel.
Changing Colors
Work
the last stitch to within one step of completion,
hook new yarn and draw through all loops on hook.
Cut old yarn and work over both ends.
Hemstitching
Hemstitching
is a method of sewing. A hemstitching machine makes
reinforced holes for designs in clothing and holes
around the outer edge making it easy for a crochet
hook to go through. If you do not have access to a
hemstitching machine, you can make your own holes
with your crochet hook.
Another
way to create a hemstiching
If you don't have access to hemstitching, try serging
the item. Then I use a winged needle in my sewing
machine and use a zig zag stitch with no thread in
the machine. The large tip of the winged needle leaves
the perfect hole for my crochet needle.
-Lenita,
MC reader
>
Hemstitcher.com
>
DaniellesOnline.com
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Trimming
a baby blanket or burp rag with a crochet border is a delightfully
retro touch. Popular in the 1950s, this nostalgic craft is timeless.
Any new mom will be happy to receive a receiving blanket laced
with a beautiful crochet shells or a few burp rags tied together
with a ribbon. 
