EDGING EASE

I like to edge a lot of flannel and fleece pieces.  These make really great quick and inexpensive baby gifts.  A yard of fleece can be purchased for just a couple of dollars on sale.  There are many baby themed fleece prints.  Also available in fleece at great prices are full panels, perfectly sized for cribs and twin beds, that are inexpensive and can be edged easily.

Usually, when I want to edge a piece of fabric, I just use a tapestry needle and some thread and work an evenly spaced initial edging of blanket stitch.  Then, using the yarn I want to work with, I work a row of single crochet into the initial edging.  After that, I can work any number of rows to create a simple or elaborate edging.  This works well for me and I find it to be a reliable method.  Problems with my method – well…um… I sometime have difficulty counting.  So, I…um… might have 36 stitches on one side of the blanket and only 35 stitches on the matching side.  Now, that can be a problem.

So, I found a tool that solves this problem, reliably and for a reasonable price.  Here it is:

Skipstitch rotary blade

and there are pictures showing step by step how to use the tool and edge your fabric.  Here’s a sample:

This picture shows the Foundation Row.

If you are set on using flannel rather than fleece, you need to be sure to roll the raw edge under in that first row of blanket stitch.  It’s pretty easy to do with a little practice.  Most good quality fleece won’t ravel if treated this way – but some cheaper flannels with lower thread counts need to be surged or hemstitched before you edge them.

Fleece is a ‘no fault’ fabric.  It never ravels, can be cut and sewn with out regard to the nature of its edges.  The only thing you need to do with fleece is be sure to cut off the selvedges before you crochet or sew into them.  They don’t have the same feel or stretch as the rest of the fleece piece and will ruin your finished project.

Start small and make a burp rag or infant wrap with flannel or fleece.  Create a lovely crocheted edging using baby or sport weight yarn.  I think you’ll find the results are pleasing to you and to the baby you make it for.

NOTE:  These projects need not be limited to baby.  Making a snuggly TV throw for a teen or adult (maybe in the favorite sports team fleece) or a simple ponch for anyone of any age.