Here’s an assortment of several dozen free crochet patterns for making decorative edgings, featuring a wide variety of styles (everything from pretty fancy to pretty basic).
Any project (or store bought item) can be enhanced by the addition of a lovely trim. It’s a simple yet effective way to add a personal, handmade touch to a piece.
Edgings are a perfect way to tidy up the borders, straighten what isn’t “even” and help hide any imperfections. They can be made with both yarn and thread and can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.
First A Few Tips:
- For most projects, crochet edgings will look best if the base row (usually done in sc) is worked in the same color as the body of the piece.
- This helps hide any unevenness in the foundation of the border.
- Unless otherwise directed, use the hem or the selvedges of the main project for your first base row.
- Evenly spaced: Take your time and proceed with a critical eye when beginning the first round, keep things as evenly spaced as possible (tear out to start again if you have to).
- This will produce a very polished finished border and the extra effort is worthwhile.
- Unless a pattern instructs otherwise, corners are typically worked by placing 3 sts in each corner st (to prevent puckering & to keep the edge flat).
Important: Choose a hook & thread size that best suits the project. A fine crochet cotton thread will turn out a final product much different in size and detail than something worked in regular yarn.
Now on to the goodies, enjoy!
New Collection Update: April, 2022
Note: I’ve focused on those freebies that provide written instructions. There are also a few with additional video tutorials (which is a terrific bonus), but my preference is to always have the instructions available in printable format (either page text to copy, a pdf download or a symbol chart in image format). I find it’s too easy to miss a step when trying to jot down details while watching a video.
Free Decorative Edging & Trim Patterns
Directions: Click on images to visit source, a new browser tab will open so your spot here is saved
Lightweight Tea Towels
Here’s a great example of how simple linen towels can be transformed into something gift-worthy by adding a bit of thread crochet to trim the top & bottom edges.
Source: petalstopicots.com
Lovely & Lacy
This example was done on a throw which can add a lovely dimension to an otherwise simple project. The entire design is worked in 4 rounds (which includes the base sc to get things started).
Source: thegreendragonfly.wordpress.com
Pretty Ruffles
A frilly, feminine edge that would be sweet on baby blankets, this is a great pattern for beginners (only 3 rows with sc and dc stitches).
Source: innerchildcrochet.com
Pom Pom Edge
I love the assortment of bright colors in this example, so fun! These cute little pom poms might be a bit too time consuming to make on larger afghans but totally doable for lap blankets & throws.
Source: onceuponapinkmoon.blogspot.com
Scalloped Trim & Pico Stitch Duo
Here are two different patterns from a website no longer online so I’m linking to the web archive page. There are two different designs offered (as seen in image) and are ideal for pillow cases & other linens.
Source: web.archive.org
Narrow Lace Trim
Ideal for handkerchiefs, this is worked with a 1.5mm hook & DMC perle cotton thread. A basic blanket stitch is used to finish off the main project & start the edging.
Source: craftpassion.com
Two Designs
This example was done on a duo layered skirt, the top edging is done in 3 rounds, the bottom is 4. She recommends a Sharp Crochet Hook to easier work with fabric (the tip is designed to pierce fabric without having to prepoke holes).
Source: mamachee.com
Zig Zag
Here’s a nice one for finishing off tea towels, she also recommends it for washcloths, tablecloths & baby burp cloths. Don’t miss the bottom of the tutorial where she has a tip for using a piece of cardboard as a marking aid.
Source: missabigailshopechest.blogspot.com
Scalloped Pillowcase
When the case is finished off with a blanket stitch (in yarn), the foundation is started with 3 (sc) in each blanket stitch & then the scallop is whipped up.
Source: yougogirl.typepad.com
Basic Garment Embellishment Tutorial
This is a simple tutorial showing you how to add a basic edging around the neckline of a plain garment.
Source: crochetspot.com
Ric Rac
This is a nice design that can be used on just about everything (kitchen linens, baby garments, small towels, etc.)
Source: foxslane.blogspot.com
Princess Ribbon For Receiving Blankets
A classic favorite, here’s a design that’s finished off with a length of satin ribbon woven through the sectioned gaps & tied in place with a pretty bow.
Source: web.archive.org
Flutterby
How cute is this! A row of wee butterflies to finish off a sweet baby blanket, complete with little antennae for each, lol.
Source: yarncrazygirlpatterns.blogspot.com
Wavy Shell
Created by making several DC in a ring on top of a solid DC border. These clusters form a 3D wave or ripple effect. Suitable for shawls, scarves, washcloths & more.
Source: naztazia.com
Straight Border Tutorial
Oftentimes all that’s needed is a basic, plain border to finish things off…it can be quite lovely on everything from dishcloths to potholders, granny squares, etc. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial showing how it’s done.
Source: kerryjaynedesigns.com
Darling Peek-a-boo Border
As you can see from the picture, one side is a solid color border, the other side has color peeking through every other space. Nice!
Source: thesparklytoad.wordpress.com
Simple Ribbed
The width can be as deep as you like, this is one basic design every crocheter needs to keep at easy reach within her arsenal of go-to patterns.
Source: lovelifeyarn.com
Rolling Fans
This trim will work well for a variety of items but I find that designs that have an extra ridge like this are especially nice for washcloths.
Source: craftinghappiness.com
Crab Stitch Border
Worked in only 2 rows & suitable for Beginners, this simple design is a great option for ripple blankets since it easily flows along the ridges.
Source: lullabylodge.com
Granny Square Edging
This is another one to keep in your master stash, suitable for granny squares of all kinds.
Source: petalstopicots.com
Hugs & Kisses
A total of 8 different patterns recommended especially for receiving blankets, including: Fence Post; Lace & Waves; Basic Ruffle; Triangles & Arches; Lacy Loops; Basic Shell; Basic Picot.
Source: hemstitchingforyou.com
Three Quick & Simple Edgings
Another bunch great for flannels or fleece, three designs that are worked in three rows or less. Suitable for Beginners.
Source: sewchic.blogspot.com
More Freebies & Tutorials To Check Out
How To Add Trims: Three Methods
Once you find that perfect pattern, how do you add it to your project? Here are three methods you can try…
- Crochet the full length desired in pattern of choice then block & press the trim. Once set, pin in place and attach by either hand or machine sewing. Your measurements need to be exact for this technique because the ends can’t be trimmed (or the work will unravel).
- Blanket stitch the base along the garment’s edge using yarn and a large sewing needle. This will ready the piece for crochet (multiple sc will be worked in each blanket stitch to form the edging foundation).
- Working directly into fabric:
- For wider or looser weave textiles, a regular thin metal crochet hook will do the trick without tearing fibers.
- For regular quilting cotton or tightly woven fabric, you will need either a sewing awl to pierce holes first or a sharp tip crochet hook that can both pierce the fabric and work the stitches at the same time.
- There’s also a Skip-Stitch Blade that can be inserted into your rotary cutter that will pierce holes evenly. See more info at this blog that provides method details in more depth.
For a more detailed look at the basics of adding a border to your project (and some practical tips for best results), please see this tutorial at Heart Hook Home, I found it quite helpful.
This tutorial by Megmade With Love is also a good one to check out, it shows three different ways to finish off a blanket (including a simple blanket-stitch done in yarn).
Looking for some inspiration of where to add trims? Here are a few ideas:
- Pillowcases & bed linens
- Throw cushions
- Baby burp cloths
- Receiving blankets
- Shawls
- Afghans & throws
- Tea towels, dishcloths, kitchen linens
- Tablecloths, napkins
- Baby garments
- Bathroom towels & washcloths
- Sleepwear
- Dresses & tops for toddlers & young girls
- Curtains
- Tops/Blouses (neckline, sleeves, hem)
- Skirts & shorts (hem)
- Handkerchiefs
I’m so glad you’ve put all the crochet edgings on here today. I’m a new crocheter, and can use all the help and ideas I can get!
I love to crochet and do tatting laces. Love this week’s laces.Really appreciate. Thanks a ton.
Do you have tatted lace patterns for hankies? If so can you send me an easy one? Thank you ! Nancy
I am a ardent &profesional embrodery &crochet teachet ,i am hapy to get al new ideas &paterns
Thanks a lot
I love this site!! You keep it interesting and have great patterns to choose from. Need more that have the CHOICE to Either download OR copy a photo of the pattern.just a thought. Because some people may justp depend on their phones to do things like this and can’t if it has to be downloaded before we can view the instructions and pattern! Obviously can download these to phones and I for one would visit daily to copy them!
I love all these edgings.I am currently crocheting an granny square afghan
And adore crocheting in general.Do you have any crochet coin purses that button close?
I love this page have lovely edging I shall be going do somethanks