Skill Level: Intermediate (You should be comfortable with identifying front and back loops, as well as basic border techniques.)
Materials Needed:
- Yarn: Scheepjes Stone Washed (DK weight; 130m/50g per skein)
- Yarn Requirements (Approximate):
- Small project (e.g., baby blanket 30×30″): 1 skein
- Medium project (e.g., throw 45×60″): 2–3 skeins
- Large blanket/afghan (e.g., 60×72″): 4 skeins
- Hook: 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Stitch markers (optional, to mark corners)
Measurements:
- This border adds approximately 0.75 inches to each edge.
- Gauge is not crucial, but estimated at 18 dc x 10 rows = 4″ (10cm) using specified yarn and hook.
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms):
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- fbl – front loop only
- fbl-b – front bottom half loop only (see special stitch)
Special Stitch: Front Bottom Half Loop (fbl-b)
To locate the front bottom half loop: When looking at the top of a stitch, you’ll usually see a “V” shape this is the front and back top loops. Beneath that “V,” right under the front loop, there’s a subtle horizontal strand.
That’s the front bottom half loop. It sits slightly below and in front of the normal front loop.
To work a double crochet in fbl-b: Yarn over, insert hook under that front bottom loop only, yarn over, pull up a loop, complete as normal dc.
Pattern Instructions:
Note: This border is worked around your finished project. Make sure the last row of your project ends cleanly. If needed, work a single crochet round first as a foundation edge.
Round 1: (Optional Foundation)
- Join yarn with a slip stitch in any corner.
- Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire edge of the project, placing 3 sc in each corner.
- Join with sl st to first sc. Do not fasten off.
Round 2: FBL-B DC Border
- Ch 2 (counts as first dc),
- dc in front bottom half loop only of each stitch around,
- Place (dc, ch 2, dc) in each corner stitch to maintain shape,
- Join with sl st to top of beginning ch-2.
Round 3 (Optional for thickness): Repeat Round 2
- If you’d like a thicker border, repeat Round 2 once or twice more.
- Always work into the fbl-b of the previous round’s stitches.
- Remember to keep corners shaped with (dc, ch 2, dc) in each corner space.
Finishing Instructions:
- Fasten off yarn.
- Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle.
- Gently block your project to smooth out the border and emphasize the subtle horizontal ribbing created by the front bottom half loop technique.
Download PDF
