Mwah! Keep it Simple Sweetie: Cleaner Crochet Edges

Welcome to the first installment of our new series, Mwah! Keep it Simple Sweetie! This series is all about keeping the craft simple and enjoyable for one another by getting answers to the questions that stump us. The answers that aren't necessarily in a book or YouTube video. These tips are typically passed down between friends and hashed out through experience gleaned along the way. Without the fundamentals, it can be frustrating to follow a tutorial or progress in a project alone. We're here to share that stitch wisdom, to encourage and challenge one another to soar.

This article is about crochet stitches. Click here to read about knit selvedge techniques.

“WHY DOES THIS SIDE LOOK LIKE THIS?”

Let me share a little story. Once I was diligently working on a blanket, determined to master the single crochet through the back loop (BLO) technique. Everything was going smoothly until I noticed my edges looked like they were trying to escape the project! If your crochet edges are loose and wonky when you are crocheting the front or back loop only (FLO, BLO), this article is for you and me!

The Tale of One Loop Feeling Pulled in Every Direction

First, let's talk about what single crochet through the back loop (BLO) is. When you crochet through the back loop, you're inserting your hook into the back loop of the stitch only, leaving the front loop free. This technique is great for adding texture as the exposed and unworked loop becomes the star of the show, appearing as a highlighted ridge.

Feeling on Edge

However, the problem these beautiful BLO stitches is that to uneven or messy edges. This happens because the lone stitch at end of each row can become loose or stretched, affecting the overall look of your project.

Better Together

Here's a simple solution: begin and end your rows by crocheting through both loops. Continue the remainder of the row in your chosen Back Loop Only or Front Loop only pattern. This technique helps to anchor your stitches and create a cleaner edge.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Starting a Row: At the beginning of your row, insert your hook under both loops of the first stitch and complete your single crochet as usual.

2. Continuing with BLO: For the rest of the row, continue to crochet through the back loop only.

3. Ending a Row: When you reach the last stitch of the row, insert your hook under both loops and complete your single crochet.

By anchoring the first and last stitches of each row, you'll notice a significant improvement in the neatness of your edges.

Practical Tips for Cleaner Edges

Here are a few additional tips to help you achieve cleaner edges:

• Use Stitch Markers: Place a stitch marker in the first and last stitch of each row to help you keep track.

• Count Your Stitches: Regularly count your stitches to ensure you're not accidentally adding or missing any.

• Blocking: Once your project is complete, block and pin your work to help even out the stitches.

Conclusion

Creating cleaner edges in Back Loop Only stitch patterns doesn't have to be complicated. Begin and end your rows by crocheting through both loops. Give this technique a try in your next project and see the reinforcement it makes! Mwah!