Baby Blanket Edgings

For "busy," colorful baby blankets such as my heart sampler baby afghan, I recommend using a simple edging that won't be overwhelming. This particular edging is worked in single crochet and slip stitches. I've pictured it on a baby girl's afghan, but keep in mind that this is also an effective type of edging for a boy's baby afghan, because it isn't too lacy and cutesie for a little boy.

This edging is just about the easiest one ever. It's useful for finishing baby blankets or afghans for anyone in the family. Here you can see it pictured on my gingham check baby blanket.

This no-muss, no-fuss afghan edging is appropriate for baby boys or girls, although some color changes might be in order. The edging is made up of shell stitches that are built using half double crochet.

This edging is eye-catching but not too fancy. I've pictured it in baby-boy colors, but I think it would be lovely on baby girls' blankets too.

This edging is one possible way to finish off a baby blanket you can make using my customizable blanket pattern. The pattern includes instructions for many different sizes including a baby's receiving blanket size and a slightly larger crib size. You can also customize blankets for other family members too.

This edging would also work well for finishing off some other types of baby blankets. I think this is a particularly boy-friendly design, although it could also be used on a girl's baby blanket.

When you need a crochet pattern, it's always satisfying to find a free one. But if for some reason you can't find quite what you're looking for among our free pattern offerings, perhaps you might like to buy a book that would offer you more possibilities. If that's the case, here is a crochet book you might like to look at:

• DIY Afghans book by Mary Beth Temple: This book features several exquisite afghan edging patterns, plus afghan patterns and ideas for how to design your own afghans.