Crochet lace edging is one of the easiest ways to turn a plain, finished item into something that looks handmade and intentional. Instead of a full lace project, an edging is just a border, a strip of open, decorative stitches worked along the existing edge of a blanket, pillowcase, towel, or garment. It takes far less time than a full lace piece, but it adds nearly the same visual impact.
What Is Crochet Lace Edging?
Crochet lace edging is a narrow band of open, patterned stitches worked along the outer edge of a finished piece. Rather than building an entire project from scratch, you work directly into the existing edge, or crochet a separate strip and sew it on afterward. The result is a decorative border that frames the item instead of just finishing it off with a plain row.
Best Crochet Stitches for Lace Edging
A few stitch combinations show up in almost every lace edging pattern. The shell stitch, worked in small clusters along the edge, creates a soft, scalloped look that’s one of the most common lace edging styles. The picot stitch adds small, pointed loops that give an edge a delicate, almost vintage feel. A simple scallop border, built from groups of double crochet stitches worked into the same space, is one of the fastest lace edgings to learn. And the V-stitch, worked in a repeating row, creates an open, airy edge without much shaping to keep track of.
How to Add Crochet Lace Edging to a Project
There are two main ways to add a lace edge, and the right one depends on what you’re edging.
Working Directly Into the Edge
If the item is already crocheted, like a blanket or a garment hem, you can usually work your edging stitches directly into the last row of stitches. This is the simpler option, since there’s no sewing involved, and the edging becomes part of the piece as you go.
Crocheting a Separate Strip and Sewing It On
If you’re adding lace to something that isn’t crocheted, like a fabric pillowcase or a purchased towel, you’ll need to crochet a separate strip first. Once it’s the right length, you sew or whip-stitch it along the fabric edge by hand. This method takes a little more planning, since you need to measure and often adjust the strip’s length to fit.
Easiest Crochet Lace Edging for Beginners
The simple scallop edging is usually the easiest starting point, since it’s built from just one repeated group of double crochet stitches worked into the same stitch or space. Picot edgings are only slightly more advanced, since the picot itself is just a small chain looped back into itself. Save more layered patterns, like a pineapple-style edging with multiple rounds, for after you’re comfortable with basic repeats.
What Can You Use Crochet Lace Edging On?
Lace edging works on almost anything with a finished border. Blankets and afghans are some of the most common projects, since the edging frames the whole piece. Pillowcases and towels get a decorative, almost heirloom look with a simple lace border sewn along the open end. Garments, like the cuffs, hem, or neckline of a cardigan or top, can also be finished with a lace edge instead of a plain row. Even smaller items, like handkerchiefs or table linens, are traditional places to add a lace trim.
How Much Thread or Yarn Do You Need?
The amount depends entirely on the size of the edge you’re covering and how many rounds your chosen pattern uses. A single-round scallop or picot edge around a standard pillowcase typically uses well under one skein or ball. A longer edge, like the full border of a blanket, or a multi-round pattern with several layers, will use noticeably more. It’s generally safer to buy a little extra thread or yarn than the pattern calls for, since running out mid-border means matching a dye lot later.
Common Questions
Does Crochet Lace Edging Use Thread or Yarn?
It can use either. Traditional lace edging, especially on linens and doilies, is usually worked in a fine crochet thread with a small steel hook for a delicate look. A more modern lace edging on a blanket or garment is often worked in regular yarn with a standard hook, which gives a softer, less formal finish.
Can You Add Lace Edging to Something That’s Already Finished?
Yes. As long as there’s an edge to work into or sew onto, you can add lace edging after the fact. For a crocheted item, you simply work your new stitches into the existing border row. For a fabric item, you crochet a separate strip and attach it by hand afterward.
Final Thoughts
Crochet lace edging is one of the most efficient ways to make a plain, everyday item look special. Pick a simple stitch to start, decide whether you’re working directly into the piece or sewing on a separate strip, and you’ll have a finished, decorative border in a fraction of the time a full lace project would take.
