If you’re a knitter, you know that completing a blanket is a great achievement. But why stop there? Adding a knitted border to your finished blanket can elevate its appearance and provide a polished finish. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned knitter, this step-by-step guide will teach you how to add a knitted border to your blanket.
First, gather your materials. You’ll need a pair of knitting needles that are appropriate for the yarn weight of your blanket, as well as a tapestry needle for weaving in ends. Choose a yarn color that complements your blanket or opt for a contrasting color to make the border stand out.
To start, cast on the desired number of stitches for your border. This will depend on the width you want for your border and the gauge of your blanket. Use a provisional cast-on method to make it easier to join the border to the blanket later on. Knit a few rows in a simple stitch pattern, such as garter or seed stitch, to create a border texture.
Once you’ve completed the desired number of rows for your border, it’s time to join it to the blanket. Carefully remove the provisional cast-on and place the live stitches onto a spare needle. Align the border with the edge of the blanket and use a tapestry needle to sew the border to the blanket. Be sure to match the stitch pattern of the border to the edge of the blanket for a seamless look.
Once the border is securely attached, weave in any loose ends and give your blanket a gentle block to even out the stitches and enhance its overall appearance. Now your knitted blanket is complete with a beautiful border!
Tips:
Experiment with different stitch patterns for your border to add visual interest. You can also incorporate different colors or stripes for a unique design. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Adding a knitted border to your finished blanket is a satisfying and rewarding project. It allows you to showcase your knitting skills and create a finished product that is truly one-of-a-kind. Follow this step-by-step guide and soon you’ll have a blanket that is both cozy and visually appealing.
Knitted Border: A Beautiful Addition to Your Finished Blanket
Adding a knitted border to your finished blanket is a great way to give it a polished and finished look. Not only does it add a decorative element to your blanket, but it also helps to reinforce the edges and prevent them from stretching or unraveling over time.
The border can be made using the same yarn and needles that you used to knit the main body of the blanket, or you can choose a contrasting color or texture to create a unique and eye-catching design.
- Measure and plan: Before you begin adding the border, measure the length of each side of your blanket. This will help you determine the number of stitches you will need to cast on for each edge. Consider the desired width of your border and make any necessary adjustments to your measurements.
- Choose your stitch pattern: Decide on a stitch pattern that complements the look of your blanket. You can choose a simple garter or stockinette stitch for a clean and classic look, or experiment with more intricate stitch patterns like lace or cables.
- Pick up stitches: Starting at one corner of your blanket, use a crochet hook or knitting needle to pick up stitches along the edge. Work your way around the entire blanket, ensuring that you pick up an equal number of stitches on each side.
- Knit the border: Once you have picked up all your stitches, begin knitting the border in your chosen stitch pattern. Follow the pattern instructions for the desired width and length of your border. Remember to keep your tension consistent to ensure an even and neat appearance.
- Bind off: When you have reached the desired length for your border, bind off your stitches. You can use a regular bind-off method or experiment with a decorative bind-off to add an extra touch of elegance to your blanket.
Adding a knitted border to your finished blanket is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to personalize your creation and add a touch of sophistication. Whether you choose a simple or intricate stitch pattern, the border will enhance the overall appearance and make your blanket stand out.
Gather the Materials You’ll Need
Before you start adding a knitted border to your finished blanket, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Knitting needles: Choose a pair of knitting needles that are appropriate for the yarn weight of your blanket.
- Yarn: Select a yarn that complements the color and texture of your blanket. Make sure you have enough yarn to complete the border.
- Tapestry needle: This needle will be used for weaving in any loose ends.
- Scissors: You’ll need scissors to cut the yarn.
- Pins: Use pins to hold the border in place as you attach it to the blanket.
- Measuring tape: This tool will help you measure the length of the sides of your blanket to determine the number of stitches needed for the border.
Once you have gathered all the materials, you’ll be ready to start adding a knitted border to your blanket!
Choose the Perfect Yarn and Needle Size
Choosing the right yarn and needle size is crucial when adding a knitted border to your finished blanket. It will determine the final look and feel of your project, so it’s important to consider the following factors:
- Yarn Weight: The weight of the yarn will impact the overall thickness and warmth of the border. For a cozy and thick border, choose a bulky or super bulky yarn. For a lighter and more delicate border, opt for a fingering or sport weight yarn.
- Yarn Composition: Consider the composition of the yarn, such as wool, acrylic, cotton, or a blend. This will affect the drape, softness, and durability of the border. Choose a yarn that complements the texture and colors of your blanket.
- Needle Size: The needle size will determine the tension and stitch definition of the border. A larger needle size will create a looser and more relaxed fabric, while a smaller needle size will produce a tighter and more defined fabric. Check the yarn label for recommended needle sizes or experiment with different sizes to achieve the desired effect.
Keep in mind that the yarn and needle size you choose should complement the stitch pattern and overall design of your blanket. Consider swatching and experimenting with different yarns and needle sizes to find the perfect combination that enhances your finished project.
Determine the Width of Your Border
Before you start adding a knitted border to your finished blanket, you need to determine the width of the border you want to add. The width of the border depends on your personal preference as well as the overall size of your blanket.
Here are a few factors to consider when determining the width of your border:
- Proportion: Consider the proportion of the border to the size of the blanket. A narrower blanket may look better with a thinner border, while a larger blanket could accommodate a wider border.
- Aesthetic: Think about the overall look you want to achieve. A wider border can add a bold and dramatic effect, while a thinner border can appear more delicate.
- Functionality: Consider the practicality of the blanket. If the blanket will be used frequently, a wider border can provide more durability and protection.
Once you have considered these factors, you can decide on the width of your border. It is helpful to measure the width of the existing blanket to determine the ideal width for the border. You can use a measuring tape or ruler to get an accurate measurement.
Remember to make note of your border width decision before starting your knitting project. This will ensure that you have a clear plan and can maintain consistency throughout the knitting process.
Cast On Stitches for Your Border
Before you can start adding a knitted border to your finished blanket, you’ll need to cast on stitches to establish the foundation for your border. Follow these steps to cast on stitches for your border:
- Start with an empty knitting needle and the yarn you’ll be using for your border.
- Hold the knitting needle in your right hand and make a slipknot with the yarn.
- Insert the knitting needle into the slipknot and tighten the loop around the needle.
- Hold the knitting needle with the slipknot in your right hand and use your left hand to grab the working yarn.
- Bring the working yarn over the top of the knitting needle, creating a loop.
- Using the knitting needle, insert it through the loop from front to back.
- Bring the working yarn under the knitting needle, creating a new loop.
- Slide the new loop onto the knitting needle.
- Repeat steps 5-8 until you have cast on the desired number of stitches for your border, as specified in your knitting pattern.
- Once you have cast on all the stitches, you’re ready to begin working the border stitches.
Using these steps, you can easily cast on stitches for your knitted border and start adding the final touch to your finished blanket.
Knit the Body of the Border
Now that you have finished picking up stitches along the edges of your blanket, it is time to start knitting the body of the border. This is where you will create the main design or pattern for your border.
First, choose the stitch pattern you want to use for your border. This can be a simple garter stitch for a clean and classic look, or you can get creative and choose a more intricate pattern such as cables or lace.
Once you have chosen your stitch pattern, start knitting it across all the stitches you picked up along one edge of the blanket. Remember to keep track of your pattern and any changes in stitch count if necessary.
If you are using a more complex stitch pattern, it may be helpful to use stitch markers to indicate the pattern repeat or any specific sections. This will make it easier to keep track of where you are in the pattern as you knit.
Continue knitting the body of the border until you reach the desired length or until you have completed the full pattern repeat for your chosen stitch pattern.
Once you have finished knitting the body of the border for one edge, repeat the process for the remaining edges of your blanket.
After you have completed knitting the body of the border for all edges, your blanket should have a decorative and finished look. The border adds a nice touch and helps to frame the main body of your blanket.
Remember to bind off your stitches once you have finished knitting the last row of the border. You can use a regular bind off technique or choose a stretchy bind off if you want a more flexible edge.
Lastly, weave in any loose ends and block your finished blanket to give it a polished look. Blocking will help relax the stitches and even out the tension, resulting in a beautifully finished project.
Now that you know how to add a knitted border to your finished blanket, you can customize any future projects and add your own personal touch. Have fun experimenting with different stitch patterns and border designs!
Add Decorative Stitches or Patterns
Once you have added a knitted border to your finished blanket, you may want to enhance its appearance by adding decorative stitches or patterns. This can be done using different knitting techniques to create unique and eye-catching designs.
Here are some ideas for adding decorative stitches or patterns to your knitted border:
- Lace stitch: Choose a lace stitch pattern that complements the overall design of your blanket. Lace stitches often feature intricate details and delicate motifs, which can add an elegant touch to your border.
- Cable stitch: If you want to add texture and dimension to your border, consider incorporating cable stitches. Cable stitches create raised twists and braids, which can give your blanket a classic and cozy look.
- Fair Isle pattern: Fair Isle knitting involves working with multiple colors to create intricate patterns. You can add a Fair Isle motif to your border to make it more visually interesting and colorful.
- Intarsia design: Intarsia knitting allows you to create complex pictures or patterns by knitting with different colored yarns. You can incorporate an intarsia design into your border to personalize it and make it truly one-of-a-kind.
Remember to plan your decorative stitches or patterns in advance by sketching them out or using knitting software. This will help you visualize how they will look on your blanket and ensure that you have the necessary materials.
Once you have decided on the stitches or patterns you want to include, you can start adding them to your knitted border. Make sure to follow the instructions for each stitch or pattern carefully to achieve the desired result.
Adding decorative stitches or patterns to your knitted border can elevate the overall look of your finished blanket. Whether you choose a lace stitch, cable stitch, Fair Isle pattern, or intarsia design, these details will make your blanket even more special and showcase your knitting skills.
Bind Off and Secure the Border
Once you have completed knitting the border of your blanket, it is essential to bind off and secure the edges to ensure a tidy and durable finish. Here are the steps to bind off and secure the border:
- Bind off: To bind off, knit the first two stitches as usual, then use the left needle to lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the right needle. Knit one more stitch, and repeat the process of lifting the previous stitch over the new stitch until there is only one stitch left on the right needle. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail of about 6 inches, and pull the tail through the last stitch to secure it.
- Weave in ends: Take the tail of yarn that you cut in the previous step and thread it onto a tapestry needle. Insert the needle under several stitches along the edge of the blanket and pull the yarn through. Repeat this process to weave in the tail securely, making sure it is not visible from the right side.
- Secure any loose stitches: Inspect the entire border of the blanket and identify any loose stitches. Thread a tapestry needle with a matching yarn and use small, discreet stitches to secure the loose stitches and prevent them from unraveling.
- Block the blanket: To give your finished blanket a polished look, consider blocking it. Blocking involves wetting the blanket, gently shaping it to the desired dimensions, and then allowing it to dry completely. This process helps even out stitches and give your blanket a professional finish, but make sure to check the care instructions for the specific yarn you used before attempting to block.
By following these steps to bind off and secure the edges of your knitted border, you can ensure that your finished blanket has a neat and professional appearance that will stand the test of time.
Block Your Finished Blanket with the Knitted Border
Once you have completed adding the knitted border to your finished blanket, it’s time to block the blanket to give it a professional finish. Blocking helps to straighten and even out the stitches, making the blanket look its best.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to block your finished blanket:
- Prepare your materials: You will need blocking mats or towels, rust-proof pins, and a spray bottle of water.
- Lay out your blocking mats: Place your blocking mats or towels on a flat surface, making sure they are larger than your blanket.
- Spread out your blanket: Lay your knitted blanket on top of the blocking mats, making sure it is flat and smooth.
- Pin the corners: Starting at one corner, gently stretch the blanket to the desired dimensions. Use rust-proof pins to secure the corners of the blanket to the blocking mats.
- Pin the edges: Working from the corners, carefully pin the edges of the blanket to the blocking mats, ensuring it remains flat and even.
- Mist the blanket: Fill the spray bottle with water and lightly mist the blanket, making sure to evenly distribute the water over the entire surface.
- Leave to dry: Allow the blanket to dry completely, preferably in a well-ventilated area. This may take a day or two depending on the thickness of the yarn.
- Remove the pins: Once the blanket is dry, gently remove the rust-proof pins from the corners and edges.
After blocking, your finished blanket with the knitted border should have beautifully defined stitches and a polished look. It will be ready to use or gift to someone special!
FAQ:
What is a knitted border?
A knitted border is a decorative edge that is added to a finished blanket. It can be done in a contrasting color or pattern to create visual interest.
Why would I want to add a knitted border to my blanket?
Adding a knitted border to a blanket can add a polished and finished look to your project. It can also help to prevent the edges of the blanket from curling over time.
Can I add a knitted border to any blanket?
Yes, you can add a knitted border to any blanket as long as you have the necessary materials and basic knitting skills. However, it is important to consider the weight and texture of your blanket when choosing a border pattern, as a heavy or textured blanket may not be suitable for a delicate lace border.
How do I choose a border pattern for my blanket?
When choosing a border pattern for your blanket, consider the overall style and aesthetic of the project. You may want to choose a border pattern that complements the stitch pattern used in the body of the blanket, or you may want to go for a contrasting pattern for added visual interest. There are many free knitting patterns available online that you can use as inspiration.