Satin Border Blanket: Elevate Your Crochet With A Silky Finish

Adding a border to a crochet blanket is a great way to give it a finished, polished, and professional look. It can also help hide any imperfections, add structure and stability to the blanket, and increase its size. A satin border, in particular, can add an elegant finishing touch to a crochet blanket, transforming it into a beautiful handmade keepsake. However, sewing a satin border can be tricky as satin tends to be slippery and can easily become misaligned. This guide will provide a step-by-step process on how to add a satin border to a crochet blanket, as well as offer tips and tricks for a smooth and even finish.

Preparing the satin border

Before you begin, you will need to gather the following materials: cotton thread, a mild fabric detergent, a tape measure, a ruler or yardstick, and fabric chalk (optional).

First, wash the satin border by hand in warm water with a mild detergent. Rinse and hang it to dry. This step is important to prevent the satin from shrinking after it has been attached to the blanket. If the satin becomes wrinkled, gently iron out the wrinkles using a low heat setting.

Next, measure the length and width of your crochet blanket, adding 4 inches to each measurement. Cut the satin border strips accordingly, with two strips for the length and two for the width.

Now, fold your blanket in half lengthwise. Use pins or fabric chalk to mark the midpoint of each edge. Repeat this process for the width of the blanket. Then, fold each border strip in half and mark the midpoint of each strip.

Lay the blanket flat and place the border strips along its edges, matching the midpoints of the strips to the midpoints of the blanket edges. Pin the border strips in place, ensuring that at least 1/2 inch of the blanket's raw edge is tucked inside the fold of the border strip.

Attaching the satin border

Preparation

Before attaching the satin border to your crochet blanket, you must first prepare the satin material. Satin tends to be slippery and can easily become misaligned, so it is important to take your time with this process. Start by washing the satin border by hand in warm water with a mild detergent. Rinse and hang it to dry. This step is crucial to prevent the satin from shrinking after it has been attached to the blanket. If you notice any wrinkles once the satin is dry, gently iron them out using a low heat setting.

Next, measure the length and width of your crochet blanket. For each measurement, add 4 inches, and then cut the satin border strips accordingly. You will need two strips for the length and two strips for the width of the blanket.

Pinning the Satin Border

Now, it's time to pin the satin border to the crochet blanket. First, fold the blanket in half lengthwise, and then use pins or fabric chalk to mark the midpoint of each edge. Repeat this process for the width of the blanket. You should now have clear midpoints on all four sides of the blanket.

Fold each satin border strip in half and mark the midpoint of each strip. Lay the blanket flat and carefully align the midpoints of the border strips with the midpoints on the blanket's edges. Pin the border strips to the blanket, ensuring that at least 1/2 inch of the blanket's raw edge is tucked inside the fold of the border strip.

Sewing the Satin Border

Once the satin border is securely pinned, it's time to start sewing. Using a cotton thread that coordinates with the border colour, baste the satin border strips to the crochet blanket. Then, using a sewing machine or hand sewing, sew the border strips to the blanket, making sure that the needle goes through the blanket and catches both edges of the satin border strip. Leave a 1/4 inch seam allowance at each strip end.

Creating Crisp Corners

To create neat and crisp corners, you will need to miter the border ends. Fold back one of the border strip ends to a 45-degree angle, tucking the raw edges inside the strip. Repeat this process for the adjoining end, ensuring that the edges match up to create a sharp 90-degree angle. Pin the edges together and press down on the outer edges to create a crisp corner point. Sew the edges together using the coordinating thread. Repeat this process for the remaining three corners of the blanket.

Alternative Ideas

If you prefer a different look, there are a few alternative ways to add a satin border. One option is to cut the satin into strips and create a satin fringe around the blanket. Another idea is to knit an open border around the blanket and then weave a satin ribbon through the loops, resulting in an elegant and unique border.

Sewing the satin border

Sewing a satin border to a crochet blanket can be a little tricky as satin is slippery and can easily become misaligned. However, with a bit of patience and these easy steps, you can sew a satin border to your crochet blanket.

Wash the Satin Border

First, wash the satin border by hand in warm water with a mild detergent. Rinse and hang it to dry. This step is important to prevent the satin from shrinking after it has been attached to the blanket. If the satin is wrinkled once dry, gently iron out the wrinkles on a low heat setting.

Measure the Blanket

Next, measure the length and width of your crochet blanket. For the length, add 4 inches; for the width, add 4 inches. Cut the satin border strips using these new measurements, with two strips for the length and two for the width.

Fold and Mark the Blanket and Border Strips

Now, fold the blanket in half lengthwise. You can use pins or fabric chalk to mark the midpoint of each edge. Repeat this process for the width of the blanket. Then, fold each border strip in half and mark the midpoint of each strip.

Lay Out the Blanket and Border Strips

Lay the blanket flat and place the border strips along the blanket's edges, matching the midpoints on the strips to the midpoints on the blanket. Pin the border strips to the blanket, ensuring that at least 1/2 inch of the blanket's raw edge is tucked inside the fold of the border strip.

Baste the Border Strips

Baste the satin border strips to the crochet blanket.

Sew the Border Strips

Using a cotton thread that coordinates with the border colour, sew the border strips to the blanket. Make sure that the needle goes through the blanket and catches both edges of the satin border strip. Leave a 1/4 inch seam allowance at each strip end.

Miter the Border Corners

Now, it's time to tackle the corners. Fold back one of the border strip ends to a 45-degree angle, tucking the raw edges inside the strip. Do the same for the adjoining end, so that the edges match up to create a sharp 90-degree angle. Pin these edges together and iron or press down on the outer edges to create a crisp corner point. Sew the edges together using the coordinating thread. Repeat this process for the remaining three corners.

Mitering the border ends

Step 1:

Fold back the end of one of the satin border strips to a 45-degree angle, tucking the raw edges inside of the strip. This will be the first corner of the crochet blanket. Repeat this process for the adjoining end, so that the two strips meet at a sharp 90-degree angle.

Step 2:

Pin the two ends of the satin border strips together at the corner. You can use sewing pins or clips to hold the fabric in place. Make sure that the corner is crisp and aligned before moving on to the next step.

Step 3:

Using a hot iron, press down on the outer edges of the satin border strips to create a neat and crisp corner point. This will help to set the fold and ensure that the corner lies flat. Run the iron along the entire length of the satin border strips to remove any wrinkles or creases.

Step 4:

Thread your needle with cotton thread that coordinates with the colour of the satin border. Sew the two ends of the satin border strips together, using small, neat stitches. Start at the folded edge of one strip and sew towards the corner, then repeat on the adjoining strip. Secure your stitches by tying a knot at the end.

Step 5:

Repeat this process for the remaining three corners of the crochet blanket, folding the satin border strips at a 45-degree angle and sewing them together to create crisp 90-degree angles.

Alternative satin border ideas

If you're looking for an alternative to a satin border for your crochet blanket, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to explore:

Crochet Borders

Crochet borders are a popular choice for adding a finishing touch to your blanket. They can be simple and minimal or delicate and intricate. You can use the same yarn as your blanket for a seamless look, or you can choose a contrasting colour to make it pop. Some common crochet border stitches include the single crochet, half double crochet, and crab stitch.

Fringe

For a fun and unique look, consider adding a fringe border to your crochet blanket. This can be created by cutting yarn to your desired length and attaching it to the edges of your blanket. You can use the same yarn as your blanket or mix it up with a contrasting colour.

Tassels

Tassels can add a regal flair to your crochet blanket. They are usually worked along the ends of the blanket, rather than in a round border. You can make tassels in different colours and attach them to the corners or space them out along the edges.

Pom-poms

Pom-poms are a simple yet adorable way to add a touch of fun to your crochet blanket. You can make them in different sizes and colours and attach them along the edges or just at the corners. They are especially great for adding a playful touch to baby blankets.

Lace

If you want to add a refined and delicate touch to your crochet blanket, consider a lace border. There are various lace edging patterns available, such as the V-stitch and picot edging, or the treble scallop edge pattern. Lace borders are perfect for creating an elegant and sophisticated look.

These are just a few alternative ideas to a satin border for your crochet blanket. Each option offers a unique look and feel, so you can choose the one that best suits your style and the overall design of your blanket.

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