Master the Art of Adding a Perfect Border to Your Knitted Blanket

Have you ever been snuggled up in a cozy handmade blanket and wondered how it was made? Or maybe you have a beautiful knitted blanket that needs a finishing touch? Look no further, as in this article we will be exploring the world of knitting blanket borders. Adding a border to your knitted blanket not only adds that extra decorative touch, but also reinforces the edges and prevents them from curling. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, this step-by-step guide will teach you how to create the perfect border for your next knitting project. So grab your yarn and needles, and let’s learn how to knit a blanket border!

What Is a Blanket Border?

A blanket border is the decorative edging that is added to a finished knitted blanket. It serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing a clean finish and preventing the edges from unraveling. A well-done blanket border can also add character and style to your knitted creation.

There are various types of borders that can be used for knitted blankets, each with its own unique look and level of difficulty. Some popular choices include ribbed borders, seed stitch borders, garter stitch borders, and picot edge borders. The type of border you choose will depend on your personal preference and the overall style of your blanket.

Why Add a Border to Your Knitted Blanket?

Adding a border to your knitted blanket is not only about creating a polished look; it also has practical benefits. A border adds stability to the edges of your blanket, especially if you’re using delicate or loosely-knit yarn. It helps prevent stitches from unraveling, ensuring that your hard work doesn’t go to waste.

Moreover, adding a border can also elevate the appearance of your blanket. It can turn a simple knitted piece into a distinctive and eye-catching creation. With so many different border options available, you can customize your border to match the theme or design of your blanket.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Knit a Blanket Border

Now that you have an understanding of what a blanket border is and why it’s important, here’s how you can add one to your knitted project:

Step 1: Determine the Type of Border You Want

Firstly, you need to decide on the type of border you want for your blanket. As mentioned earlier, there are several options available, so take some time to browse through them and choose one that appeals to you. Consider the overall style of your blanket and the level of difficulty you’re comfortable with.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials

Once you have chosen your border type, gather all the necessary materials. This includes your preferred yarn, knitting needles (circular or straight), scissors, and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Step 3: Measure Your Blanket

Before you begin knitting the border, measure the length and width of your blanket. This is important because it will determine how many stitches and rows you will need for the border.

Step 4: Cast On Stitches

Using your chosen yarn and needles, cast on the required number of stitches for your border. If you’re unsure about how many stitches to cast on, you can refer to a knitting pattern or use a stitch calculator tool.

Step 5: Knit Your Border

Follow the instructions for your chosen border type and continue knitting until the length of your border matches that of your blanket’s sides. Make sure to keep track of your stitches and rows to maintain consistency.

Step 6: Bind Off Stitches

Once your border reaches the desired length, it’s time to bind off. You can use a standard bind-off technique or choose a method that complements your border design.

Tips for Knitting an Even Border

Here are some tips to help ensure that your knitted border turns out evenly:

– Use stitch markers at regular intervals to keep track of stitches while knitting.
– Use a measuring tape to check that each side of the border is equal in length.
– Block or steam your finished blanket before adding the border; this will make it easier to work with.
– Check tension often – too loose tension can result in uneven borders, and too tight tension can cause puckering.
– Don’t be afraid to unravel and redo sections if needed. Practice makes perfect, and a little extra time spent perfecting your border is worth the end result.

Adding a border to your knitted blanket is a fantastic way to create a polished finish and enhance its appearance. With a variety of border options available, you have the freedom to choose one that best suits your style and skill level. So next time you’re knitting a blanket, don’t forget to add that final touch with a beautiful border!

Preparing to Knit a Blanket Border

Before you begin knitting the border for your blanket, there are a few important steps to take in order to ensure that the final result is smooth and professional-looking. First, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand: knitting needles, yarn in your desired color and weight, scissors, and a tapestry needle. It’s also helpful to have a stitch marker or scrap yarn on hand.

Next, determine the width of your border. This will depend on personal preference as well as the size of your blanket. Typically, a border that is 3-5 inches wide works well for most blankets. Once you have determined the width, calculate how many stitches you will need by multiplying the desired width by your gauge. For example, if your gauge is 8 stitches per inch and you want a 4-inch wide border, you will need 32 stitches.

Choosing a Border Pattern

There are endless options when it comes to knitting a border for your blanket. You can keep it simple with a basic garter stitch or spice things up with a cable or lace design. When choosing a pattern, consider the overall aesthetic of your blanket as well as the skill level required for the pattern. It’s always helpful to practice your chosen pattern on scrap yarn before starting on the actual border.

If you’re not sure which pattern to choose or want something unique, consider creating your own design. This can be done by combining different stitch patterns or creating color blocks within the border. Just remember to keep track of your stitches and rows so that both sides of the border match.

Knitting Your Blanket Border

Now that you have prepared and chosen your border pattern, it’s time to start knitting! Begin by casting on the number of stitches needed for your desired width using the long-tail cast on method. Then, knit the first row according to your pattern or desired stitch. This will serve as the right side of the border.

Next, place a stitch marker or scrap yarn on the last stitch of the first row. This will serve as a reminder that this is the right side of your work. From now on, every time you reach this marker, you will know you are working on the right side.

Continue knitting rows following your pattern until you have reached the desired length for your border. Make sure to keep track of your rows if you want both sides of the border to match perfectly. Once you have reached the desired length, bind off your stitches and weave in any loose ends with a tapestry needle.

Joining Your Blanket Border

To join your blanket border to the body of the blanket, lay both pieces flat with right sides facing each other. You can pin them together if desired, but it is not necessary. Starting at one corner, use a tapestry needle and yarn to sew along one edge of the border and corresponding edge of the blanket using a whipstitch or mattress stitch.

Once you have reached the end, continue sewing along all remaining edges until your border is completely joined to your blanket. Make sure to weave in any loose ends and trim them before flipping your blanket over to admire your handiwork.

Blocking Your Blanket Border

Blocking is an important step in knitting that helps even out stitches and make them look more polished. To block your finished blanket with border, lightly steam it with an iron or use a spray bottle to dampen it. Lay it flat on a towel and gently stretch and shape it into its final size and shape.

Allow it to dry completely before removing it from its blocking surface. This will ensure that any slight imperfections in stitches are smoothed out and that both sides of the border match perfectly.

Caring for Your Knit Blanket Border

To keep your blanket border looking its best, follow these care instructions. Always hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent and lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the knit fabric as this can stretch and distort the stitches.

If necessary, you can also block the border again after washing and drying to maintain its shape. It’s also a good idea to store your knit blanket in a clean, dry place to avoid any potential damage.

Knitting a border for your blanket is not only practical, but it also adds a personal touch and elevates the overall look of your finished piece. With the right preparation, pattern selection, and finishing techniques, you can create a beautifully knit border that complements your blanket perfectly. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different patterns or techniques – the possibilities are endless! And with proper care, your knit blanket border will last for years to come.

1. What materials do I need to knit a blanket border?
To knit a blanket border, you will need knitting needles, yarn, scissors, and a tapestry needle.

2. Is it difficult to knit a blanket border for beginners?
Knitting a blanket border can be challenging for beginners, but with patience and practice, it can be done successfully.

3. How long does it take to knit a blanket border?
The time it takes to knit a blanket border depends on the size of your blanket and your knitting speed. It could take anywhere from a couple of hours to several days.

4. Can I use any type of yarn for my blanket border?
Yes, you can use any type of yarn for your blanket border as long as it is suitable for the size needles you are using and complements the color of your blanket.

5. Are there any specific stitches I need to know for knitting a blanket border?
Yes, there are various knitting stitches that can be used for creating different types of borders. Some common ones include garter stitch, seed stitch, and ribbing.

6. How do I achieve smooth edges when knitting my blanket border?
To achieve smooth edges on your blanket border, make sure your tension remains consistent throughout your work. Also, pay attention while picking up stitches along the sides of the blanket to avoid any gaps or holes.

In conclusion, learning how to knit a blanket border is a valuable skill that can elevate any knitting project. The process of creating a border may seem daunting at first, but with patience and practice, anyone can achieve beautiful results. It is important to choose the right type of yarn and needle size, as well as research different border stitch patterns to find the one that best suits the blanket. Taking the time to properly finish off the edges will not only add a professional touch but also ensure that the blanket will last for years to come. Remember to take breaks and vary your hand position, as this will help prevent hand fatigue and strain. Furthermore, do not be afraid to experiment with different techniques and personalize the border for a unique touch. With these tips in mind, novice knitters can confidently tackle this project and more experienced ones can expand their repertoire. So whether you’re making a cozy throw or an heirloom baby blanket, adding a well-crafted border can truly tie it all together. Happy knitting!