A crochet edging is the quickest way to add a vintage touch to almost anything: towels, pillowcases, handkerchiefs, shelf cloths or the hem of a skirt. Victorian and Edwardian pattern books contain hundreds of them. Here is how to choose an edging, make it fit, and attach it neatly.
Edging or insertion?
- Edging: one straight side that is sewn to the fabric, and one decorative side, often scalloped or pointed.
- Insertion: two straight sides. It is sewn between two pieces of fabric, like a lace window.
Antique books usually give matching pairs, so an insertion and an edging with the same motif can be used together on one piece.
Narrow or deep?
Edgings are worked in two directions:
- Lengthwise: long rows along the whole length. Good for narrow trims.
- Widthwise: short rows across the width, repeated until the strip is long enough. This is the most common method in old books, and it makes it easy to stop at exactly the right length.
Five classic edgings from old pattern books
- Picot edge: the simplest finish, a row of tiny chain loops. Perfect for handkerchiefs.
- Shell edge: groups of stitches in one place, forming a gentle scallop.
- Fan or scallop: larger shells built over several rows, very Victorian.
- Filet edging: blocks and spaces worked from a chart, often with a stepped or pointed outer edge.
- Wheel or medallion edging: small rounds joined in a line.
The 1886 Victorian Crochet Lace Edgings & Borders book is full of Victorian edgings, insertions and medallions, and Priscilla Crochet Edgings & Insertions adds wheels, braid lace and corners.
How to attach an edging
- Hem the fabric first, or press a narrow double fold.
- Pin the straight side of the edging along the hem.
- Sew with small whip stitches or a neat running stitch, catching one loop of each crochet stitch.
- Or crochet directly onto the fabric: punch small holes with a fine hook along the hem and work the first row into them.
Turning corners
Square items such as napkins need corners. Some patterns include them; otherwise, make extra stitches or an extra repeat at each corner so the edging lies flat. Priscilla's edgings book has a section on turning corners.
Which thread?
Match the thread to the fabric: fine thread (size 30–80) for handkerchiefs and fine linen, size 10–20 for towels and pillowcases.
Want a whole library of trims? The Vintage Crochet Edgings Bundle includes three books, or browse all crochet edging patterns.