Creating a beautiful border on a finished blanket can add the perfect finishing touch to your project. Whether you’re knitting a baby blanket or a large throw, you can use this guide to learn how to knit a border on your finished blanket.
Gather Necessary Supplies: To knit a border on a finished blanket, you will need the appropriate size knitting needles, and some yarn that matches the color of your blanket. You may also want to have some scissors and a tapestry needle handy.
Choose Your Border Pattern: Once you have gathered all the necessary supplies, it’s time to choose your border pattern. Depending on the look you are going for, you may want to pick something simple like garter stitch or something more complex like cables. Consider the weight of your yarn and the size of your needles when choosing your pattern.
Measure The Blanket: Before knitting your border, measure the finished blanket so that you know how much yarn will be required for each side. Measure both the width and length of each side and make sure to record these measurements somewhere so that you can refer back to them if needed.
Calculate The Number Of Stitches Needed: Once you have measured your blanket, use this information to calculate how many stitches you need for each side. This is important as it will determine how much yarn is used for each side and will also help gauge how long it will take to knit each side of your border.
Cast On Stitches In A Contrasting Color: After calculating how many stitches are needed for each side, cast on those stitches in a contrasting color from what was used for your blanket body. This will help provide some contrast between the two colors and make it easier for others to spot where your border begins and ends when looking at it from afar.
Pick Up And Knit Across The Blanket Edge: When you are ready to add the border to your finished blanket, begin by picking up and knitting across the edge of the blanket. To do this, use a circular needle that is the same size as that used for knitting the main body of the blanket. Use a tapestry needle to pick up each stitch along one side of the edge of your blanket, being careful not to twist any stitches as you go. When all stitches have been picked up, place marker and join in round being careful not to twist yarn. Knit in pattern until all stitches have been worked once before moving on to joining seams with Kitchener stitch.
Join Seams with Kitchener Stitch: The Kitchener stitch is an invisible way of joining two pieces together seamlessly. This type of join is especially helpful when adding a border onto a finished blanket since it creates an almost invisible seam which will be difficult for anyone else to detect. To join seams with this technique, first thread the yarn onto a tapestry needle and place both needles together so that they are parallel with each other, with wrong sides facing outwards.
Now begin working following these easy steps:
•Pass tapestry needle through first stitch on front needle as if to purl and leave stitch on needle.
•Pass tapestry needle through first stitch on back needle as if to knit and leave stitch on needle.
•Pass tapestry needle through first front-needle stitch again as if to knit; Remove front-needle stitch from needles.
•Pass tapestry needle through back-needle stitch as if to purl.
•Remove back-needle stitch from needles.
•Repeat these steps until all stitches have been joined together seamlessly.
Knit The Border Pattern Of Choice: Once seams have been joined together using Kitchener stitch, it’s time for adding your chosen border pattern. The easiest way for this is by using one or two circular needles that are slightly smaller than those used for knitting the main body of your blanket. Choose from any number of patterns available online or in knitting books from simple ribbing patterns to more intricate lace borders and follow instructions carefully until desired length has been achieved before binding off and weaving in ends.
Bind Off And Weave In Ends: When all desired patterned rows have been knitted, it’s time for binding off so that your edges look neat and even when finished project is blocked (see below). To bind off, simply cast off loosely following pattern instructions given before securing end with knot or slip knot at end (if desired). Finally use tapestry needle to weave in ends securely so that they don’t come undone when handled or washed later on this will also give your finished project neat professional finish.
Block Your Finished Blanket: Blocking is essential part of finishing any knitted project it will help even out stitches while setting shape into place which will make overall look much neater when complete. Wet blocking typically gives best results however steam blocking can be used alternatively (especially if using acrylic yarn which doesn’t usually respond well when wet blocking). Follow instructions given by particular yarn manufacturer before proceeding with blocking process this will ensure best possible results.
With all of the necessary supplies gathered, your pattern chosen, and your stitches cast on, you are now ready to start knitting the border of your finished blanket. Enjoy the process and have fun creating something unique and beautiful.
FAQ & Answers:
What Type Of Join Should I Use For My Finished Blanket?
The Kitchener Stitch is an invisible way of joining two pieces together seamlessly which would be ideal for adding borders onto finished blankets.
How Do I Secure My Ends After Binding Off?
Once all desired patterned rows have been knitted, simply cast off loosely following pattern instructions given before securing end with knot or slip knot at end (if desired). Finally use tapestry needle to weave in ends securely so that they don’t come undone when handled or washed later on – this will also give your finished project neat professional finish.
conclusion:
Congratulations. You have now learned how to knit a border on a finished blanket. With just a few simple steps, you can add an extra layer of detail to any knitting project. Whether it’s a baby blanket or an afghan, the knitted border will give your project a professional look and feel.
Knitting is an incredibly rewarding craft and one that takes time and patience to master. But don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time around. Even experienced knitters may need to rip out a few rows before getting it just right. The key is practice, practice, practice and soon you’ll be able to add beautiful borders with ease.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been knitting for years, this simple technique can take any finished blanket up another notch and turn it into something truly special. So grab your needles, some yarn, and get to work your masterpiece awaits.