In this 60-minute class, you will learn how to crochet a decorative edge around a fleece baby blanket perfect for gift giving or for selling in your Etsy shop. This class is especially good for beginners. Learning to crochet can be challenging because of the many skills the beginner needs to master simultaneously. This project simplifies that problem by reducing the number of elements required so the student can focus on learning to control yarn tension - the most important skill. Once the student gets a feel for controlling tension and develops some muscle memory for the single crochet stitch, the other skills are often easier to learn. By the end of the project, students should have the confidence to move on to a full crochet project without hesitation!

You will learn:

How to prepare fleece for a decorative edging.
How to make a single crochet.
How to obtain a smooth tension throughout your stitches.
How to finish off a crochet item.
Bonus tips for what to consider when making a label to attach to the blanket.

You will need:

1 yard of fleece fabric (consider getting more if you want to center a portion of the design that's on your fabric).
Cotton yarn that compliments your fabric. Make sure it is as soft as possible if it is for a baby. Size 4 yarn is usually good for regular fleece weight (similar to felt weight). If using polar fleece go up in yarn size.
Size G (or whatever size your yarn label suggests, but no larger than an I) crochet hook. Any brand of hook is fine. My fav is The Crochet Lite - not because of the light though. I just think it's comfortable to hold for extended periods.
Self-healing cutting mat (any brand).
Rotary cutter or fabric scissors.
Skip blade.
The longest ruler you own, preferably with a nonslip bottom. My favorite is the Safety Ruler.
A large eye needle.
A fabric marker, regular pen, or pencil.

NOTE: The materials list does not include items needed for labels. I talk about things to consider when designing your label(s), not how to make your label(s).

Katrina Giittinger

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