Fringe Adds Finishing Touch To Afghan
If you’ve made many afghans you are always looking for new ways to finish the completed piece. You can do it simply by adding a row or two of crochet around the entire piece or you can leave it without an edge. More than likely, you’ll want to add something to two sides or the complete edge.
Traditional fringe is worked by cutting pieces of yarn and attaching one or more strands to the edge with your crochet hook. There are several variations on this fringe.
A more unusual finish is the edging used on the afghan shown here. It is called an interlocking loop fringe. It can be worked after a row of single crochet as a base. Make it in the same color as your afghan or try a contrasting color.
Note that in the illustrations each capital letter represents one stitch along the edge.
Figure 1: Begin working by attaching the yarn in the top left-hand corner, with the right side of the work facing you (A).
Figure 2: The next step is to chain 14, work a slip stitch in the second open stitch to the right (C).
Figure 3: Work a slip stitch in the skipped stitch (B). Push the hook into the skipped stitch from front to back until half of the crochet hook is pushed through. Pull the just-made chain-14 loop up and over the end of the hook that is toward you. (Loop is now underneath crochet hook, on the right side of work.) In effect, you will work the new loop from behind the last created loop.
Figures 4 and 5: Repeat these easy steps working from Figure 2 across the edge.
Generously sized, beautifully textured and a breeze to crochet, our lush afghan will keep you entertained during the summer months. Worked with two strands of yarn, one a brushed acrylic and one a soft chenille, the afghan features a simple two-row repeat and is finished off with the unique looped fringe described above. It measures 50 by 64 inches when completed.
MEMO: To obtain directions for making the Quickie Crochet Afghan, send your request for Leaflet No. 042896 with $2 and a long, stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The NeedleWorks, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141. Or you may order Kit No. 042896 by sending a check or money order for $59.95 to The NeedleWorks at the same address. Kit price includes shipping charges, full instructions and brushed acrylic yarn and chenille yarn in your choice of pale gray with black or pale gray with variegated blue and purple. For kit orders only, you may call weekdays 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. to: (800) 873-9537.