PERFECT FINISH
Y
ou may have fastened off and even
woven in the ends, but it’s the next
stages that really affect the finished
look of your crocheted item. In this chapter,
we’ll explain how to sew up and safely wash
your item, introduce you to blocking, and
show you how to add a final decorative
flourish to your creations.
Some crocheters love the ‘finishing’ stage,
others loathe it. Whichever camp you
naturally fall into, there are some finishing
techniques that you can’t avoid, so you may
as well learn to enjoy them! Sewing up is one
of these, but because there are so many
different ways to do this you can choose the
one you like the most. Washing and blocking
is another little job that can be annoying, but
it makes such a big difference to the look of
lacy stitches and the fit of garments, your
work will suffer if you avoid it.
For a finish that’s much more fun, try an
edging. Shawls and scarves will often include
a stylish edging, such as a dangly tassel or a
delicate fringe. Make these in matching orcontrasting yarn colours to add an extra
dimension to your item – see page 128 for
more on these.
Of course, finishing touches can be
functional, too. A different sort of edging
could be a button band added to a cardigan.
Make sure you work it so that the button band
stitches are perpendicular to the stitches in
the main fabric, so the stretch and pull of the
fabric will be in different directions. This adds
structure and support to the garment, and
helps to prevent droop.
Buttons are another fun way to add
character to your makes. In fact, one of the
best parts of crocheting is having a reason to
collect gorgeous buttons! They come in all
shapes and sizes, and they can add a couture
touch to accessories as well as being a
functional fastening on garments.
For a more eye-catching finishing touch,
try adding a pompom or two, or sew on beads
or sequins. There are so many variations
available now you’ll find something you love.
Decorating your makes can be so much fun!FINAL FLOURISH
There are plenty of fun little extras you can
add to your finished crochet piece to
personalise the look. Whether it’s a lacy
edging, a huge button, a pair of pompoms, a
silky tassel or a curvy fringing, they’re easy to
add and you’ll find they’re slightly addictive!WASHING AND BLOCKING
They may not be exciting, but they are
important. We’ll show you how to wash your
crochet makes safely on page 130. We’ll
also explain how blocking and pinning out
your pieces will make sure the stitches look
great and the piece matches the finished
size you want.DECORATIVE SEAMS
Not all seaming techniques were created
equal. We’ll show you four methods on page
133 – they’ll all neatly attach two pieces of
fabric together, but the double crochet seamTHE RUNDOWN
FINISHING
How to finish your crochet item in style, with
buttons, tassels, pompoms, fringing, edgings
and practically perfect seams.ALL ABOUT...
BLOCKING
To achieve flat, even stitches,
block your make using the dry,
wet or steam method. Each
method involves pinning out to
the measurements you want.WASHING
Crochet items, like any fabric, will
need to be washed at times.
Refer to the yarn’s ball band for
care information. Always dry
your makes flat.PRESSING
Some yarns, especially cotton
ones, need pressing to get an
even finish. Protect your crochet
with a dry cloth and gently press
the iron onto the fabric.SEAMING
Sewing up will turn a few crochet
pieces into an item you can use.
Pin together your pieces, then
crochet a seam or sew the seam
with a large-eyed, blunt needle.FINISH LIKE A PRO
We’ll show you how to do these vital processes