Expert: Patricia - 2/25/2011

Question
Hi I love crocheting baby blankets but have trouble doing the borders. 3 sides always get wavy as I am not sure on the sides which stitches to work in and end up with it not being square. The instructions usually say do so many stitches evenly spaced. what does that mean?  Linda

Answer
Hi Linda,
You are so right.  If you put in too many stitches into the sides, top, and bottom, it will be wavy.  I've been helping my daughter with a baby blanket and she did the same thing.

This is what I do.  First I count and write down exactly how many stitches are across the top, the bottom and the two sides.  The sides are actually the ends of rows and are usually doubles or singles.  I divide each side into equal number of stitches.  So if the top of the blanket is 200 stitches, I divide it in half, then half again.  I put a marker at the 50th stitch, the 100th stitch and then the 150th stitch.  Then I decide how many stitches I can space evenly across each section.  You'll be putting fewer stitches than the 200. 200 stitches will be too many and it will cause that wavy look.  The important thing is to count and make sure they are spaced evenly.  That first row all the way around is most important.  Most patterns will get you to put at least 3 stitches in the corners to make a smooth turn that won't pucker.  

So remember to divide the 4 sides into even sections and make sure you put the same amount of stitches in each section.  If after you've crocheted that row all the way around, lay the blanket on the floor and if the edging puckers, then you will need a few more stitches in each section.  If it is wavy, you'll need to put in less.   

I hope this helps.  I know this can be frustrating just when you think your blanket is all done and all you have left is the border.  Let me know if you need more help.

-Patricia