Crochet a ruffle edge adds a decorative frilled border to any finished piece by working significantly more stitches into each space than the base fabric has room for, forcing the extra fabric to buckle into a ruffled wave. This border adds a softer, more finished look to blankets and pillow covers. This guide gives the quick technique.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Work a foundation round of single crochet around your piece’s outer edge if it does not already have one.
- Work a second round, placing 3 to 5 double crochet stitches into each single crochet stitch from the previous round.
- The extra stitch density forces the fabric to ruffle and wave naturally.
Adjust the stitch multiplier, using more stitches per space for a fuller, tighter ruffle or fewer for a subtler wave.
Frequently asked questions
How many stitches make a ruffle instead of just flat fabric?
Generally 3 or more stitches worked into each single space creates enough excess fabric to ruffle. Fewer than that tends to lie flat rather than wave.
Want more finishing edge techniques?
See how to seam and finish pieces together cleanly too.
See the sewing methods guide
