Tutorial - Crocheted V-Stitch Trim

Here is the tutorial I promised, describing how to make the crocheted trim I posted about here. The tutorial is short because this trim is truly so easy. ;o) If you have any questions, and especially if anything seems unclear, please don't hestitate to ask.

Using size 10 crochet thread and a size 9 steel hook, cast on and chain 4.

In the 4th chain from the hook, make 1 dc. Chain 2.

In the same space, make 2 more dc. Ch 3, then turn.

*In the ch 2 space from the previous round, make 2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc. Ch 3, turn.*

Repeat the previous round (between the **) for desired length. Fasten off by clipping the thread and pulling the end through the loop. Weave the loose threads in to finish the ends.

That’s it! I told you it would be easy.

I use steam from the iron to block the trim. This removes the twist and sets the stitches. Then I wash and dry the trim, along with whatever fabric item I’m using. This allows the trim and the fabric to shrink, if either needs it. Then, I steam the trim again to make it flat and easy to sew.

Sometimes it is difficult to anticipate the length of trim that I need. The longer the project, the more difficult it seems to be. Because the brands of threads are different, I always crochet at least an inch or more beyond the length called for by measuring. Because of this, I don’t finish the top end until everything has been washed and preshrunk. I do fasten off by clipping the thread and pulling it through the stitches. This is so the length doesn’t unravel in the wash. But if I don’t weave the top thread end in yet, I can make a final fitting to the fabric. Then I can undo that last bit and pull out the stitches that I don’t need. I really don't have much trouble with the thread shrinking, but it never hurts to wash everything together.

Here is a final, close-up picture of the stitches. You can clearly see the double crochet V-stitches in the shells and the turning chains on the outside of the trim.

I hope you can see that you could easily make variations on this pattern. You could increase the stitches in the turning chain to create loops on the sides. You could increase the number of double crochets in the center shell. You could increase or reduce the number of stitches on one side of the shell, or add a chain between stitches, making the trim larger on one side than the other. You could try triple crochet instead of double. There are lots of possiblities in this simple pattern. Just use your imagination and find a bit of time to experiment!


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