When I make baby blankets and rugs I sometimes add a simple edge or border to finish off. Twiddle mats, however, provide a different opportunity. I consider any edging or border to be integral to the twiddle creation. They can entice hands and minds to engage with the twiddle creation. Fingers can play with the edging and the bits and pieces attached to the border. The whole twiddle creation presents opportunities that keep hands busy and help to calm agitated minds.
Edging with Twiddle Twirls
Twiddle Coral Flower Edging
I like to finish off with a decorative edge. I join in a new colour, chain 3, slip stitch into the next stitch, chain 3, slip stitch into the next stitch and repeat this right round the edge. And there you have the twiddle coral flower. A very meditative activity for the maker and the future recipient.
On this border I have also crocheted bobbles on the last row.
Borders for depth
The border can add depth and interest to a mat / blanket.
This is a repurposed blanket found in an op shop. I focused on the centre, added a range of twiddle items and the blanket has a new life as a twiddle blanket. Because it is backed I joined the top and backing with a simple edging. Find out more at https://www.projecttwiddles.com/repurposing-granny-square-blankets/
My go to edging. So simple – a pretty finish to your twiddle creation, also in the photo above..
In first stitch, chain 2 and in next stitch place a slip stitch and chain 2. Continue around your twiddle creation to end.
Crab Stitch
As an alternative to the simple edging above, you could have fun with the Crab stitch (crochet). You are doing the same stitches but in reverse. Chain 1, insert your hook into the next stitch on your right, yarn over and pull up a loop. You have 2 loops on your hook, yarn over and pull through both loops to complete the stitch. Repeat the process around your twiddle creation. Sometimes I chain 2 stitches like the edging above.
Borders to enhance characters
I enjoy making twiddle surprises. refer web page
These provide lots of opportunities to add interesting edges. I joined two round pieces together with 1 row of single crochet. On the second row I made the spikes. In each stitch: 1 half double crochet, 1 double crochet, 1 treble double crochet, 1 double crochet, 1 half double crochet, 1 single crochet, repeated round the item. I experiment with that group of stitches to work out what I like best.
Project Twiddles Coral Reef Edging
When I find a stitch or twiddle item I like I tend to reuse often. The Project Twiddle Coral Reef edging is a good example and it’s very simple to do. On this edging I use single crochet on the first round and in following rounds I put 2 single crochet stitches into every stitch. When I am happy with how it is looking I stop. If you look through the gallery you will see that I have used the Project Twiddles coral reef in lots of different ways.
I hope this has given you ideas for your next edgings and border.
Happy creating!
Sandra @ Project Twiddles
