Hello, fellow makers! I’m absolutely delighted to share this pattern with you today. This stunning lace edging, reminiscent of delicate scallops and fine filigree, is a fantastic way to elevate almost any project. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to a blanket, a pillowcase, a towel, a garment, or even create a unique bookmark, this edging will transform your work into a true heirloom piece.
While it looks intricate, this pattern is built using fundamental crochet stitches and clever repeats, making it accessible for intermediate crocheters and a wonderful challenge for advanced beginners ready to expand their skills. The radiant yellow in the image perfectly showcases its sunny disposition, but imagine it in pristine white, a soft pastel, or even a bold jewel tone!
This pattern is written using US crochet terms.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Finished Size:
- The width of the lace is approximately 2.5 inches (6.5 cm).
- The length is customizable to fit your project.
Materials You’ll Need
- Yarn/Thread: Approximately 50-100g of a fingering weight yarn or crochet thread (Size 10 or 20). Mercerized cotton is highly recommended for its crisp stitch definition, beautiful sheen, and durability, especially for items that will be laundered.
- Hook: A steel crochet hook in a size appropriate for your chosen thread. For fingering weight yarn, a US size C/2 (2.75 mm) or D/3 (3.25 mm) hook might work. For crochet thread (size 10), a US size 7 or 8 (1.5mm-1.65mm) hook is a good starting point. Adjust your hook to achieve the desired drape and density.
- Notions:
- A tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
- Scissors.
- A few stitch markers (optional, but helpful for repeats).
Gauge: Precision for Perfection
While gauge isn’t critical for sizing a customizable edging, it is important for the overall look and consistency of your lace. A consistent tension will ensure your scallops are even and your openwork is beautifully defined.
Gauge Swatch for Reference:
- Create a small swatch: Chain 20. Double crochet (dc) in the 4th chain from the hook and in each chain across. (18 dc).
- Work 5 rows of double crochet.
- Measure your swatch. If it seems too loose or too dense for your liking, adjust your hook size. Aim for an open, yet firm, fabric.
Crocheting the Lace Edging: The Main Pattern
This lace edging is worked in rows. You can either attach it directly to an existing fabric (like a towel or blanket) by working the foundation row directly into the edge stitches, or you can create a standalone strip of lace by starting with a long foundation chain. For this pattern, we’ll assume you’re starting with a foundation chain.
Part 1: The Foundation Row (Setting the Base)
We’ll begin by creating a sturdy base for our lace. The pattern repeat for this edging is a multiple of 10 stitches + 2.
- Chain: Begin by chaining a multiple of 10, then add 2 more chains. For a sample piece, chain 42 (40 + 2 = 42).
- Row 1 (Foundation): Single crochet (sc) in the second chain from the hook, and then sc in each chain across. This creates a solid base row. (You should have 41 sc for a chain of 42).
Part 2: The First Lacy Section (Creating the Arches)
This section introduces the openwork design that forms the backbone of the lace.
- Row 2: Chain 3 (counts as first dc here and throughout). Turn your work. Skip the first sc (where the chain 3 originates). Double crochet (dc) in the next sc.
- *Chain 2, skip 2 sc, dc in the next sc, chain 2, skip 2 sc, dc in the next 2 sc*.
- Repeat from * to * across the row. Your last repeat should end with dc in the last 2 sc.
- Row 3: Chain 3. Turn your work. Dc in the next dc.
- *Dc in the ch-2 space, chain 2, dc in the next dc, dc in the ch-2 space, dc in the next 2 dc*.
- Repeat from * to * across the row. Your last repeat should end with dc in the last 2 dc (the top of the turning chain 3).
- Row 4: Chain 3. Turn your work. Dc in the next dc.
- *Chain 2, skip 2 dc, dc in the next dc, chain 2, skip 2 dc, dc in the next 2 dc*.
- Repeat from * to * across the row. Your last repeat should end with dc in the last 2 dc.
- You should see a repeating pattern of open squares (ch-2 spaces) and solid blocks (dc stitches).
Part 3: The Scallop Formation (The Heart of the Lace)
Now we will start building the beautiful, rounded scallops.
- Row 5: Chain 1. Turn your work. Single crochet (sc) in the first 2 dc.
- *Work 7 double crochet (dc) into the next ch-2 space. Sc in the next dc, sc in the next ch-2 space, sc in the next dc*.
- Repeat from * to * across the row. Your last repeat should end with sc in the last 2 dc.
- You should now see the first set of rounded scallops taking shape along the edge.
- Row 6: Chain 3. Turn your work. Skip the first sc. Dc in the next sc.
- *Chain 3, skip 3 dc of the scallop, dc in the next dc (the center dc of the 7-dc shell), chain 3, skip 3 dc of the scallop, dc in the next 2 sc*.
- Repeat from * to * across the row. Your last repeat should end with dc in the last 2 sc.
- This row creates the anchor points for the next layer of scallops.
Part 4: The Lacy Mesh and Final Scallops
This section adds a delicate meshwork above the previous scallops and forms the final, outermost edge.
- Row 7: Chain 1. Turn your work. Single crochet (sc) in the first 2 dc.
- *Work (sc, ch 3, sc) into the next ch-3 space. Work 7 dc into the next dc (this forms the center of the next scallop). Work (sc, ch 3, sc) into the next ch-3 space. Sc in the next 2 dc*.
- Repeat from * to * across the row. Your last repeat should end with sc in the last 2 dc.
- Row 8: Chain 3. Turn your work. Skip the first sc. Dc in the next sc.
- *Chain 3, sc in the first ch-3 loop, chain 3, skip 3 dc of the 7-dc scallop, dc in the next dc (the center dc of the scallop), chain 3, sc in the next ch-3 loop, chain 3, dc in the next 2 sc*.
- Repeat from * to * across the row. Your last repeat should end with dc in the last 2 sc.
- Row 9 (Picot Edging): Chain 1. Turn your work. Single crochet (sc) in the first 2 dc.
- *Sc in the next ch-3 loop. Work (sc, picot, sc) in the next ch-3 loop (where the picot is: chain 3, sl st into the first chain). Work (sc, picot, sc) in the next dc (the center of the scallop). Work (sc, picot, sc) in the next ch-3 loop. Sc in the next ch-3 loop. Sc in the next 2 dc*.
- Repeat from * to * across the row. Your last repeat should end with sc in the last 2 dc.
- This row adds the final decorative picot points to the very edge of your lace, giving it that delicate, finished look.
Finishing Your Lace Edging
- Weave in all ends: Use your tapestry needle to carefully weave in any loose yarn tails. Take your time with this step, as neatly woven ends contribute to a professional finish.
- Blocking is key: For lace work, blocking is absolutely essential. It opens up the stitches, evens out the scallops, and gives the piece its final shape and drape.
- Gently hand wash your lace or mist it thoroughly with water.
- Lay it flat on a clean towel or a foam blocking mat.
- Carefully stretch and pin out each scallop and point, ensuring symmetry. Use rust-proof pins.
- Allow it to air dry completely. This can take several hours or overnight.
Video Tutorial:
Customizing and Using Your Lace
- Length: To make the edging longer or shorter, simply adjust the initial chain in Row 1, making sure it’s a multiple of 10 + 2.
- Attaching to Fabric: If you want to attach this directly to a fabric item, skip Row 1. Instead, work Row 2 by single crocheting directly into the edge stitches of your fabric. Ensure you have the correct stitch count along the edge (a multiple of 10 + 2).
- Color Choices: While yellow is vibrant, this lace would be stunning in cream, white, or a pastel for a vintage feel. A darker, jewel-toned thread could create a more dramatic effect for a decorative piece.
- Project Ideas: Use this lace to trim:
- Pillowcases or bed linens
- Baby blankets
- Hand towels
- Curtains or valances
- Dresses or skirts
- As a standalone bookmark
- Joined together for a small table runner
I hope you enjoy every stitch of creating this beautiful lace edging! It’s a truly rewarding project that will add a touch of handmade elegance wherever you use it.
