I'd recently written about self-edging stitch patterns and how I prefer those to stitches that require an edging. Here's more on that topic:
The afghan shown above is one I made for a baby shower. You can see how 'square' the edging is. That's with no special treatment. This is a corner-to-corner afghan, worked on the diagonal, and is especially well suited to self striping and variegated or ombre yarns.
The
diagonal box stitch (scroll down about 3/4ths of the page to see the stitch and video also called the Diagonal Crazy Stitch -by me-) creates a nice self-edging, but it is easy to
work an edging onto if one wishes. Same for the Best Bumpy Stitch. So
far, I have yet to add an edging to any of my Best Bumpy Stitch
projects. I have added edgings to several of my diagonal box stitch
babyghans. In face, one of my best 'stand by' patterns for baby is to
work up a baby afghan in white then wait to learn the sex of baby and
add the appropriate color edging OR the color that I now know new mom
will want to the afghan.
I've also discovered a secret
for color determination. More likely, if you make very many items for
baby, you've figured this out long ago. Here's my trick: I go to the
Baby Registry at BabysRUs and see what items mom has chosen. Then, I
can make something to match - or at least something mom won't hate.
I
much prefer bright colors for baby, but if mom is a strong fan of
pastels -as in every item she's registered for is a pastel - then I will
crochet a pastel blanket, sweater, or whatever. Most every baby gets
an afghan from me since they are pretty quick to work up.
