Reddit reviews Around the Corner Crochet Borders: 150 Colorful, Creative Edging Designs with Charts and Instructions for Turning the Corner Perfectly Every Time

Cheers! I used the #9 border from Around the Corner: Crochet Borders which is one of the most indispensable books in my crochet arsenal. The idea behind my pattern is to inspire you all to try other borders to make your blanket/throw/afghan a "one-of-a-kind" creation but of course please feel free to use the same one as I did as well. It's much easier than it looks! :-D

Aloha, babe!!

1. When it comes to heirloom quality, I'm all about the yarn. This summer I whipped up this soft, lovely granny square blanket with 4 or 5 balls of Chroma in Guppy. It's a visual stunner in a timeless pattern.
   
   
2. Fun and colorful boy blankie? You're going to have a hard time convincing me that there's anything that can beat a Beach Stripe woven stitch blanket (which YOU introduced me to, by the by!!!). I've made 2 in Brava Bulky with a J hook, and they are incredibly soft but stretchy.
   
   
3. For a more feminine twist, I branched out recently (based on rave reviews from many, namely YOU :-D) and procured some Comfy Worsted
   which I am fashioning into a Leaping Stripes and Blocks blanket that is just on the verge of being finished. [My WIP page]. Just 5 skeins and it's ready to be a pretty decent car seat blankie.
   
   I've got a few golden rules when it comes to baby blankets.
   
   First is soft yarn. Baby skin is so sensitive, and so much of it is exposed to direct contact with blankets. It's vital to avoid anything scratchy. Also, drool is a factor to consider. Drool + halo = ick.
   
   Second is ease of care & durability. If it's gonna be used, it's GOTTA get washed. I abuse the bejeezus out of my kids' blankets. Hot water, full-on heat in the dryer, even a touch of bleach when I'm feeling particularly mysophobic... They get the treatment, for sure.
   
   Third, a foible that may face much debate: I put the kabash on any stitches/patterns that leave lacy holes where little fingers and toes can get caught and tangled easily. For this reason alone, I avoid otherwise beautiful and precious motifs, squares, and lace-type patterns. My preference is to stick to basic, classic stitches and encourage the color choice & texture to be the stars of the show.
   
   What can transport a simple blanket to stardom, though, is a great border. I very rarely buy books (why buy stuff that you'll just need to dust, right?), Around the Corner has been one that I keep handy at all times; I pick it up every time I'm finishing up a piece for inspiration as much as for explicit stitch patterns.
   
   Very little of this is anything new to you, SassyLove. I feel like I've learned more from you than I could ever possibly introduce you to. I always marvel to see what you have come up with!

Crochet Borders As you get more advanced, you'll start to want to put your own spin on things. Flipping through this book is a great way to figure out how to put the finishing touches on a project.

It has 150 border designs, shows how to do 90 degree corners, and comes with stitch diagrams, which are a HUGE plus if you know how to read them.

I only got the book this week so I haven't tried any of them yet, but I can see this being the most-used crochet book in my repertoire.

I bought a book about different borders and I really like it. I've seen it referred to in some Ravelry projects when they list what the border is. So its great for reference.

https://www.amazon.com/Around-Corner-Crochet-Borders-Instructions/dp/1603425381

I second this, especially with such a varied selection. I have checked out every crochet book from my library system and have bought some that I find myself repeatedly checking out. Others I check out to get the basics, then look up online when I need a refresher because then you at least know what questions to ask. Sometimes, like the tunisian or filet crochet, you may find that you just don't like the style and you've bought the book for nothing. Better to test the waters at the library first.

As for "a more comprehensive lesson" blog posts and you tube videos are better than books for that. Like those stitch guides will give you the basics, but only briefly, then use those basics to build on more complicated stitches. They will use short hand and graphs, assuming you know them already and if you don't you'll be flipping back and forth to reference.

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Short answer: the less money you spend on books that you might not need, the more you can spend on yarn ;)

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In case you're curious, here are some books that I would recommend. But realize, these are all reference manuals for ideas. They all have the basics on how to do things, but I keep them around because I don't follow patterns often, but I mix and match for my own styles. Pattern books are 100% useless to buy for me, it's rare that I'll make a specific pattern more than once so better to look online or check out.

Crochet Stitch Dictionary

Granny Square Book

Around the Corner Crochet Borders

Beyond the Square Crochet Motifs

This book is my absolute favorite for new and interesting square/circle/triangle/hexagon patterns. It has both the written instructions, a chart, and a picture of the finished square.

The same author has a book of crochet edges which I also really like.

My favorite general stitch book is this book. It also has the written instructions, chart, and a picture of the finished stitch. I have the older version, but this one looks the same but with more patterns.

As already mentioned, youtube is a GREAT place to physically see the stitches being done if you get caught up. Good luck!!!

No problem, just wish it had linked to your Ravelry account correctly. I really liked your pattern and scoured my border book to find one that fit it "just so" (border 50 if you're curious). My husband told me he thought this was my fanciest/best block yet.

Pattern Here and border is number 120 from Around the Corner

All yarn is Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn. I am so happy with the end result, and it was super fast! I finished it in three evenings after work. Now to make some other cute baby items to send along with it...