Easy Knit Lace Border

A knitted-on border is a great way to add an interesting edge to a shawl or wrap, or to add some decoration to the edge of a sweater or tank. I’ve used this technique many times. The most wonderful thing about a knitted-on border is that it gives you an edge that is not only decorative, but elastic enough to withstand severe blocking. Quite often, the stretch and openness of lace will be too much for a traditional bound off edge and an alternative must be found. There are many bind-offs specifically for lace, but none of them give quite the same decorative touch as a knitted-on border.

Cast on 15sts

1st row: K2, YO, P2tog, K7, YO, K2tog, K2

2nd row: P11, YO, P2tog, K2

3rd row: K2, YO, P2tog, K3, K2tog, K2, (YO, K2tog) twice

4th row: P10, YO, P2tog, K2

5th row: K2, YO, P2tog, K2, K2tog, K2, YO, K2tog, K2

6th row: P9, YO, P2tog, K2

7th row: K2, YO, P2tog, K1, K2tog, K2, (YO, K2tog) twice

8th row: P8, YO, P2tog, K2

9th row: K2, YO, P2tog, K2tog K2, YO, K1, YO, K3

10th row: P9, YO, P2tog, K2

11th row: K2, YO, P2tog, K2tog, K1, YO, K3, YO, K1, YO, K2tog

12th row: P10, YO, P2tog, K2

13th row: K2, YO, P2tog, K2tog, YO, K5, YO, K3

14th row: P11, YO, P2tog, K2

Rows 1-14 form pattern. Repeat for desired length.

This lace border can make a basic blanket, very special. Use the lace all around for a shawl, or on the top edge only for a crib or pram blanket.