WONDERFUL SUPER EASY Towel and Cover Lace Edge Tutorial

🧶 Materials

• A fine or light-weight yarn (for towel/cover edging) or slightly heavier yarn if you want a wider border.
• Crochet hook appropriate to your yarn size (for example 2.5 mm–4 mm for lace edge)
• Scissors and tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Optional: a towel or cover to attach the edging to

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✏️ Abbreviations (US terms)

• ch = chain
• sl st = slip stitch
• sc = single crochet
• dc = double crochet
• st(s) = stitch(es)
• rep = repeat
• ( … ) = work all instructions inside the same stitch or space
  • … * = repeat instructions inside

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🌟 Pattern Overview

The tutorial shows how to attach a delicate lace edge to a towel or cover: first you work a foundation row along the fabric edge (or base row if starting separately), then a row of chain-spaces (open loops), then a row of fan or shell motifs worked in those loops, repeating these rows until you reach desired width. The final border is neat and decorative.

✅ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Foundation Row

1. If attaching to a towel/cover: work sc evenly into the edge of the fabric (or along the hem) around the perimeter; if you’re working the edge separately, chain a number of stitches to match the length of the side you’ll attach.
2. Work sc in each stitch or space along the edge. Turn or move to the next row.
   • This row stabilizes the edge and anchors the lace.

Step 2 – Row 2 – Loop/Space Row

1. Sc in next 2 sts.
2. Ch 4, skip 1 stitch, sc in next stitch.
3. Sc in next 2 sts, ch 4, skip 1 st, sc in next st.
4. Continue this pattern across the row until you reach the end.
5. At the end: sc in last stitch (if required), ch 1, turn.
   • You now have a series of chain-4 loops along the edge which will hold the lace motifs.

Step 3 – Row 3 – Motif Row

1. Sc in first stitch.
2. In each chain-4 loop: work (dc 3, ch 2, dc 3) — this forms a shell/fan motif inside the loop.
3. After each shell, sc in the next base stitch (the one between loops) to anchor.
4. Repeat across: shell in loop, sc in next, shell in loop, etc.
5. At end: sc in last stitch. Ch 1, turn.

Step 4 – Row 4 – Alternate Loop Row (Optional)

1. Sc in first stitch.
2. Ch 4, skip over the shell cluster, sc in next anchor stitch.
3. Repeat across: chain-4 loops above the shells, sc in next anchor.
4. At end: sc in last stitch. Ch 1, turn.
   • This adds an open decorative row above the motif row.
   • If you want a narrower border, you may skip this step and just repeat the motif row.

Step 5 – Repeat Motif & Loop Rows

1. Continue alternating Motif Row (Row 3) and optionally Loop Row (Row 4) until your lace edge has reached the desired width for your towel or cover.
2. Measure as you go, especially when working free-hand along a fabric edge, so the lace aligns and doesn’t flare.

Step 6 – Finishing Row & Attachment

1. Work 1 row of sc across the top of the last motif row for a neat, stable finish.
2. If not already attached to fabric: sew or slip-stitch this finished edge onto your towel/cover.
3. Fasten off yarn, cut tail, and weave in all ends with tapestry needle.

📋 Quick Reference Table

Row	Stitch Pattern
Foundation	sc evenly along fabric edge or base chain
Row 2	sc x2, ch 4 skip 1, sc … repeat across; ch 1 turn
Row 3	sc first; (dc 3, ch 2, dc 3) in chain-4 loop, sc in next anchor; turn
Row 4	sc first; ch 4 skip shell, sc in anchor; repeat; turn (optional)
Repeat	Alternate Row 3 & Row 4 until desired width
Finish	1 row sc across top, attach to fabric if needed

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✨ Tips & Adaptations

• Use fine cotton thread and small hook for delicate towel edging; use bulkier yarn + larger hook for wider decorative borders on cushion covers or throws.
• When attaching to a towel, maintain consistent stitch spacing along the fabric edge to avoid puckering or waviness.
• For corners: When edging a rectangular towel, at corner turns you may need to work extra stitches (for example, 3 sc in corner) or chain more loops so the lace turns around smoothly.
• Keep chain loops (ch 4) consistent length so the lace edge looks even. If the loops begin to stretch, reduce chain count (e.g., ch 3) or use smaller hook.
• Change motif colour for contrast if you want the shells/fans to stand out.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDYLdZec0aM