Skill Level: Easy to Intermediate
Finished Measurement: Fits around any rectangular or square item; border width is approx. 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
Materials
- Yarn:
- Red: Scheepjes Stone Washed DK – 25g
- White: Scheepjes Stone Washed DK – 25g (You may adjust quantity depending on the size of the item you’re bordering.)
- Hook: 3.5mm (E-4) crochet hook
- Notions:
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
Stitches & Abbreviations (US Terms)
- ch – chain
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- sl st – slip stitch
- sk – skip
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- RS – right side
- WS – wrong side
Pattern Notes
- The candy cane effect is created by alternating red and white yarn every two rows.
- Work around any square or rectangular piece, like a blanket, dishcloth, or potholder.
- Always carry the unused color along the row, enclosing it inside stitches for a cleaner look.
Stitching Instructions for Making the Candy Cane Border Pattern:
Foundation Round (with white):
- Join white yarn to any corner of your finished item (RS facing).
- Ch 1, work sc evenly along each side, placing 1 sc in each st and 2 sc in each row-end if needed. In each corner, work (sc, ch 2, sc) into the corner st or space. Continue around all four sides.
- Sl st to first sc to join. Do not fasten off.
- Tip: Ensure your border lays flat; adjust spacing of scs as needed.
Round 1 (white):
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in next st, sk 1 st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in next st (V-st made), sk 1 st, dc in each of next 2 sts; Rep from to around.
- In each corner ch-2 sp, work (dc, ch 2, dc). Sl st to top of beg ch-3.
- Fasten off white.
Round 2 (red):
- Join red in any ch-1 sp of a V-st from previous round.
- Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in same ch-1 sp, sk next dc, dc in next dc, sk next dc, (2 dc in next ch-1 sp); Rep from to around, placing (2 dc) in each ch-2 corner sp as well.
- Sl st to top of beg ch-3.
- Fasten off red.
Round 3 (white):
- Rep Round 2, working in the same manner and placing (2 dc) in each ch-1 sp and corner ch-2 sp.
- Carry red yarn along the row inside your stitches to avoid cutting and weaving each time.
- Sl st to join.
- Fasten off white.
Round 4 (red):
- Rep Round 3 with red.
- This completes your striped candy cane border look.
- Sl st to join.
- Do not fasten off if continuing with optional edging.
Final Round (Optional Candy Twist Edging – white):
- Join white in any st. Ch 2, sl st in next st; rep from to around for a gently ruffled, twisted rope-like look.
- Sl st to first sl st to close.
- Fasten off.
Finishing Instructions
- Weave in all yarn tails securely with a yarn needle.
- Gently steam block or press the border if desired to smooth the edges.
- Use surface slip stitches to attach the border to the project if it’s made separately.
- For blankets, you may sew the border directly onto the edge if worked flat first.
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