Stitches

crochet baby blanket question?

I'm crocheting a baby blanket. When I finish it I would like to add a little fringe on the ends. But I also want to be able to machine wash it without the ends fraying out. The yarn I am using says it's ok to machine wash and dry on delicate cycles, but I don't know how to keep the ends of the fringe from fraying. But I do want to be able to throw it in the wash when I need to, without having to spend too much time on it to dry. Any tips? Also, how long should fringe be? I haven't done it much.

Public Comments

1. it should be okay. the baby blanket i use for my son has the fringe edges. i've had it for 2 years and it hasn't frayed. just use the gentle cycle washing and the lowest setting on your dryer.
2. I suppose you could tie a small knot at the end of each piece of yarn in the fringe. Yes, this would be a ton of work, but it should also keep it from fraying, and that would make all of the work worth it. As for how long, maybe 2- 3 inches. It seems like if it were any longer, it might get tangled. I've never actually done a fringe, though I like how they look and feel. Good luck and have fun!!
3. knitting is easier. an egg.
4. I have never tried to wash an afghan with fringe, so I can't tell you how it would wash. However, whether it frayed or not would depend on the type of yarn. I would try and wash it in a front loading washer (like at a laundromat) just to be safe. Make sure the knots that tie the fringe to the afghan are tight too. Sometimes they come loose. As for how long to make the fringe, make it LONG. Cut the initial length of yarn at least eight inches. (I prefer ten or twelve inches.) Remember that you have to fold it in half and when you knot it, you will lose a little of the length that way too. An eight inch length of yarn would work out to be about three inch fringe. Personally, I think longer fringe looks better. Plus, if you don't cut it straight, you have more to work with and it won't be so short. ~Happy Crocheting!~
5. I don't think that it's a very good idea to put a fringe on a baby blanket. I realize that they may look nice but from a safety point of view I personally wouldn't add one, why don't you add a pretty border instead? this could be just as effective & much safer God Bless you & yours, Charlie
6. I've been a crocheter for many, many years (over 40)....all kinds (clothing, doilies,irish lace,trims, bedspeads, hats, scarves,mittens,afghans)......and many baby blankets. if the fringe is overlong it may tangle however I've never had a fraying problem with the yarns I have used for baby blankets ,from fingering to heavier weights. If you are not sure & the blanket is small enough-fold it loosely and wash it inside an oversized pillowcase (white, not colored)-just make sure you fasten the end shut-use a rubber band or other such hair accessory such as a pony-tail holder. Take it out to dry, however.Another option is a laundry bag designed to wash delicates inside....and use Woolite. Does a great job on crochet items.......dry on low heat or if in doubt, place bath towels on your kitchen table & let the blanket dry flat...good luck & happy crocheting!