How To Crochet: Special Trims

By Erin Burger – 10 Comments

Adding Trim to a crocheted project can give it a more finished appeal. The uses for these trims seem fairly endless; crocheted scarfs, blankets, washcloths, belts and table runners are just a few examples of projects just waiting for an interesting trim.

Fish Fin Trim

This trim is great for washcloths (imagine it as the ‘fins’ on a aquatic bath set!). It’s also known as ‘Diagonal Box’ trim and is traditionally used as edging for clothing.


ch a multiple of 4 plus 1
or
work Row 1 directly into item waiting to be trimmed (with RS facing)

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across.
Row 3: ch 4, (skip 3 sc, 1 tr in next sc, ch 3, 4 dc around tr just worked) across, finish off.

Ruffles and Frills Trim

The name ‘Ruffles and Frills’ makes it fairly obvious what this trimming can be used for. Girly baby blankets and dolls dresses are the first thing that come to mind for me! But this trim can also be used as a fashion item as a neat necklace or a very interesting belt.

ch an even number
or
work Row 1 directly into item waiting to be trimmed (with RS facing)

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Row 2: ch 5, turn, (skip sc, sl st into next st, ch 5) across.
Row 3: ch 1, turn, ({sc, ch 3, sc} 5 times) in each ch-5 space to end, finish off.

Hanging Shells Trim

This trim, like the Fish Fins Trim, is traditionally used as edging for clothing. This trim is also really great for household decorations like throws, rugs and curtains.

ch a multiple of 3 plus 1
or
work Row 1 directly into item waiting to be trimmed (with RS facing)

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across.
Row 3: ch 1, turn, (sc in next 3 sc, ch 4) across, sc in last 3 sc.
Row 4: ch 1, turn, (sc in the next 3 sc, 8 dc in ch-4 space) across, sc in last 3 sc, finish off.

Open Waves Trim

The Open Waves Trim would be an excellent trim for a modern looking afghan or trimming on a skinny scarf.

ch a multiple of 8 plus 1
or
work Row 1 directly into item waiting to be trimmed (with RS facing)

Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across.
Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across.
Row 3: ch 1, turn, (sc in 6 sc, ch 6, skip 2 sc) across.
Row 4: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across, finish off.

Need any help completing these special trims? Have any suggestions or comments? Feel free to use the comment box here!

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10 Comments

  1. Lynn says:

    I love the trims! Thanks for sharing.

  2. Angie says:

    Awesome, I’m making a pillow for a Christmas present and one of those would be the perfect trim. 🙂

  3. margaret says:

    Hi,
    Rachel,what do you mean on you trim pattern, multiple of 4 pluse 1,i never did understand when a pattern say,to multiple,can you help me?
    Thanks

  4. Erin says:

    Hi Margaret,

    A multiple of 4 plus 1 means that you need to chain a number that can be divided by 4 and then chain 1 more ch (usually to count as a turning chain).

    So for example you can chain any multiple of 4: 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 etc…etc…in order to reach the length you are trying to get.

    Following the rule ‘a multiple of 4 plus 1’ will insure that the pattern of the trim (in this case) is worked correctly.

    Hope this helps!

    -Erin

  5. SoSaje says:

    Wow, these look awesome! I’m really enjoying adding more trims & extras to my arsenal. Thank you!! 🙂

  6. Rosita Brown says:

    You are so talented! These trims are great!

  7. doro says:

    thanks for sharing your tutorials!
    they’re very helpful.

    i’m linkung. i hope you agree.

    many greetings, doro.

  8. chiibug says:

    Question about the Ruffles and Frills Trim:

    I’m working an afghan in rounds of two alternating colors. Would using one color for Rows 1 and 2, and the second for Row 3 work, or should i stick with one color of the other?

  9. Erin says:

    Hi chiibug,

    I’ve never used this trim in multi-colors but if I had to guess I think it would look cool!

    Try and it out and tell me how it looked!

    -Erin

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