Crochet a Scalloped Border Four Ways

Have you ever finished a blanket, scarf, or sweater only to feel that it’s a little lackluster? That it needs a little something extra? It’s easy to add a scalloped border with crochet. Let’s look at four different variations on the crocheted scalloped border, from very simple and delicate to complex and decorative.

A Note About the Samples

Each of the samples shown is worked onto a swatch consisting of 6 rows of half double crochet. I’ve used a contrast color for the border row(s), though of course you could use the same color for a more subtle effect in your border.

All the instructions are written using American terminology. English and Austrialian terminology sometimes differs. Here is the decoder for the abbreviations used in the instructions below:

Tiny Shell Border

This delicate border is a simple way to add just a touch of detail. I’d love to see this at the top of a sock or the edge of a sleeve. The small scale is also great for baby garments. It’s worked over just one row.

Tiny Shell Border – multiple of 2 sts

Row 1 Ch 2, sc in first st, *sk 1, [sc, ch 3, sc] in next st; rep from * to last 2 sts, sk 1, sc.

Classic Double Crochet Shell Border

This is probably what you think of when you hear “crochet scalloped border”. It’s the first one I learned, and it’s still a favorite because it’s easy to work and complements many different projects. This border is worked with a single row.

Classic Double Crochet Shell Border – multiple of 5 sts + 1

Row 1 Sl in first st, *sk 2, dc 5 in next st, sk 2, sl in next st; rep from * to end.

V-Stitch Shell Border

Because a row of V-stitches separates the shells from the edge of the piece, this border is a little taller, a little lacier, and a little fancier than the Classic Double Crochet Shell. The V-Stitch Shell Border would look lovely at the hem of a lightweight top. This border is worked over two rows—one for the V-stitches and one for the shells.

V-Stitch Shell Border – multiple of 6 sts + 4

Special abbreviation: V-st = Dc, ch 1, dc all in the same st.

Row 1 (WS) Ch 4 (counts as dc, ch1), dc in first st, sk 2, *V-st in next st, sk 2; rep from * to last st, dc, turn.

Row 2 (RS) Ch 1, *dc 7 in next V-st, sc in next V-st; rep from * to end.

Split Shell Border

These scallops are both wider and taller than the previous borders, making this an altogether grander finish for your project. This border would be beautiful at the ends of a scarf or the edges of a shawl. It’s worked over two rows.

Split Shell Border – multiple of 9 sts + 1

Row 1 (WS) Ch 1, sc in first st, * sk 3, (dc, ch 2, dc) in each of the next 2 sts, sk 3, sc in next st; rep from * to end, turn.

Row 2 (RS) Ch 1, sc in first st, *(hdc, dc 2, tr) in next ch-2 sp, (tr, dc 2, hdc) in next ch-2 sp, sc in next sc; rep from * to end.

Adding a scalloped border to a basic design can take your crochet project to the next level. This sort of little touch makes a project truly your own!

Thank you to Ancient Arts Yarns for providing the yarn used for these samples. This sample was made with Herlig.

Sandi Rosner is the technical content editor for all things yarn at Interweave. When she isn’t knitting, she usually has her nose in a book. You’ll find new technical content from Sandi nearly every week at www.interweave.com.