Is there an instrument for...

[chsarrow]

When my son was born I received some lightweight blankets. The edges were folded over and crocheting was done all around. Similiar to the ones on this site http://www.angelfire.com/oh/crochethook/patts/baby.html

 

The question I have is, do I have to poke holes all around the blanket and crochet, or is there something else I could use that would make the holes and not take so long?

[crochet smartcat]

You should go around and poke holes. But you can cheat by using your sewing machine without thread to create evenly spaced holes. I don't know of any tool that will make evenly spaced holes quickly though.

[Croshay]

You could just use a small steel crochet hook and poke the holes as you crochet around the edge, but those won't be spaced perfectly like if you used your sewing machine.

[Chain3turn]

You can use a blanket stitch around the outside edge of the blanket. That provides a place to put your first stitches.

[sprtsbear]

Thanks for the info. I oftened wondered how-to do a blanket stitch. Now I understand the process.

[crochetdiva]

Check out your local LDS church. We have a town close by here that has ladies that make holes with a machine for people to crochet edgings in. Apparently it is inexpensive and a real time saver.

[Chain3turn]

Thanks for the info. I oftened wondered how-to do a blanket stitch. Now I understand the process.

 

Glad to be of help.

[chsarrow]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions!

 

CHLewis

[Stitchinpick]

Actually, you need to purchase a "wing needle" for your sewing machine, get the widest one the store offers that works in your machine. It is a wide needle that slices small holes where it punches in. Then use a steel hook to poke in the started hole. It is not difficult. I have done several things with it. I usually make my blankets double thick though -- flannel on both sides. Then I make burp pads for the shoulders to match.

 

For more info, you can run a Google search on -- hemstitching. Some companies precut, sew, and punch holes (better than homemade holes) for you. You just add the crocheting. I started that way. Mine came with a pattern and everything. They made some wonderful heirloom gifts. One word of caution...don't just weave in the loose ends. Tie a knot. It goes against everything I know, but these really get washed a lot, and I had one start coming undone .

[crochet.sandie]

I purchase pre-drilled items from http://www.hemstitcher.com but this can get to be expensive. You have the choice of double or single sided. I have also read where you can use a stiletto to punch the holes. I have also read about the wing needle already mentioned and if I could sew that would be what I would use. :-) It sounds very easy.

 

It may also depend on the material you are working with.