Crochet Border Pattern: Alternating Puffs

Today I’m sharing one of my favorite border crochet patterns: the Alternating Puff Stitch Border. This border is great for blankets, shawl edgings, and more! It’s made with a multiple of just two stitches, so it can be added to almost any type of project. This pattern is also part of the Crochet Borders & Edges Blog Hop with Sweet Potato 3, so read on for details.

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Crochet border patterns add that special finishing touch to your crochet projects. A special border can take your project up a notch while also cleaning up wonky edges and covering up yarn tails. The Alternating Puff Stitch Border is one of my “go to” border patterns because it is relatively simple, looks great on both sides, and since it only requires an even number of stitches (in other words, it is a multiple of just two stitches), it works with projects of all sizes.

Scroll down for the free crochet border pattern for the Alternating Puff Stitch Border. The Alternating Puff Stitch Border is the featured pattern for May 24, 2023 in the Crochet Borders & Edges Blog Hop with Sweet Potato 3.

If you are always on the hunt for the perfect crochet border pattern, you should check out the Crochet Borders & Edges Blog Hop with Sweet Potato 3, which includes 20 fabulous and free options!

Alternating Puff Stitch Border

Crochet Border Pattern by Underground Crafter

You can use any yarn and an appropriately sized hook for this crochet border pattern. I used King Cole Wool Aran yarn, which is available through your local yarn shop, and a Pony Easy Grip crochet hook.

Abbreviations Used in This Pattern

  • ch – chain
  • pf – 3-repeat puff stitch – [Yo, insert hook into st, yo and draw up a loop] 3 times in same st, yo and draw through all 7 loops on hook. A helpful video tutorial for the puff stitch is available below.
  • If you can’t see the video tutorial for the puff stitch above, click HERE to watch it on YouTube.
  • rep – repeat
  • sc – single crochet
  • sl st – slip stitch
  • sp – space
  • st(s) – stitch(es)
  • yo – yarn over
  • *Repeat instructions after asterisk as indicated.
  • [] Repeat instructions between brackets as indicated.
  • () Work instructions in parentheses into same stitch or space.

Pattern Notes

  • You will start this border by setting up a round of single crochet around your project. If you’re new to working single crochet around the side of your project, watch the video tutorial below.
  • If you can’t see the video above demonstrating how to crochet around the side of your project, click HERE to watch it on YouTube.
  • You will also need to know how to crochet into chain spaces. The video below demonstrates 4 ways to crochet into chain spaces.
  • If you can’t see the video above demonstrating 4 ways to crochet into chain spaces, click HERE to watch it on YouTube.

Pattern Instructions

  • Round 1: Join the Border yarn with sl st to any corner.
  • Ch 1, [sc an even number (multiple of 2 sts) of sts across the side, ch 2] 4 times, join with sl st to first sc. — Even number of sts on each side + 4 ch-2 sp
  • Round 2: Ch 1, sc in same st, *[pf in next st, sc in next st] across to last st on side, pf in next st, (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch 2 sp,** sc in next st; rep from * around, ending last rep at **, join with sl st to first sc.
  • Round 3: Ch 1, starting in same st [pf in next st, sc in next st] across, (sc, ch 3, sc) in ch-3 sp; rep from * around, join with sl st to first pf. Fasten off.
© 2023 by Marie Segares (Underground Crafter). This pattern is for personal use only. You may use the pattern to make unlimited items for yourself, for charity, or to give as gifts. You may sell items you personally make by hand from this pattern. Do not violate Marie’s copyright by distributing this pattern or the photos in any form, including but not limited to scanning, photocopying, emailing, or posting on a website or internet discussion group. If you want to share the pattern, point your friends to this link: https://undergroundcrafter.com/2023/05/23/crochet-border-pattern-alternating-puffs/. Thanks for supporting indie designers!

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