Serenity Throw Blanket CAL Border

This simple crochet border is a fantastic, clean border to finish off the Serenity Throw Blanket. Because the blanket has so many interesting textures in each part, we felt that a simple border would bring all of the parts together without taking away from any of the gorgeous 12 parts of the blanket.

Can you believe we are already at the end of Serenity Throw Blanket CAL? It has been such a joy to host this event with my lovely co-host Agat of Made by Gootie and to have all 10 of the amazing and talented designers along with us. We can’t believe we are already at the point of releasing the border instructions.

Because the blanket has so much lovely texture in each of the different parts, the two of us felt that a simple, clean border was most effective. You can follow the instructions as provided and use the same border we did or, if you prefer, you absolutely can add a fancier border. The choice is yours!

With this in mind, I’ve created a border pattern that works specifically for the blanket as designed and a border pattern that has more of a general guidance – just in case you’ve ended up working more or less rows, switched parts, skipped a part or for any reason your blanket doesn’t match the original Serenity Throw Blanket.

This means that while this border was specifically written for the Serenity Throw Blanket, you can use the general guidance section to help put a simple crochet border on any blanket you might work on in the future.

What is the Serenity Throw Blanket CAL?

If you’ve found this post outside of the crochet-a-long (which runs from October 16 through November 29, 2023), you might be wondering what the Serenity Throw Blanket CAL even is.

The Serenity Throw Blanket is a crochet along blanket pattern that was designed in 12 different sections by 12 different designers.

Hosted by myself and Agat of Made by Gootie, we created a blanket that is worked in strips with one part on top of the other, so there is no fancy seaming or anything required.

The end result of this crochet along blanket pattern designed by 12 different designers is a gorgeous, finished throw blanket.

Where to Get the Serenity CAL Border Pattern

This simple crochet border for the Serenity Throw Blanket is a free pattern in this blog post. You can scroll down to view the free version.

If you’d like to see all of the patterns that are a part of the Serenity Throw Blanket CAL, click the button below.

Where to Get the Serenity Throw Blanket Pattern

While the free crochet-a-long (CAL) event for the Serenity Throw Blanket pattern is over, you still have a couple of options to make this blanket!

Each of the patterns that were released in this CAL are still available as free to view (with ads) on the designers blogs. You can find links to each of them in the Main CAL Page.

Or, if you’d like to have all of the patterns together for the blanket, including the instructions for this simple crochet border, you can purchase the Serenity Throw Blanket CAL eBook!

The eBook has all 12 of the patterns, a resource library with links to tutorials broken down by each part and all the information you need to get started (such as yarn requirements, hook size, gauge, etc.). I would recommend grabbing the eBook for the blanket if you’ve found this page after November 27, 2023.

Simple Crochet Border Information

SKILL LEVEL

Advanced Beginner – This simple crochet border requires understanding of how to work around an entire blanket, including working into the sides of each row. Advanced Beginners should be aware of how to do this.

YARN REQUIREMENTS

Medium (4) worsted weight acrylic or wool blend yarn of your choice. For our border, we used approximately 100 grams/ 218 yards (200 meters).

YARN USED

We used Sirdar Country Classic in colorway White. This yarn is 50% Merino Wool and 50% Acrylic.

TOOLS

5 mm (H-8) hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors
Stitch Markers, if you prefer them though none are required for this pattern.

GAUGE

The gauge you have used through the entire blanket should be fine. 

Note: I am a tight crocheter, so my tension is usually tighter than others. You can learn more about gauge and what this means on my Gauge Master Post.

NOTES

• This simple blanket border was designed for the the Serenity Throw Blanket CAL.
• This border pattern will be split up into two different formats.
• The first format is “simple” and will give basic instructions, or a general guideline, to follow for placing your blanket. Confident crocheters or crocheters who changed a portion of the blanket will find this format the most helpful.
• The second format writes out the border instructions completely with instructions broken down into each part.
• Keep in mind, the second format follows the patterns as they were written EXACTLY. If you ended up working more or less rows, switched parts, skipped a part or for any reason have a layout that is different from how the original Serenity Blanket was constructed, the instructions will not match in certain areas.
• The second format breaks down the instructions per part with stitch counts for each.

ABBREVIATIONS (US TERMS)

• Ch – Chain
• Dc – Double crochet
• Hdc – Half double crochet
• Sc – Single crochet
• Sl st – Slip stitch
• St(s) – Stitch(es)

Simple Crochet Border Free Pattern – Format 1: General Guideline

Confident crocheters who don’t need to follow a specific pattern to work a border on the blanket can:

Finish the last stitch of Part 12 with your Transition Row Color or chosen color for the blanket border.

Round 1 – Ch 1, turn (the right side should be facing) and place 1 sc in each st across. At the end, ch 2 and rotate to work along the long, raw edge. Along this edge, follow this guideline:

• 1 sc in side of each sc
• 1 sc in side of each hdc UNLESS:
  • There are several hdc rows. In this case, alternate between placing 1 sc in the side of the hdc, and 2 sc in the side of the next hdc. This helps to evenly spread out the stitches so that the border doesn’t warp the blanket.
• 2 sc in side of each dc
• Part 9 Note: Part 9 has a raw edge that can seem fiddly. You can either follow the “Step by Step” instructions for the sides of Part 9 or you can try to evenly place 22 stitches along the side.
  • Because this part has slip stitches and skipped stitches at the start of the rows, it can seem strange when placing the border. Make sure to hold the twisted chains out of the way to see the best you can.
  • I placed 1 sc in the side of each sc, 2 sc in the side of each dc (holding the twisted chains out of the way) and skipped the slip stitches.

At the end of this side, chain 2 and rotate to work along the bottom of the chains. Place 1 sc in each st across. Chain 2 and rotate to work along the final long, raw edge. Follow the same guidelines as above. 

At the end, chain 2 and slip stitch to the first sc to close.

You should have approximately 936 stitches and 4 chain 2 spaces (276 stitches on each long side, 192 stitches on top and bottom).

NOTE: “Approximately” is used here because some parts you may have ended up working more or less rows to accommodate the size requirements (5 inches) of each part. If your stitch count does not match here, it doesn’t ruin the pattern. As long as the border lays flat and doesn’t pull or warp the work, everything is fine.

Round 2 – Ch 1. Place 1 hdc in the first stitch and each st across to the chain 2 space. In the chain 2 space, place (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc). Rotate to work along the next side and place 1 hdc in each st across to the next chain 2 space. Continue following this method around to the end. Slip stitch to the first stitch to close. (Approximately 956 stitches, see note above)

Finish off, weave all ends. Your Serenity Throw Blanket is complete!

Simple Crochet Border Free Pattern – Format 2: Step by Step

This is an extended version of the blanket border, which will walk you step by step through placing the first round of the blanket border on the blanket. There are instructions for each Part as you work down the length.

Please keep in mind that this border is written to match each of the Parts EXACTLY as they are written. If you have added or removed rows to ensure the proper size, you will need to keep that in mind while following this step by step pattern.

Each part will state the number of stitches. You should have an approximate total of 936 stitches and 4 chain 2 spaces (276 stitches on each long side, 192 stitches on top and bottom).

NOTE: “Approximately” is used here because some parts you may have ended up working more or less rows to accommodate the size requirements (5 inches) of each part. If your stitch count does not match here, it doesn’t ruin the pattern. As long as the border lays flat and doesn’t pull or warp the work, everything is fine.

Pattern Round 1:

Finish your last stitch of Part 12 with your Transition Row Color.

Ch 1, turn (the right side should be facing) and place 1 sc in each st across. (192)

At the end, ch 2 and rotate to work along the long, raw edge.

Part 12 – [1 sc in side of first hdc, 2 sc in side of next hdc] Repeat 8x total. (24)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 11 – [1 sc in side of first hdc, 2 sc in side of next hdc]. Repeat 7x total. (21)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 10 – [1 sc in side of sc, 2 dc in side of dc]. Repeat inside brackets 7x total. (21)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 9 – 1 sc in side of each of the next 2 sc. [1 sc in side of sc, 2 sc in side of hdc (hold the twisted chains out of the way), sk sl st, 1 sc in side of sc]. Repeat inside brackets 5x total. (22)

The side of this part is fiddly. Do your best here, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Try to evenly place 22 sts (or as many sts as needed) for the border to stay flat and not pull the stitches.

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 8 – [1 sc in side of sc, 2 sc in side of dc]. Repeat inside brackets 4x total. 1 sc in side of each of the next 4 sts. [1 sc in side of sc, 2 sc in side of dc]. Repeat inside brackets 4x total. (28)

Transition rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 7 – [1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc]. Repeat inside brackets 7x total. 2 sc in side of next hdc, 1 sc in side of last hdc. (17)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 6 – [1 sc in side of first hdc, 2 sc in side of next hdc] Repeat 8x total. (24)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 5 – [1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc]. Repeat inside brackets 7x total. (14)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 4 – 1 hdc in side of hdc, 2 sc in side of each of the next 10 dc, 1 hdc in side of hdc. (22)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 3 – 1 sc in side of sc. [1 sc in side of hdc, 2 sc in side of dc]. Repeat inside brackets 6x total. 1 sc in side of hdc. (20)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 2 – [1 sc in side of first hdc, 2 sc in side of next hdc]. Repeat 7x total. (21)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 1 – 2 sc in the side of each of the next 10 dc. (20)

Working Along Chains – 

At the end of Part 1, ch 2 and rotate to work along the bottom of the chains. Place 1 sc in the bottom of each stitch across. (192)

At the end of the row, ch 2 and rotate to work along the final long, raw edge.

Part 1 – 2 sc in the side of each of the next 10 dc. (20)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 2 – [2 sc in side of first hdc, 1 sc in side of next hdc]. Repeat 7x total. (21)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 3 – 1 sc in side of hdc. [2 sc in side of dc, 1 sc in side of hdc]. Repeat inside brackets 6x total. 1 sc in side of sc. (20)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 4 – 1 hdc in side of hdc, 2 sc in side of each of the next 10 dc, 1 hdc in side of hdc. (22)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 5 – [1 sc in side of hdc, 1 sc in side of sc]. Repeat inside brackets 7x total. (14)

Transition rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 6 – [2 sc in side of first hdc, 1 sc in side of next hdc] Repeat 8x total. (24)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 7 – 1 sc in side of hdc, 2 sc in side of hdc, [1 sc in side of hdc, 1 sc in side of sc]. Repeat inside brackets 7x total. (17)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 8 – [2 sc in side of dc, 1 sc in side of sc]. Repeat inside brackets 4x total. 1 sc each of the next 4 sts. [2 sc in side of dc, 1 sc in side of sc]. Repeat inside brackets 4x total.  (28)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 9 – [1 sc in side of  sc, Sk sl st, 2 sc in side of hdc (hold the twisted chains out of the way), 1 sc in side of sc]. Repeat inside brackets 5x total. 1 sc in side of each of the next 2 sc. (22)

The side of this part is fiddly. Do your best here, it doesn’t have to be perfect. Try to evenly place 22 sts (or as many sts as needed) for the border to stay flat and not pull the stitches.

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 10 – [2 sc in side of dc, 1 dc in side of sc]. Repeat inside brackets 7x total. (21)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 11 – [2 sc in side of first hdc, 1 sc in side of next hdc]. Repeat 7x total. (21)

Transition Rows – 1 sc in side of sc, 1 sc in side of hdc. (2)

Part 12 – [2 sc in side of first hdc, 1 sc in side of next hdc] Repeat 8x total. (24)

Closing Round 1 – 

At the end of Part 12, you will be at the end of Round 1 of the blanket border. Ch 2 and slip stitch to the first stitch of the round to close.

At the end of this round, you should have approximately 936 sts and 4 ch 2 spcs. Keep in mind that this pattern follows each part’s written pattern exactly and you may have worked more or less rows to reach 5 inches. That’s why you will have “approximately” this number of stitches.

Pattern Round 2:

Ch 1. Place 1 hdc in the first stitch and each st across to the chain 2 space. In the chain 2 space, place (2 hdc, ch 2, 2 hdc). Rotate to work along the next side and place 1 hdc in each st across to the next chain 2 space. Continue following this method around to the end. Slip stitch to the first stitch to close. (Approximately 952 stitches, see note above at beginning of Round 1)

Finish off, weave all ends. Your Serenity Throw Blanket is complete!

Did you love participating in the Serenity Throw Blanket CAL?

Show off your work to us so we can give you some love!

Tag us on Instagram (@theloopholefoxcrochet, @madebygootie) and use the hashtag #SerenityThrowCAL!

If you prefer Facebook Groups, you can show off your work in The Fox Den Crochet Community (my Facebook group) or in the Made by Gootie Crochet Community (Agat’s Facebook Group).

Additionally, if you like to save things on Pinterest, you can Pin this blog post to save it for later!

Looking for more Crochet Blanket Patterns like this one? Check these out!

The Aspen Throw Blanket
The Fledgling Baby Afghan
The Friendship Blanket CAL (2021)
Something New Baby Blanket
Rising Star Baby Blanket
Piper Baby Blanket
Harmony Throw Blanket CAL (2022)
2023 Crochet Temperature Blanket
Avery Baby Blanket