Crochet

There are a couple of websites to help you one is just called knitting and another is called Ravelry I expect there are more.

Depends how 'hole-y' you want the border to be - but try using a similar size crochet hook 2.75 or maybe a 3.00.

Corners are easy enough! If you're crocheting something like trebles along the edge - work at least 3 or maybe 4 trebles into the corner stitch. See if it lies flat enough - depends how wide a border you're intending to do - on the next rows, just do the same again - 3 or 4 sts into one stitch to allow enough 'give' into the corners.

There are some lovely knitted borders for shawls if you don't feel up to crocheting one.

Thank you nanafrancis that is really helpful. Do you feel a knitted border would be better? The shawl is quite large so a knitted border could be quite a big job, but I am quite happy to do it as I have 'till September!! Can't decide which would be nicer so would like your opinion.
susiecb I am already using ravelry but will look at knitting, thank you.

Crochet a small length of edging and see what it looks like if you really can't decide. That will help you decide on which hook size to use too.

The edging doesn't have to be too wide or too complicated whether you knit or crochet it.

I'm sure whatever you decide, the finished article will be lovely and much appreciated

Thank you again nanafrancis I certainly will try a small length of crochet. I agree it doesn't have to be too wide. Think I will crochet rather than knit, mainly because it is easier to crochet straight on rather than picking up stitches or sewing a knitted border on. That maybe a bit lazy of me but I have some other projects I would like to do too so want to crack on. Thoroughly enjoying doing it though even if it grows very slowly

Have now completed the shawl and am delighted with it. Kept the border very plain crochet of about an inch wide and it looks really lovely. Just need to wash and press it now. Thanks for the helpful advice Love this Gransnet

Well done, nanapug! I actually gave up on a knitted shawl for my GS when I was half way round it. It was silly of me to choose 2-ply Shetland in the first place! I ended up making him a patchwork quilt instead and gave the wool to DD who is a wizard with wool. She has just crocheted a section of coral reef!!!! Little padded fishes and coral crocheted in different wools. It's amazing.

Wow, sounds amazing Baggy

nanapug (and anyone else who wants to look) you can see the crocheted coral on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/london_htur/

Beautiful crotchet Baggy, really stunning.

My daughter's work, notso.

So creative, really lovely.

Really beautiful. Thanks for the link

I have put this post somewhere else but now cannot find it!!

I am hoping someone will remember a Woman's Weekly crochet pattern for a baby's matinee jacket. It was published about 30 years ago and I made it for my first daughter. It comprised crochet squares sewn together in pastel shades of pink, blue, lemon and green. It was my very first attempt at crochet. I now have a 7 week old granddaughter and would love to make it for her, but, sadly, cannot find the pattern. I kept it for years but it may have been mislaid in the last house move.

Thank you.

What a talented daughter Bags

Just match your crochet hook to the wool thickness. Crocheted borders lie flatter than knitted ones. I would try a 3 treble/2chain/3treble then at the corners 3treble/2chain/3 treble into the corner itself. That way it will turn the corner and lie flat.

Rangimarie just seen your last post. They are called 'Afghan squares' - just type that into Google and the method will come up. Also, on youtube there used to be a series of crochet methods which included afghan squares. I made a similar blanket for a new baby a few years ago. It was so satisfying to do.

If you get stuck on crochet or knitting patterns, it might help to check out your local library. Our's has a good range of craft books suitable for beginners and the more experienced. Loads of advice, suggestions and patterns all for free. I've also found the library a good source of all sorts of craft books and cookery books. You can try things out without paying for the book.
Rosie