Try This Stitch: Rhythmic Crochet Edge

The sample shown in the swatch for this post, as well as the sample in the Lion Brand Stitch Finder, is worked with a multiple of 8 stitches + 1 stitch. This is how the pattern was originally written for publication in 150 Crochet Trims, as you can see in the instructional text below. However, this simple crochet edging can easily be modified to work over a different number of stitches. First let’s look at the original.

Rhythmic Crochet Edge knit in 24/7 Cotton yarn.

Skill level: Beginner/easy

Make a foundation chain of the required length, or work row 1 directly into the item to be trimmed with right side facing. (Written below for a multiple of 8 stitches + 1)

Row 1: Chain 1, 1 single crochet in each stitch to end, turn.
Row 2: As row 1.
Row 3: Chain 1, *6 single crochet, skip 2 single crochet, chain 6; rep from * to end, turn.
Row 4: As row 1. Fasten off.

Modify to work in the Round

The primary pattern forming stitch for the Rhythmic Edge happens only on row 3, which is a RS (right side) row when working flat. This means you can very simply switch the pattern to be worked in the round. On Rows 1, 2, & 4 (now Rnds 1, 2, & 4) you will work a single crochet in each stitch around. Do Not turn at the end of each round! Instead, join the rounds together with a slip stitch.
Row 3 (now Rnd 3) will begin as written with a “chain 1” and continue around your edge as written, also ending with a slip stitch join.
Tip: Remember to work 1 extra single crochet in the corner to help keep the edge of your work laying flat.

Modifying the stitch count repeat

Instead of a multiple of 8 stitches + 1 you can try multiples of any number plus 1 extra stitch.
Rows (or rnds) 1, 2, and 4 will remain the same as the original example. These rows you are simply working 1 single crochet in each stitch.

For Row/Rnd 3 you will need to do a little bit of [easy] math. Start with your repeat number and subtract 2. The number you end up with is how many single crochet stitches you will work (and how many you chain). The remaining 2 stitches are your skipped stitches. For example, if you have a multiple of 10 stitches your repeat will be:
*8 single crochet, skip 2 single crochet, chain 8; rep from * to end
8 single crochet + 2 skipped stitches = 10. And you can see the chain 8 at the end of the repeat matches the number of single crochets worked.

Trim instructions reproduced by permission from 150 Crochet Trims by Susan Smith, St. Martin’s Griffin, 2007

Swatch show was worked in Lion Brand Yarn 24/7 Cotton in Aqua. You can find this yarn (in 24 colors!) and pattern inspiration on LionBrand.com.