How to Crochet a Colorful Envelope Border – Free Pattern
Mosaic crochet requires changing colors every row, which means lots of ends. But if weaving in ends stresses you out, don’t let that stop you from trying this technique. Because all of the yarn ends are along the edges, you can neatly tuck them away inside the border. Learn how to crochet a colorful envelope border to easily hide your ends—no weaving required!
You can use this envelope border (or double border) for any mosaic crochet project, from blankets, to scarves, to potholders. But it was originally designed as part of the Mosaic Flower Garden CAL. Even after the CAL wraps up with this border, you can join the fun anytime and crochet a gorgeous Springtime blanket that just may become a cherished heirloom!
If you’re making the Mosaic Flower Garden Blanket, you’ll use this border to give it a clean, finished edge.
The Mosaic Flower Garden Blanket CAL
Welcome the Mosaic Flower Garden Blanket CAL! If you are just joining in, you can read this post to learn everything you need to know.
Here’s a short overview: Together, we crocheted an heirloom flower blanket over in the Juniper & Oakes Crochet Community FB Group. Each Friday and Tuesday from May 2nd through May 30th, 2025, I released a new free blanket section pattern and chart, right here on my blog! The last part is this pattern that teaches you how to crochet an envelope border.
This multi-color envelope border is the finishing touch on a stunning Springtime blanket that includes 10 garden-themed mosaic crochet designs. We made this blanket during Spring 2025 and it all comes together now!
This border is the perfect solution for those who dread weaving in loose ends. But there are lots of other options for mosaic crochet edgings. You could simply trim the ends even to make a fringe. Or try one of these other border ideas:
- Twisted fringe
- Envelope Border using HDC
- Checkered Mosaic Envelope Border (with photo crochet tutorial)
No matter which border you choose, you can congratulate yourself because you finished your blanket! 🎉 Thank you so much for creating this blanket.
I know it felt like a labor of love & I hope you loved the process!
This post contains affiliate links. While I may receive compensation when you purchase and item from a link, your price doesn’t change and all recommendations are my own. See affiliate disclosure policy.
Can’t work this pattern right now? Pin it for later!
After grabbing this crochet border pattern, make sure you head on over to the Juniper & Oakes Crochet Community. You can ask questions and share pictures of your WIPs and finished blanket. It will be a lot of fun!
If you don’t have Facebook, you can still participate in the CAL by creating your blanket stripes and border on your own. Definitely post pictures and share about the CAL on any social media you have. Be sure to tag me @juniperandoakes and use #GingerbreadCAL so we can see your progress.
Don’t miss an update
I will be sending out an email each time a new design is released. You will be the first to be notified of the next part of the CAL or any other news. Sign up now!
Instructions for How to Crochet the Envelope Border
Skill Level: Adventurous Beginner/Intermediate
Gauge for the Blanket
15 stitches x 18 rows = 4” x 4” in square
A swatch of the pattern
Size:
Approximately 58” x 66” (the full blanket)
How big will This Blanket be?
The answer depends on many factors: yarn, hook, tension, etc. If you work a gauge swatch in the pattern stitch and measure it, you can multiply that out to estimate the finished size of your blanket. Mine starts with a foundation row of 195 stitches and is and 24 rows high.
Stitch Abbreviations (US Terminology)
- BLOsc – Back Loop Only Single Crochet
- ch – Chain
- FLO – Front Loop Only
- RS – Right Side
- sc – Single Crochet
about Crochet Envelope Borders
Most overlay mosaic crochet designs (unless they are small or are worked in the round) utilize an double/envelope border to hide all of the ends that result in fastening off at the end of each round. You work a border on the back side, then a border on the front side, and seam them together, ensuring all ends are enclosed inside.
To get a better idea of the concept, click here for a video tutorial of a similar envelope border, which I used in another project. Note that although the concept is the same, you will need to follow the written instructions below to create this colorful striped version.
Notes
- Please join the Juniper & Oakes Crochet Community FB Group and share pictures and questions that arise.
The Yarn: Worsted
Mary Maxim Maximum Value (474 yds, 227g, 100% Acrylic) or other worsted weight yarn in two colors
- Color A – Cottonwood
- Color B – Palomino
- Color C – Yellow
- Color D – Medium Violet
- Color E – Medium
- Color F – Medium Denim
Maximum Value is a soft worsted weight acrylic yarn that can be machine washed and dried. This yarn is super affordable and creates a beautiful and long-lasting finish.
The Hook: 5mm
I used an H/5.00 mm hook for the body of the blanket and a G+/4.5 mm hook for the border. I love this Gemini Streamline Zodiac Crochet Hook from Furls Crochet. The hook is perfectly shaped to fit in my hand and it has a great weight to it. If you have never tried a Furls hook, I highly recommend that head on over to their website and order one now. If that particular hook is not available, the Laurel Streamline Wooden Hooks, also by Furls, are another great choice.
Of course, these hook sizes are just my preference. Use whatever hook you’re comfortable using with the yarn of your choice. Just be aware that this may change the size of your blanket. So be sure to make a swatch using the yarn and hook you want to use. Then multiply it by the number of stitches so you will have a better idea how big your blanket will be.
This colorful envelope border was designed in six colors—pink, yellow, blue, purple, green and cream—which are used throughout the blanket. But if you want to use creative license to create a new color combo, I won’t be offended. I love seeing what color schemes everyone comes up with! You could use a neutral color or something that contrasts the colors of the blanket and makes it pop. Whatever you choose, make sure to share your blanket on the FB group so we can all see and be inspired by your creativity!
pattern for the Crochet Envelope Border
Back Border
Round 1: With Color A, sc in the FLO of any stitch along the bottom of blanket, sc in FLO in each stitch. In each corner, *sc in FLO, ch 2, sc in FLO*. Along the side, sc through both legs of the border stitches. Invisible join to first stitch. (see below)
Round 2: Ch 1, BLOsc in each stitch around. In each corner ch-2 space, *BLOsc, ch-2, BLOsc* in each corner. Invisible join to first stitch.
Rounds 3-5: Repeat Round 2. Fasten off.
Invisible Join
(May also use sl st to join.)
- Work last stitch
- Remove hook from loop.
- Insert hook through back of 1st stitch of row
- Grab dropped loop
- Pull yarn loop though.
- untangle hook & yarn.
Front Border
Round 1: With Color B, Repeat Round 1 of Back Border. Fasten off. Join with Color C.
Round 2-5: Repeat Round 2 of Back Border. Fasten off and join Colors D-F (one color per round).
Finishing
- Secure ends by tying two together along each side.
- Trim ends to about 1inch in length.
- With Color A, BLOsc through BOTH borders. (The loops that are closest together on the blanket), ensuring that the ends are enclosed in the envelope border.
- Fasten off.
- Weave in (or hide) all ends.
Action Items:
Work up the Envelope Border section in multiple colors.
Post a picture of your finished section in the J&O FB Group (please use #FlowerGardenCAL so I can easily find it)
- Post a picture/video/Reel on all the social media and tag @juniperandoakes and use #FlowerGardenCAL
Come back to the CAL page each Friday and Tuesday for the next installment of the CAL.
OR purchase the ebook to get the complete pattern all at once
If you have any issues, questions, or tips, please post them on the J&O FB Group
The Fine Print
This pattern and its images are the property of Juniper and Oakes ©2024. The pattern is for your personal use only. Please do not copy/paste, distribute, or alter and claim as your own. You may sell products made by this pattern, but please credit @juniperandoakes and remember to link back to juniperandoakes.com or credit Juniper & Oakes on the craft fair tag.
If you make this pattern, please email a picture to [email protected] and I will include it in a gallery on my website.You may post pictures on social media and tag @juniperandoakes and use the hashtag #juniperandoakes and #GingerbreadCAL. You can also post pictures on my Facebook Page, or in the Juniper + Oakes Crochet Community Facebook Group.
Let me know if you run into a problem. I respond quickly and will help any way I can to clarify any confusion or challenging stitches.
Clicking on the blue link (to create a grow.me account) doesn’t do anything! Please help! And I already have a grow.me account.