Does anyone know where to get a tool that will punch holes in the edge of a fleece fabric? I want to crochet around the edge of a baby blanket.

Carolyn Kay

Not sure about this, but it seems I remember seeing a rotery blade that will do that. I did see a hint a long time back about using the computer paper that has holes on the side to use as a marking pattern for evenly spaced holes and using a awl or stillto for punching.

It's called a Skip-Stitch blade and can be ordered from www.skipstitch.com or you can order them through the Linus Project website.

Also use a wing needle on your sewing machine. These specialty needles can be purchased at most stores. Set your machine stitch length to a longer stitch and go for it. You can use a matching thread in the needle to coordinate with the crochet thread or do empty stitching.

I always use an ice pick and a ruler.

Thanks, Clem. I will look for a rotary blade.

Carolyn

The skip stitch blade is for a rotary cutter. I think they are only available online.

I use an ice pick and a ruler to. Works great for me.

I saw one in Nancy's Notions catalog. I am sure you could get it online. Just go to her site and do a search. (I am sorry, I can't remember the exact name of it) It was just the blade though, not the rotary cutter. I was disappointed in that, but it says it fits a standard 45 mm cutter.
I was at a craft show this past Saturday and a woman was crocheting on fleece at her booth. I asked her where she got her blade and she was rather vague about helping me. Guess she was afraid I would steal her idea and put her out of business... lol She just said it was very expensive and she got it online.

They are a bit pricey cause it is just for the blade. I got mine thru project linus. I've onlyseen them online. i think you can order thru the skip-stitch site too.

They are worth the money. I ordered mine from the Linus Project website and it arrived very promptly. I trim the edges of the blanket straight with a regular rotary blade and round the corners with a saucer. Then I use a ruler and the rotary cutter with the skip stitch blade in it to run a line of tiny slits about 1/2 to 3/4 inch from the edge of the fleece blanket. It's very quick and easy to use. Then crochet the edging through the holes for a very nice finished edge. You can find the instructions for this online.

I have used the smallest crochet hook (made from steel) to poke the hole and crochet the foundation row at the same time. (must have strong hands to do this) I have also purchased baby blankets that already have a row of blanket stitching around the edge and added my crochet stitching to that. Along that thought --- you could use your sewing machine and blanket stitch around the fleece you already have and add the crocheted edge. ---- just a few ideas if you don't have time to wait for the special rotary blade to be delivered. :-)