Hey crocheters! Today, I'm super excited to share 11 fantastic ways to join your granny squares. From classic whip stitch to fancy decorative joins, there's a method perfect for every project. Some are subtle and seamless, others add gorgeous texture and become part of the design itself.
Don't worry if you're new to joining squares - I've got step-by-step instructions for each method coming up. Ready to transform your stack of squares into something amazing? Let's dive in and discover your new favorite joining technique!
How to Connect Granny Squares
1. Lock Stitch and Single Crochet Joining Tutorial
Step 1: First, make a slip knot, pull the loop through the chain space, make 1 chain stitch, 1 single crochet, then 4 chain stitches. Take another square and insert hook from the back of its chain space to make 1 single crochet.
Step 2: Continue with 2 chain stitches, work another single crochet in the first square's single crochet position, 2 chain stitches, then work 1 single crochet in the second square.
Step 3: Continue alternating 2 chain stitches and 1 single crochet until reaching the chain space. Work 1 single crochet, then 4 chain stitches, make 1 single crochet in the second square, 2 chain stitches, take the third square and work 1 single crochet in its chain space.
Step 4: Alternate 2 chain stitches and 1 single crochet between the two squares until this row is joined.
Step 5: Make a slip knot, take the fourth square, pull the loop through the chain space, work 1 chain stitch, 1 single crochet, make 4 chain stitches, then connect with a single crochet to the previous square.
Step 6: Continue joining until reaching the chain space, work 1 single crochet, 2 chain stitches, work 1 single crochet in the previous square, 2 chain stitches, work 1 single crochet into the previous 4 chain stitches, 2 chain stitches, return to the fourth square with 1 single crochet. Repeat to complete this row.
Step 7: At the corner, first join with 2 chain stitches and 1 single crochet, then work 4 chain stitches and 1 single crochet to finish.
2. Slip Stitch Joining Tutorial
Step 1: Take one square and work an edging of (1 single crochet, 3 chain stitches, skip 2 stitches) repeat this pattern all around the edge.
Step 2: Take another square, hold your working yarn in your left hand, make one single crochet, find the corresponding position, place squares right sides together, make one chain stitch, then work a slip stitch into the corresponding chain space of the other square.
Step 3: Make one chain stitch, skip 2 stitches and work one single crochet, then one chain stitch, work another slip stitch into the next chain space of the other square. Continue repeating: one chain stitch, skip 2 stitches, one single crochet, one chain stitch, slip stitch.
Pay special attention to match and join the corners precisely.
3. Single Crochet Joining Tutorial
Step 1: Begin by inserting your hook into the corner stitch of the first square. Crochet a chain stitch.
Step 2: Pull the loop to extend it, then remove your hook.
Step 3: Insert your hook into the corresponding corner stitch of the second square. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Step 4: Return to the first square and make a single crochet in the next stitch
Step 5: Extend the loop to an appropriate length, then remove your hook.
Step 6: Insert your hook into the corresponding stitch on the second square. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You've completed one join!
Step 7: Add another two squares, join the middle section as before, finish with a slip stitch, and fasten off.
Step 8: For the next row of joining, proceed as before. At intersections where four squares meet, work two slip stitches to transition.
Step 9: Don't pull the joining yarn too tight while seaming, as this can distort the shape of the squares.
Remember, don't pull your yarn too tight during the joining process. This helps maintain the shape of your squares.
4. Invisible Seam Joining Tutorial
Step 1: Take out two crochet pieces, with the backs facing each other and the fronts facing you
Step 2: On the first piece, insert your needle in back loops only of two stitches. Pull the yarn through, leaving a tail for weaving in later.
Step 3: On the second piece, insert your needle under the inner loops of the two corresponding stitches facing you.
Step 4: Pull the joining yarn tight to create a secure, invisible seam.
Step 5: Add another two crochet pieces, sewing with the same technique until the end.
Step 6: For the next row of joining, proceed as before. When reaching the intersection of four pieces, insert the needle under the inner loops of all four pieces at once.
Always keep the seaming yarn tight to achieve an invisible join.
5. Inner Loop Slip Stitch Joining Tutorial
Step 1: Make a slip knot in your yarn, insert hook, and tighten the loop.
Step 2: Place two squares back-to-back, insert hook through a half stitch on the first square, then through the corresponding half stitch on the second square.
Step 3: Yarn over, pull through both stitches, and make a slip stitch to complete your first join.
Step 4: Keep the working yarn below your hook throughout.
Step 5: Repeat until you reach the other side of the squares.
Step 6: Add another two squares, continue joining in the same way, finish with a slip stitch, and fasten off.
Step 7: For the next row of joining, proceed as before. At intersections where four squares meet, work a slip stitch to transition.
Don't pull the joining yarn too tight while seaming, as this can distort the shape of the squares.
6. Full Stitch Slip Stitch Joining Tutorial
Step 1: Make a slip knot in your yarn, insert hook, and tighten the loop.
Step 2: Place two squares back-to-back, insert your hook through the first full stitch on the edge of the first square, work a slip stitch.
Step 3: Then insert hook through the corresponding full stitch of the second square, work another slip stitch.
Step 4: Continue this process, matching stitches on both squares.
Step 5: Keep the working yarn below your hook throughout.
Step 6: Repeat until you reach the other side of the squares.
Step 7: Add another two squares, continue joining in the same way, finish with a slip stitch, and fasten off.
Step 8: For the next row of joining, proceed as before. At intersections where four squares meet, work a slip stitch to transition.
Don't pull the joining yarn too tight while seaming, as this can distort the shape of the squares.
7. Join-As-You-Go Method
Step 1: Begin joining when you have only the last round of your squares left to complete.
Step 2: First, complete one full square. We'll call this Square A.
Step 3: Begin working on the incomplete square, which we'll call Square B. Chain 3 to start.
Step 4: Start by inserting your hook into the chain space of Square B, chain 3, then crochet the first cluster of stitches in Square B as you normally would.
Step 5: When you reach the point where you want to join, elongate your loop and remove your hook.
Step 6: Insert hook into the corresponding space of Square A, place loop back on hook, and work a slip stitch to join.
Step 7: Return to Square B and work one cluster pattern into the next chain space.
Step 8: Again, pull the loop long and remove your hook.
Step 9: Insert hook into the corresponding space of Square A, place loop back on hook, and pull through to work a slip stitch.
Step 10: Repeat this joining process around. At corners (middle of the pattern), work a slip stitch to join as well.
8. Mattress Stitch Joining Tutorial
Step 1: First, align four completed granny squares. Take two squares and place them back-to-back with right sides facing you for joining.
Step 2: Thread your needle with an appropriate length of yarn. Insert the needle through the first chain stitch, coming out through the corresponding stitch on the other square. For the first stitch, go back and forth twice for security.
Step 3: Continue joining corresponding stitches, being careful not to pull too tight to maintain the squares' shape.
Step 4: Keep the yarn tail above the stitches, hiding it as you join.
Step 5: Continue matching and joining corresponding stitches.
Step 6: At corners,sew back and forth twice for extra security and a neater appearance.
Step 7: Continue with the process.
Step 8: At the end of a seam, sew back and forth twice again. Then hide the yarn tail and cut the excess.
Step 9: Repeat the above process to join.
Step 10: When transitioning to a new section, pay attention to where you insert the needle.
Step 11: Continue matching and joining stitches one by one.
Step 12: After completing the join, weave in all ends and fasten off.
9. Back Loop Mattress Stitch Joining
Step 1: First, align four completed granny squares. Take two squares and place them back-to-back with right sides facing you for joining.
Step 2: Thread your needle with an appropriate length of yarn. Insert the needle through the back loops of the first stitches on both squares. For the first stitch, pass the needle through twice for security.
Step 3: Continue joining the squares by working through the back loops of corresponding stitches. Remember not to pull too tightly to maintain the shape of your squares.
Step 4: Keep the yarn tail above the stitches, hiding it as you join.
Step 5: Continue matching and joining corresponding stitches.
Step 6: At corners, pass the needle through twice for added strength and a neater appearance.
Step 7: Continue with a few more stitches
Step 8: When you reach the end of a side, weave the needle through twice. Then secure and hide the yarn tail before cutting it.
Step 9: Repeat the above process with the next set of squares.
Step 10: When transitioning in the middle, pay attention to where you insert the needle.
Step 11: Continue matching and joining corresponding back loops.
Step 12: After completing the join, weave in all ends and fasten off.
10. Left-Right Cross Stitch Joining Tutorial
Step 1: First, align four completed granny squares. Take two squares and place them back-to-back with right sides facing you for joining.
Step 2: Thread your needle with an appropriate length of yarn. Insert the needle through the chain spaces, coming out on the right side. For the first stitch, go back and forth twice for security.
Step 3: Note that the needle should cross left and right beneath the squares as you weave.
Step 4: Work one stitch on the left, then one on the right when joining. Remember not to pull too tight to maintain the squares' shape.
Step 5: Continue with the process.
Step 6: At corners, weave through twice for extra security and a neater appearance.
Step 7: Continue repeating the process
Step 8: At the end, weave through twice again, then weave in ends and fasten off.
Step 9: Repeat the above method to joining the next set of squares.
Step 10: When transitioning between squares, pay attention to where you insert the needle.
Step 11: Continue with the left-right cross stitch, one stitch on each side, matching up the stitches as you go.
Step 12: After completing the join, weave in all ends and fasten off.
11. Single Crochet Seaming Tutorial
Step 1: First, make a slip knot, then take 2 granny squares and place them back-to-back with right sides facing you.
Step 2: Insert hook through both layers, matching stitch for stitch.
Step 3: Pull up a loop and make a single chain stitch. Now, start single crocheting through both layers, matching the stitches. Keep the yarn tail above your crochet hook as you work.
Step 4: When you've crocheted a sufficient length, you can cut and fasten off.
Step 5: At the corners, work a single crochet in the same way.
Step 6: Take another 2 squares and begin joining at the corner with a single crochet. Keep the yarn slightly taut to prevent loose seams.
Step 7: Repeat the process for another row of joining.
Summary
Whether you're making a blanket, bag, or garment, choosing the right joining method can make all the difference. From invisible seams to decorative joins, these 11 techniques offer something for every project. Each method has its unique advantages, helping you transform individual squares into beautiful finished pieces.
