by Beth Mckinney

Created on: March 08, 2010   Last Updated: March 15, 2010

Some crochet squares are grandmotherly, while others are vibrant or elegant. Therefore, the “best” or “easiest” way to connect squares will depend on the yarn, the project and the style of the square itself. Choose the method that is comfortable for you and appropriate for the square.

Joining granny squares by sewing

When making granny squares or other square motifs, I often leave a long strand at the end of the last finished row. The strand should be about twice as long as one edge of the square. The seam will be mostly invisible because the yarn matches at least one side of one square.

First, I put the wrong sides of two squares together. The strands of both squares should be on my right, but one will be on the top right edge, and the other will be on the bottom right edge. Using a plastic yarn needle, I weave the strand from the top square into the bottom square under both loops of the first stitch on the right edge of both squares. Next, I bring the needle through both loops of the next stitch on the front square all the way through the bottom square. I continue to alternate the sewing in this way along the right edge of both squares until I reach the corner. Then I weave in the end.

I like sewing crochet squares this way when I have a soft, thick yarn in a solid color and want a seamless join. However, this method can be varied. Sometimes I weave the strand through the back loops only. This creates a more pronounced ridge between the squares. Sometimes I do not leave a strand, but use a separate yarn of the same texture but in a different color. This gives the squares a striking border that adds a dramatic effect.

Crochet stitch joining

I sometimes also join squares using crochet stitches. When I do this, I use a hook that is one size larger than the one I used to create the squares. This keeps the squares flexible. I also prefer to add a single crochet border to each square, because that makes it easier to make sure the squares line up properly. I usually use a slip stitch to join squares, but some projects call for a single crochet join.

When using a slip stitch, I place two squares together with the right sides facing each other. First, I insert the hook through both squares at the corner. Next, I wrap some yarn over the hook, then pull the hook through both squares.  Then, I insert the hook through the next stitch and again wrap some yarn over the hook and pull it through both squares again. Finally, I pull the last loop

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>