The 3 Most Common Ways to Join Granny Squares
Below, we are going to learn about how to connect granny squares using three different methods.
These different techniques for joining crocheted granny squares, include the traditional join, the invisible join, and the continuous join. All of these methods have the same goal – to join, or seam, multiple granny squares together. And below, we’ll explain how to join granny squares using all these methods.
The Traditional Join
Granny squares are usually crocheted separately, then these squares are joined during the final assembly of the project. This way of connecting granny squares is called the Traditional Join, and where we start in our journey of joining crochet granny squares.
The traditional join involves sewing the squares together with a yarn needle and yarn. This is one of the easiest ways to join squares together.
The traditional join typically uses the popular mattress stitch. While not used strictly in crochet, the mattress stitch is often used as the defacto seaming stitch with granny squares… or really anything crochet for that matter.
The mattress stitch joins two granny squares together by stitching through all layers of fabric at once. This technique creates a strong and durable seam that is often used on crochet projects that will be subject to a lot of wear and tear.
To use a mattress seam to join granny squares, first place the two squares with the right sides facing each other. Next, the seam is stitched through all layers of fabric at once, using a hand sewing needle. If the same color of yarn is used, then the seam becomes virtually invisible.
However, beware! Using the mattress stitch to join granny squares together should only be used on smaller projects. Pulling multiple feet of yarn through each stitch could become not only tedious but a nightmare if something were to go wrong.
Traditional Seaming Methods
Below are some traditional ways of crocheting together granny squares:
The Invisible Crochet Join
The invisible join uses a crochet hook to join the squares together by working single crochet stitches through the spaces between the stitches of the adjacent squares. While the first group focused solely on sewing methods, this one is a strictly crochet join.
The invisible join, also known as the invisible seam, is a seaming technique that does not leave a visible seam. This is typically achieved by using a crochet hook (not a sewing needle like with the traditional join) to work single crochet stitches through the spaces between the stitches of the adjacent pieces. A single crochet join creates a seamless, invisible join that is difficult to see even up close. The invisible join is often used when joining granny squares or other crocheted pieces together to create a smooth, continuous fabric.
A slip stitch join will work here as well to join crochet squares. If you use yarn that is the same color as the granny squares, the seam will be virtually invisible. The slip stitch seam is also the flattest seam that you can create with a crochet hook.
Invisible Crochet Joining Methods
- Slip Stitch Join
- Single Crochet Seam
- Flat Slip Stitch Join
- Zig Zag Slip Stitch Seam
- Cluster Join
- Flat Double Crochet Join
The Continuous Join
The continuous join involves joining the squares as you go, without cutting the yarn between squares. This creates a seamless, continuous piece of fabric. This method of joining granny squares is also called “Join As You Go” (JAYGO).
The continuous join is a crochet method to join granny squares or other crocheted pieces together without cutting the yarn in between. This method creates a seamless, continuous piece of fabric, without the need for sewing or other types of joining techniques.
To create a continuous join, the squares are created in the usual way, but the last round of each square is worked slightly differently. Instead of working the final round as a separate round, the final round of each square is worked together with the first round of the next granny square, creating a seamless transition between the squares.
The continuous join can be used on any type of granny square or crochet project, and it is a great option for those who need a seamless, uninterrupted look in your project.
Join As You Go Seaming Methods
- Continuous Flat Braid
- JAYGO Boomerang Join
- JAYGO Flat Granny Join
Crochet Granny Squares to Make and Join
Take a look below at some crochet squares that are perfect to use the joining methods you just learned about on. Plus, the best part is that they are all free crochet patterns too!