How do you join crochet squares?
It sounds like the first line of a joke.
When I published the Here’s My Heart Pattern on Etsy, I mentioned that I had made a number of my own granny squares. –Just following my own muse. See the article here.
I made them in 2006, so I found myself 8 years later wondering where they could be. The hunt was on but surprisingly short.
They were tucked away in a plastic bin across the hall in my crafting studio. (So glad I didn’t have to descend to the basement; a nightmare it needs cleaning.)
I was very happy to see them but soon realized I had just been ‘hooked’ on making granny squares at the time and hadn’t considered a purpose for them.
I’d made 48 squares. I decided the easiest thing to do would be an afghan. I may need to make a few more squares, but fortunately I still have bits of similar yarn lurking about. (In the basement – ugh.)
I had to decide how to join them. As I researched it I found that there are many ways and lovely videos and instructions out there. So I decided to take a little time and share some of them with you.
12 ways to join crochet squares:
In no particular order of preference:
1. slip stitch
Link: Attic 24
2. Lattice Method
Link: Carina’s Craft Blog
3. Flat Braid Crochet
Link: Gourmet Crochet
4. Join as You Go
Link: Sarah London on Flicker
5. Celtic Lace Join
Link: Cypress Textiles
6. Flat Crochet Seam
Link: Look What I Made
7. Invisible Seam (sewing)
Link: Do You Mind if I Knit
8. Single Crochet
Link: Wonder How to
9. Back Loop Sewing
Link: Bunny Mummy
10. Single Crochet with Chains
(halfway down the page)
Link: Crochet Cabana
11. Whip Stitch
Link: Craftyminx on vimeo
12. Back stitch (example has knitted blocks but I’ve used it for crochet as well.)
Simply Stylish Knitting
So what did I choose? Drum roll, please: In the end I chose # 4 –Joining as you go — for my afghan project.
It was mostly for sentimental reasons. Ages ago my mom was given a beautiful pillow made of granny squares joined with black yarn. It always looked like stained glass to me.
More crochet fun will be coming soon! I can’t wait to share it. -Laura
Need a the basic Granny Square Pattern to get started? Try this pattern here on BOTB or have a look through my Etsy shop.
I love your website. I learned to crochet granny squares, when I first started to crochet, about 13 years ago. No one, who crocheted, wanted to be “bothered” with putting squares together. I always have projects WIP that are grannies and enjoy learning new designs. Can’t wait to try your grannies this week. I’m so glad I found your terrific website. Laurie
Thank you! It’s great to hear that you enjoy ‘grannies’ too!
Thank you so much, this was i “lifesaver”! I had promised an afghan as a gift for my cousin, I had 90 sqares, and….panic! Until I found your excellent collection! I have finished the first with 45 sqares, using nr 2, it is lovely, but a bot too…loose(I made quite big sqares!), so with the next one, I now use nr 4 🙂 But, nr 5 will be my next project, it is just stunning beautiful! Again, thank you so much!
-Kristin 🙂
These are fabulous! I just love the Celtic Lace. 🙂 But I will be trying the flat Braid first, because I am on a deadline — Crochet Sisters at my Church are making afghans, to be finished this week! I have a bunch of 10 inch squares, and was not looking forward to the sewing part. Now I can use crochet to join, thanks!
love the flat braid…it was so beautiful…the afghan is for my bff and I know she will love it thanks for the patterns. would love the pattern for #5 grannies please.
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! I’ve been crocheting since I was 14(40 years!) and I always avoided doing granny squares due to the fact I never learned the right way, ending up frustrated, and never finishing.
You have changed my future!~:)
God bless you!
The link for #11 & 12 doesn’t work. Do you have an updated URL? Thanks
Thanks for letting me know. I have replaced the defunct urls with links to videos that are quite nice. Thanks again. 🙂
Thank you. I’m making 12X12 granny squares in cotton 4 for an afghan. I can’t wait to see which way to join. Think the Irish lace or the braid.
love this page 🙂 making my first granny squares so i think i`ll try number 4 or 7 to join.
Thanks for posting this! I’m starting a project where I’m collecting 6 inch and 12 inch squares from friends and family (knitted or crocheted). I’ve done the mattress stitch on knitted squares before, but crochet is new to me, so this really helps. Thanks!
Pingback: granny square blanket – KINA'S KITCHEN
Pingback: Blooming Granny Square Pattern