In case you lost your directions or missed out on a kit, we have you covered. In this series, we will be showcasing past projects, in particular those that were originally released as Surprise Craftertunity kits at the library. So get ready to grab some spare materials and start crafting!
Now that you know how to do a couple of different granny squares, it's time to learn how to join them all together. There are many ways to do this, but here are a couple of the more common ways. I will be using material from TheSpruceCrafts.com if you are interested in the original instructions.
Whip Stitch Join
Whipstitching is technically a sewing technique so for best results, you'll want to use a tapestry needle with a large eye and a blunt tip to create this join. This is a basic join perfect for beginers and experienced alike. It works both as a decorative edge and a simple connection.
Align your squares and begin stitching. The Spruce recommends working through the back loop (loop farthest away) on the lower square and the front loop (closest loop) on the upper square. That way the seam isn't overly bulky. For a heftier, stronger seam, you could choose to stitch through both loops on each square.
Draw the yarn through the loops, making sure to pull the entire length all the way through. Leave a tail of yarn about six inches long hanging from the end. Later, when you are finished whip stitching the squares together, you'll want to weave this end into the back of the closest square. This prevents unraveling.
Continue your stitch. Insert the tapestry needle into the next unstitched set of loops and pull the yarn all the way through so that it's taut, but also making sure that some flexibility remains.
Repeat steps 2-3 on down the line until you are finished.
Slip Stitch Join
The slip stitch join is a simple crocheted join. It is a great choice for people who do not want to have to implement sewing techniques into their crochet work since it is done with a crochet hook. As the name suggests, you are connecting two motifs together by attaching them using the slip stitch.
You can use the same crochet hook you used to make the granny squares (or other pieces) you want to join. If you find it more comfortable to use another size (perhaps slightly smaller,) feel free, as long as you are easily able to achieve the same tension with the crochet hook you choose.
Insert the crochet hook. Because the slip stitch join is asymmetrical, you should work from the "wrong" side. Technically, it would be possible to join the squares from the right side of the work, but the asymmetry won't be noticeable from the wrong side, whereas it would be on the front. Hold your squares together with the wrong sides facing outward and the right sides facing each other. Decide which loops you want to work through. You'll get different results, depending on which loops you choose. This tutorial works through the outer loops, meaning that when you hold the work facing you, you are working through the front loop of the square closest to you and the back loop of the square farthest from you. If you'd prefer to work through the inner loops, you could do that instead—either method will give you a reasonably sleek join—but do not work through all four loops unless you want a hefty (and uncomfortable) join with an obvious ridge on the wrong side where the pieces are joined. Insert your crochet hook into your chosen loops. Unwind a bit of yarn and prepare to pull up a loop. Leave at least 6 inches of yarn at the end to be woven in after you are finished joining your squares.
Hook your yarn and pull it through the loops on both squares.
Insert your hook into the next set of loops to be worked. Grab the yarn with your hook and pull the yarn up through the loops to form the next slip stitch.
Repeat these steps across the entire piece, working more slip stitches all the way across.
Single Crochet Join
This would be worked very similarly to the slip stitch join, connecting two motifs together using a familiar crochet stitch. In this case, the seaming is going to be a bit bulkier and won't lie flat, which make sense since the single crochet stitch is obviously taller than the slip stitch. This is a great joining method for times when you want to add detail through the joining.
Reverse Mattress Stitch for Join
If you're looking for an unobtrusive, barely-there join for crocheted squares or pieces, this join is worth investigating. It provides a method of joining that is almost seamless. This is perfect for joining elements of crocheted clothing, where you don't want your seams to show.
Take needle through the two back loops of the first stitch of the left square, moving left to right.
Insert needle through the two back loops of the opposite stitch on the right square, moving right to left.
Repeat these two steps in the next few stitches and then pull the yarn to tighten the seam (this is when the yarn will disappear!!!). Continue steps 1 & 2 and remember to tighten the yarn every few stitches until the squares are joined and end yarn as you would normally.
Remember, there are any number of ways to join squares. These are just a place to start. Different joins will lend different visual effects to the finished piece. So get out there and experiment!
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