How Do You Usually Join Granny Squares?

How to Join Granny Squares: Different Methods, Tips, and Things to Consider

Granny squares are one of those crochet projects that look simple when you make one or two squares, but things can become a little more complicated once you have a whole pile of them sitting in front of you. Making the individual squares is usually the enjoyable part. The real question often comes later: How should all these granny squares be joined together?

There isn't just one correct answer. The best joining method depends on the type of project you're making, the yarn you're using, how much texture you want, and whether you prefer your seams to stand out or blend into the design.

I've been looking into different ways to join granny squares because the joining method can completely change the appearance of a finished project. A simple change in the way the squares are connected can make a blanket look clean and flat, textured and decorative, or even give it a more handmade patchwork appearance.

Why Does the Joining Method Matter?

When you're working with granny squares, each square already has its own shape and structure. If you join them incorrectly, the finished project can become uneven or start to lose its shape.

This is especially noticeable with larger projects such as blankets. If some squares are tighter than others, the edges may not line up properly. Even when every square is technically the same size, differences in tension can make joining them a little tricky.

The joining method also affects comfort. For something like a blanket or scarf, you might want the joins to feel relatively soft and flat. For a bag, cardigan, or decorative piece, you may be more interested in creating a visible design between the squares.

That's why it's worth testing a joining method on two or three spare squares before committing to the entire project.

Sewing Granny Squares Together

One traditional approach is to sew the squares together using a yarn needle. This can be a good option if you want the join to remain relatively subtle.

With sewing, you can place two squares next to each other and work through their edges using the same or a matching yarn. The stitches can be kept close to the edge so the connection doesn't become too noticeable.

One advantage of sewing is that you have a lot of control over the finished seam. You can make it tighter or looser depending on the project.

The downside is that sewing together a large number of squares can take quite a while. If you're making a blanket with dozens of granny squares, the amount of finishing work can become significant.

Joining With a Crochet Hook

Another popular option is to join the squares directly with a crochet hook. This is useful if you enjoy crochet and would rather avoid doing a lot of sewing at the end.

There are several crochet joining techniques. Some create a raised ridge between the squares, while others are designed to create a flatter connection.

A visible crochet join can actually become part of the design. For example, using a contrasting yarn can create lines between your squares and make the individual colors stand out more.

If your granny squares contain several colors, this can be a nice way to add another visual element without changing the squares themselves.

The Flat Join

A flat join is useful when you want the finished piece to have a cleaner appearance. The goal is generally to connect the squares without creating a large raised ridge.

This can work particularly well for blankets, garments, and other projects where you don't want the seams to become the main focus.

The important thing is to maintain consistent tension. If you crochet one section tightly and another section loosely, the squares can start pulling in different directions.

Taking your time during this stage usually pays off.

The Join-As-You-Go Approach

Something else worth considering is joining squares as you finish them rather than making every square first and leaving all the joining until the end.

This can make a large project feel more manageable. Instead of having a huge pile of completed squares waiting to be assembled, you're gradually building the finished piece.

It can also help you notice problems earlier. If one square is noticeably larger or smaller than the others, you'll find out while the project is still in progress rather than after making fifty more squares.

Of course, some crocheters prefer making all their squares first because it allows them to arrange colors and patterns before connecting anything. Both approaches can work.

Planning the Layout Before Joining

One of the easiest mistakes to make is starting to join squares without planning their arrangement.

If your granny squares use multiple colors, lay them out on a flat surface first. Move them around until you're happy with the overall pattern.

This is especially important when you're making a blanket. You may have several similar-looking squares, and accidentally placing two matching squares next to each other can change the visual balance of the whole project.

Taking a quick photo of your planned layout can also help. You can use the picture as a reference if the squares need to be moved while you're working.

For very large projects, keeping track of which squares have already been completed, joined, or still need work can save a lot of frustration.

Don't Forget About Yarn and Tension

The yarn used for joining doesn't always have to be exactly the same color as the squares.

A matching color can make the joins less noticeable, while a contrasting color can make the grid pattern more obvious.

The weight of the joining yarn is also worth considering. If your squares are made with lightweight yarn and you use something much thicker for joining, the seams may become too bulky.

Tension matters just as much. Try to keep your joining stitches consistent from beginning to end. If you notice the project starting to curl, ripple, or pull, stop and check your tension before continuing.

What About Large Granny Square Projects?

Large projects are where organization becomes particularly helpful. A blanket might contain twenty, thirty, fifty, or even more individual squares. Once you're dealing with that many pieces, remembering which square belongs where can become surprisingly difficult.

I like the idea of keeping the project information together instead of having pattern notes, yarn details, progress, and row counts scattered across different places.

Tools such as Yarnzy are designed around this kind of project organization. Along with keeping crochet and knitting patterns in one place, it can help makers track rows and stitches, organize projects, and keep information about their yarn and progress together.

For someone who works on several WIPs at the same time, having a dedicated place to keep project details can be much easier than relying on loose notes or trying to remember everything.

Which Joining Method Is Best?

There really isn't a universal best method.

If you want something simple and traditional, sewing may be a good choice. If you enjoy working with a crochet hook and want the joining to become part of the design, a crochet join may be more suitable.

If you're making a blanket and want a particular visual effect, try a few different methods on sample squares before deciding.

The same advice applies to yarn color. Put two or three squares together with different joining colors and look at them from a distance. Sometimes a color that looks good on its own doesn't work as well once it becomes the border between every square.

Final Thoughts

Joining granny squares is an important part of the project, but it doesn't have to be stressfu