Learn how to join granny squares with single crochet in this complete step by step guide by Nana’s Crafty Home!

This simple and easy join method is perfect for any kind of crochet squares.  A great joining method for the beginning crocheter!

I consider the single crochet join method as one of the easiest join methods for squares.  This join method creates a bit of added dimension and texture to your finished project.

I love crochet granny squares or squares that are worked from the center-out in the round.  These squares are so versatile as you can make them as large or small as you like and they have 4 finished edges which makes them so easy to join together!

There are so many ways you can use squares as well.  When you make several squares you can create a variety of larger projects like shawls, blankets, ponchos and so much more!

I am in the process of designing and releasing my Easter Square Blanket series – a set of 8 different Easter/spring themed squares that I am joining together to create a cute blanket.

Since I started running out of time to get my blanket finished and released before Easter I needed to choose an easy and simple join method for my squares.  

In the interest of using up my yarn stash and desiring a patchwork appearance in my final blanket,  I have been using different colors to finish off each square.  After deciding on my border (coming soon!) I felt that using white yarn for the joining would pull the blanket together nicely.

Joining Crochet Squares with Single Crochet Details

A single crochet join provides a bit of added texture to your finished project.  It will frame your squares with a slight ridge around the outside edges.  Perfect for a patchwork style throw!

The single crochet join method is not a flat join.  If you are looking for a flat join crochet method I would recommend the Braided Slip Stitch Join which creates a flat join with some interesting added texture. 

Another flat join would be the Mattress Stitch which is a sewing join method that creates a completely invisible seam!

I have a complete photo tutorial below for the Single Crochet Join Method and I also have a complete video tutorial for any visual learners as well. Scroll to the bottom of this post for the complete video tutorial. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to get notified whenever I post a new video.

I am using Red Heart With Love* yarn for my squares and for the single crochet join.  Red Heart With Love yarn is a medium weight #4 acrylic worsted weight yarn.  You could certainly use this join method with any squares – just use the same weight yarn you are using in your squares.

*This post contains affiliate links.  You can click on any yarn or material highlighted to purchase.  I will receive a small commission if you purchase but it won’t cost you any extra!  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Decisions to make prior to Joining your Squares

Placement

Before you begin joining your squares you will want to decide on placement for your squares.  For my Easter blanket I am laying out the squares in such a way that there are no matching color squares next to each other.  I am working my single crochet join from the right side so I have all of my squares facing up as the right side. If you are working your sc join on the wrong side your squares will have the wrong side of your squares facing up.

Right Side or Wrong Side

Will you be joining your squares from the right side or the wrong side of your squares?  The single crochet join method creates a ridge around the squares.  This ridge is visible from the side you are working the join.  So if you are working from the right side it will be visible on the right side on the blanket only.  The back side of this join will be flat and will look similar to a sewn whip stitch join.  If you are using the same color as the outside edge of the squares it will be virtually invisible.

Which loops to work into

Like many join methods you can decide which loops you want to use when joining your squares.  

Inner loops: back loop of the square in the front (closest to you) and the front loop of the square in the back (furthest from you).

Outer loops: front loop of the square in the front square (closest to you) and the back loop of the square in the back (furthest from you).

Both loops: both loops of the front square and both loops of the back square.  This will create a very bulky join.  I wouldn’t recommend this if you are working the join on the back side of your work.

How to Join Granny Squares with single crochet (or any squares!)

I am using both loops of both squares for joining my Easter blanket squares as I want that defined ridge on the right side of my blanket.

Once you have determined placement for your squares you will begin joining the squares across or horizontally.  

Since I am working from the right side, the wrong side of the squares are together with the right sides facing out.  With the yarn on your crochet hook, join your yarn in the corner space or stitch of the first square in the front.  My squares have a ch-2 corner space so I will join into that chain space. Then insert your hook through that ch-2 corner space as well as in the ch-2 corner space of the second square.  Then you will work a single crochet into that space.

Note: If you are joining solid granny squares together without a corner chain space you will join into the very middle corner stitch to begin.

Work a single crochet stitch through the next stitch of both squares.

Continue working a single crochet stitch in each stitch of both squares to the next corner.

At the corner, work a single crochet stitch in the ch-2 corner space of squares. Bring in your next 2 squares to join.  Work a single crochet stitch in the ch-2 corner space of both new squares.

Continue working single crochet stitches across the new squares to next corner.  Continue repeating until all squares in the row are joined.

Note: if you are joining solid squares together without a corner space you will work single crochet stitches through the middle corner stitch of each square.

Repeat for all horizontal rows.

Once all the horizontal rows of squares are joined you will begin working the join vertically.

Begin working sc join in the first column.  At the corner, sc in the ch-2 sp of both squares.  Working over the previous join, sc in the ch-2 sp of both squares. Begin sc join through both sides of each square to next corner.  Repeat corner instructions for remaining squares in vertical column.  Continue repeating for all remaining vertical columns until all squares are joined.

I hope you found the How to Join Granny Squares with Single Crochet Tutorial helpful!

Copyright 2023 Tonya Bush/Nana’s Crafty Home

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