How to Join Crochet Motifs and Squares

You can make the most beautiful squares, but the joins decide how the bedspread looks and feels. Here are the most common methods and when to use each one.

Before you join

• Block all motifs to the same size (see our blocking guide).
• Lay them out on the floor and move them around until the colours look balanced.
• Keep one yarn weight and one colour for the joins so the seams look planned.

Sewn joins

• Whip stitch: hold two motifs side by side and sew through the back loops only, using a tapestry needle. Fast and flat, but it creates a thin ridge on one side.
• Mattress stitch: sew along the edges from the front, picking up the bars between stitches. It makes an almost invisible seam and works well for plain squares.

Crocheted joins

• Slip stitch join: place two motifs wrong sides together and work slip stitches through both layers. Strong and quick; the ridge can be a design feature in a contrasting colour.
• Single crochet join: like slip stitch but thicker and more visible, which is useful for outlining squares.
• Flat braid join: a flat, decorative seam that stays pretty and does not curl. A good choice for plain squares and blankets with a modern look.

Join as you go (JAYG)

On the last round of a new motif, you attach it to its neighbours with slip stitches or by pulling loops through the corners. There is no separate sewing at the end, and the bedspread grows as you work. This is how our Navy and Ivory Flower Bedspread is made.

Which joins should I use?

• Lace and flowers: whip stitch or mattress stitch keeps the seam light.
• Plain granny squares: flat braid or slip stitch for a clear grid.
• A heavy bedspread: a strong crocheted join holds the weight better than a sewn one.
• You hate sewing: join as you go.

Join in rows, then rows together

Do not join motifs one at a time in a spiral. Join them into strips first, then join the strips. This keeps rows straight and makes it easy to fix a mistake. Join corners in the same order each time, and take care at the points where four corners meet so they do not make a hole.

Finishing

Weave in every end at least 5 cm along the seam in two directions, then add the border. A good border hides small differences and gives the bedspread a clean frame.