How to Join Granny Squares: 4 Easy Methods

Joining is where a stack of granny squares becomes a blanket, a bag or a cushion cover. There is no single right method: each one gives a slightly different look, and all of them are easy once you know where to put your needle or hook.

Before you join

• Make the squares the same size. Measure a few. If some are bigger, block them to the same measurement first.
• Lay them out. Arrange the squares on a bed or the floor and take a photo, so you remember the color order.
• Join in strips. Join squares into rows, then join the rows together. Long seams are easier to keep straight than lots of short ones.
• Match stitch for stitch. Line up the corner chain spaces first, then work along the sides so each stitch meets its partner on the other square.

To work out how many squares you need for a blanket, use the granny square calculator.

Method 1: Whipstitch

Best for: beginners and neat, discreet seams, especially in a matching color.

1. Place two squares side by side with the right sides facing up.
2. Thread a tapestry needle with a long length of yarn.
3. Starting at a corner chain space, bring the needle up through a stitch on one square and down through the matching stitch on the other.
4. Keep going stitch by stitch to the next corner, pulling the yarn snug but not tight.

Sewing through both loops gives the strongest seam. Sewing through only the back loops leaves the front loops free, so a neat line of V shapes frames each square.

Method 2: Slip stitch join

Best for: a flat, crocheted seam without a needle.

1. Lay two squares side by side with the right sides facing up and the edges touching.
2. Insert your hook through the back loop of a stitch on the first square, then through the matching back loop on the second square.
3. Yarn over and pull through both loops and the loop on your hook to make a slip stitch.
4. Repeat along the edge, keeping the slip stitches loose so the seam doesn’t pucker.

If the seam pulls in, go up a hook size just for joining.

Method 3: Single crochet join

Best for: sturdy seams and a raised, decorative ridge.

1. Hold two squares with the wrong sides together.
2. Work 1 single crochet through both layers in each stitch and chain space along the edge.
3. Work 1 single crochet into the corner chain spaces as you reach them.

The seam forms a little ridge on the front. In a contrasting color, it outlines every square — a classic look for bags and cushions, where the extra strength helps too.

Method 4: Join as you go

Best for: skipping sewing altogether.

With this method you attach each new square to its finished neighbors while you work the new square’s final round. At each corner and side space that touches a finished square, you replace one of the chains with a slip stitch into the matching space on that square, then carry on with the round.

It takes a little concentration the first time, but it saves hours on a large blanket and leaves no long seams to sew later.

Finish with a border

Once every square is joined, a border hides small differences along the outer edge and makes the blanket look finished. One or two rounds of single crochet or half double crochet are enough — work 3 stitches into each corner so the border lies flat.

Ready to make your squares? Start with the beginner granny square pattern.

Free patternBeginner Granny SquareBeginner45 minutes