How to Join Granny Squares: 4 Easy Methods for Bags and Blankets

Knowing how to join granny squares is the step that turns a pile of squares into a finished crochet bag, blanket or cushion. The good news: there are only four methods you really need, and every one of them is beginner friendly. This guide shows you each method step by step, which one gives the neatest result, and which is best for a granny square bag, where the seams need to be strong.

Before You Join Your Granny Squares

• Weave in all the ends first. It is much harder once the squares are joined.
• Make every square the same size. Measure them, and block them lightly if needed, so the edges line up.
• Lay out your design on the floor or a table before you start, so colors and patterns sit where you want them.
• Use the same yarn for joining (or a matching color) and the same hook size you used for the squares.

Method 1: Slip Stitch Seam (Best for Bags)

The slip stitch seam is the most popular way to join granny squares. It is quick, flat and strong, which makes it a great choice for a crochet tote bag.

1. Place two squares together. Put them right sides together to hide the seam on the inside, or wrong sides together if you want a decorative ridge on the outside.
2. Insert your hook into the corner of both squares, through the back loop only of each stitch.
3. Yarn over and pull a loop through everything on the hook (this is a slip stitch).
4. Repeat along the edge: insert the hook through the back loops of both squares, yarn over, pull through.
5. Fasten off and weave in the end.

Tip: keep your slip stitches loose. A tight seam will pucker and make your squares curl.

Method 2: Single Crochet Seam (Strongest Join)

This works exactly like the slip stitch seam, but you work a single crochet (US terms; this is a double crochet in UK terms) instead of a slip stitch. The seam is slightly thicker, which gives a clear raised ridge and extra strength.

1. Hold two squares together, right sides together for a hidden seam.
2. Insert your hook through the back loops of both squares at the corner.
3. Yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again and pull through both loops (single crochet).
4. Repeat across the edge, one single crochet in each pair of stitches.

Choose this method for a heavy granny square tote bag that has to carry books, shopping or a laptop.

Method 3: Whip Stitch (Flattest, Invisible Join)

The whip stitch uses a tapestry needle and gives the flattest, neatest seam. It is ideal for light blankets, baby blankets and clothing, where you do not want a ridge.

1. Lay two squares side by side with the right sides facing up.
2. Thread a tapestry needle with a long piece of yarn.
3. Insert the needle through the back loop of a stitch on one square, then through the back loop of the matching stitch on the other square.
4. Pull the yarn through, and repeat all along the edge, keeping the tension even.

Method 4: Join-as-You-Go (No Sewing Needed)

With join-as-you-go (often shortened to JAYGO), you attach each square to the others while you crochet its last round. There is no seaming at the end, which many crocheters love.

1. Work your second square until you reach the last round.
2. At the first corner, instead of making a full ch 2, make ch 1, slip stitch into the corner space of the finished square, then ch 1.
3. Along the side, work your 3 dc cluster as normal, then slip stitch into the matching ch-1 space of the finished square before the next cluster.
4. Finish the corner the same way, then carry on round the rest of the square as normal.

JAYGO is perfect for blankets, because you finish the whole piece in one go. For bags it is a little less firm than a back-loop seam, so many makers prefer a slip stitch or single crochet seam.

Which Joining Method Should You Choose?

How to Lay Out and Join Granny Squares in Order

Do not join squares one by one in random order. The neatest method is to join the squares into rows (strips) first, then join the rows together. This keeps every seam straight.

How to Avoid Holes at the Corners

Where four squares meet there can be a small gap. When you reach the corner, work the seam straight across the point where the squares meet, so the joins cross like a plus sign. Pull the stitches snug and keep the same tension on every seam.

How to Join Granny Squares for a Crochet Bag

• Choose cotton yarn. It does not stretch, so your seams stay firm under weight.
• Use a slip stitch or single crochet seam in the back loops for a strong, flat join.
• Join right sides together along the side and bottom seams, so the seam is hidden inside.
• Reinforce the top corners where the handles attach, with an extra round of single crochet.

Want a ready-made plan? Browse the crochet bag patterns, which include step-by-step instructions for joining the squares, or start with the beginner granny square guide if you have not made a square yet.

Common Mistakes When Joining Granny Squares

• Joining too tight: the seam puckers and the piece will not lie flat. Use the same hook, or one size larger, for joining.
• Uneven squares: if one square is bigger, you will end up with gaps. Block them to the same size first.
• Mixing seam directions: pick one side (inside or outside) for all seams so the ridges look consistent.
• Skipping a stitch: count the stitches on both edges, so each pair matches.

Joining Granny Squares: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to join granny squares? The slip stitch seam is the easiest for beginners. You only need a hook and a basic slip stitch.

What is the best way to join granny squares for a bag? A slip stitch or single crochet seam worked through the back loops, with the squares right sides together, gives a strong seam hidden on the inside.

Should I join granny squares through the front or back loops? Back loops only gives the flattest, neatest seam. Working through both loops makes a thicker ridge.

Do US and UK patterns join squares differently? The methods are the same, only the names change. A US single crochet (sc) is a UK double crochet (dc), and a US double crochet is a UK treble crochet.

How many granny squares do I need for a tote bag? It depends on the size of the squares and the bag. A medium tote usually needs around 20 to 30 squares, plus a base and handles. Check your pattern for the exact count.

Ready to put your joining skills to use? Try our free granny square patterns or pick a granny square bag pattern and join your squares into something you will use every day.