Join Me?

I usually sew them together because that's what my mom taught me. But both methods have their advantages. Sewn seams lie flatter but have a tendency to come loose, especially on afghans that get a lot of use. Crochet seams are bulkier, but they won't come apart as easily as sewn seams, so they are more durable and will give the afghan better wear. I really couldn't say which is easier for a beginner; I find it more difficult to do crocheted seams, but I got used to doing the sewn first. BTW, I have a friend who crochets, but the granny square is the only stitch she can do!

I do NOT like my squares of rectangles sewn together. Maybe it's because I never can get the tension right, but I just don't like the look. The way I join mine is place two pieces together with the right sides facing out. Make a loop in the end of the yarn like you were beginning a new piece, pass the hook through the first corresponding loops of both pieces and make a slip stitch. Continue to slip stitch each set of corresponding loops or stitches of the two squares. This method makes a ridge on top of the finished blanket, outlining each piece.

I've made lots of granny square projects over the years. When I 'join' them, I use either one or the other of the two ways I prefer...just depends on the look I want when it's finished, and what I'm using it on. The first way, I take two granny squares and lay one on top of the other (like a granny square sandwich lol.) Then I take a crochet hook and pass through all four of the exposed posts (or sew with a yarn needle). (Starting at the corner to the next corner.) I do them in a long strip of them joined that way, then when I get the strip of granny's together, I'll make the rest of the strips the same length. Once I have my strips done, I'll do the same sandwiching and sew (or crochet) the strips together from one end to the other. One thing though, you want to not make tight stitches, so that they will lay flat and not be bunched up. Another way I use is to lay the strips flat and to join them by passing the threaded yarn needle, or crochet hook, through all four edge posts. (You can also use regular thread for lighter unseen stitching/joining) Again, starting at the corner and working across. Using this kind of method, you can add an extra design if it's for a kid's bed...you can go on the diagonal and make an X design of the joining, in contrasting yarn. I like grannies because you can carry them anywhere to work on them, and use up that left-over yarn. Wish I had a digital camera so I could show you better, hope I explained my methods good enough!

I don't crochet, but I knit and I join pieces of different colors by sewing. When I make a square or whatever, I leave a tail long enough to sew the edge onto another piece, that way I have the right color for each piece and the seams don't show as much. I do a wide whip stitch, finishing off by running the end over a few times, then through several stitches of the piece. I've yet to have one come apart.

I've always just stitched them together, using yarn. (Except for the one I knitted all of a piece... that one was fun, and of course not portable -- I worked on that one on my sofabed while watching TV.)

Hi Ldyjarhead, I'm no good at these things, all I can do is crochet a blank and do some knitting but to answer to your problem I won't know how, maybe its easier stiching together with wool. Tamara

I love granny squares I have made throws and even purses house shoes and other things using the granny square. I have done both stitched(blanket stitch and crocheted them together. crochet is easier for me since it is faster. but sometimes the stitched together looks prettier. My mom done a star granny it wasn't a granny but it looked so pretty it starburst with other colors.

The plain squares pattern is something I have been wanting to try and probably will do so this winter. Right now I am working on car seat covers for babies and I use larger size granny squares for those. I am tired of that pattern. So I am looking forward to experimenting with different style squares and doing a patchwork pattern afghan. I might do each square with a different style stitch to add some variation in the total afghan. For example, some in ripple, some in double crochet, maybe some in shells, and some in single or triple crochet and maybe any other interesting stitch I might be able to figure out how to do. I guess there are various ways to piece them together. One way is to use a darning needle or plastic canvas needle and just overcast yarn like you would do with sewing two pieces together. I use slip stitches to piece mine together. It leaves a ridge and the very first small afghan I made in this way came out a bit messy. I didn't think about the ridges and someone else pointed out to me that if I do it that way I need to remember to make sure all the ridges come out on the same side of the afghan. So I have been careful about that after that first time. I think the needle way of piecing it together will make it flat on both sides. I do love the granny square pattern though. It is really quite easy to do...a lot easier than the instructions are to read. I don't like changing colors though so my favorites are all one color of yarn and the granny rectangle pattern I like best that end up bed-shaped. I am not good at following the instructions and for the most part all I know I have had to be shown. However I have worked harder at figuring out the instructions and do better now depending on how they are written. Some can be so confusing.

I would crochet them togeither as sewing. Well they some times come apart if not done right. I have not done them myself but I have seen it done. Let me know how it goes. I mite it it a shot. I did start one and just kept going on it. it covered a queen size bed. Have a nice day. Your friend onlydia

I do the granny squares & I always sew them together as I am afraid that if crochet them together if the end that holds them together gets pulled by accident then the whole thing will come apart so that is why I sew them I have a problem sewing them togehter too the blanket gets so big when putting it together have a good day

yah! ofcourse i will join you!