Join‑as‑you‑go with single crochet (sc‑join) is a simple and effective way to connect individually made motifs while working the final round of each motif. Instead of sewing motifs together at the end, each one is joined directly as you crochet.
How to Make a Single Crochet Join
To work a sc‑join:
- Insert your hook into the indicated stitch (or space) of the current motif.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop - you now have 2 loops on the hook.
- Insert your hook into the corresponding stitch of the previously completed motif.
- Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook → sc‑join made
Continue working sc‑joins across the edge until you reach the next corner.
Joining Corners
When you reach a corner:
- Insert your hook into the same corner space where the previous motif was joined
- Skip the overlapping corner stitch
- Continue joining in the same manner along the next edge
TIP: Using stitch markers can help you keep corners aligned, especially when joining many motifs.
Patterns Featuring This Technique
Here are a few of my designs that use the Join‑As‑You‑Go method with single crochet:
These patterns are great practice if you want to master sc‑joins.
If Join‑As‑You‑Go Isn’t Your Style
You can always sew motifs together instead:
- Lay out your motifs in the desired arrangement.
- Thread a tapestry needle with a single strand of yarn (matching the final round).
- Whipstitch across the adjoining sc edges.
This creates a neat, flexible seam and works well for motifs of all shapes.
