Joining Crochet Pieces: Three Methods on a Four-Square Panel

Instructions

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1. 1Square: rounds 1 and 2With A, make a magic ring. Round 1: Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in ring, ch 2, *3 dc, ch 2* 3 times; join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3 (12 dc, 4 corner spaces). Pull the ring closed. Round 2: Sl st in the next 2 dc and into the corner space. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same space, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the next corner space, ch 1* 3 times; join with a sl st (24 dc).
2. 2Square: rounds 3 and 4Round 3: Sl st across to the corner space. Ch 3, (2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the same space, ch 1, 3 dc in the next ch-1 space, ch 1, *(3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in the corner, ch 1, 3 dc in the ch-1 space, ch 1* 3 times; join with a sl st (36 dc). Round 4: Work the same way, with (3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc) in each corner, 3 dc in every ch-1 space along the sides and ch 1 between groups; each side now has two 3-dc groups (48 dc). Cut the yarn leaving 15 cm.
3. 3Four squares and preparationMake 4 squares in total. Each side should have a corner space, 12 dc and 3 ch-1 spaces. Dampen the squares, pin them to 10 x 10 cm and let them dry; equal squares are much easier to join. Arrange them with 1-2 on top and 3-4 below. We join with colour B so that each method is clearly visible.
4. 4Method 1: Whip stitch (squares 1 and 2)Place squares 1 and 2 side by side, right sides facing you. Thread B onto the yarn needle and, starting at the corner chains, sew through the back loops only of the matching stitches of both squares, always passing in the same direction. Match each stitch once and pull the yarn snug without puckering the fabric. This seam is flat and almost invisible; the front loops remain on the surface as a fine line.
5. 5Method 2: Slip stitch join (squares 3 and 4)Place squares 3 and 4 on top of each other with right sides together. Attach B with the hook in the corner space and work 1 sl st into each pair of matching stitches through both squares. Keep the slip stitches loose; tight ones shorten the seam and skew the squares. When you open the work you will see a flat front and a thin ridge on the back.
6. 6Method 3: Single crochet join (the two strips)Place the top strip (1-2) and the bottom strip (3-4) together with wrong sides facing; this time the seam stays on the front. With B, starting at a corner, work 1 sc into each pair of matching stitches through both layers. Where two squares meet, work 1 sc in each of the two corner spaces. This method makes a decorative raised line on the front.
7. 7Border roundJoin B in any outer corner space of the panel. Round: 3 sc in each outer corner; 1 sc in every dc and every ch-1 space along the sides; 1 sc in each corner space where two squares meet. Each side has 15 + 2 + 15 = 32 sc; join with a sl st to the first sc (140 sc including corners).
8. 8FinishingFasten off and weave all ends into stitches of their own colour. Dampen the panel, pin it to 21 x 21 cm and let it dry. Compare the three seams: whip stitch or slip stitch suit blankets where you want a flat surface, and the single crochet join works where you want a visible line. Back the panel with fabric to turn it into a cushion front.