An easy way two join to pieces of crocheted fabric is with a slip stitch seam.
You can do this in many ways –
- with the Right Sides (RS) of the two pieces of crocheted fabric facing
- with the Wrong Sides (WS) of the two pieces of crocheted fabric facing
- in both loops, of both pieces of crocheted fabric
- in one loop from each piece of crocheted fabric (i.e. front loop/back loop combo or back loop/front loop)
It can be a pretty way to edge crocheted fabric when making items like pillows, or joining edges for amigurumi – I find it a bit too bulky for garments but this is a personal preference.
If I were joining 2-pieces of fabric for a garment, I would place the RS of the crocheted fabric together and work the joining stitches from the WS. This would give you the “inside view” seam on the outside of the seamed project.
How to Make a Slip Stitch Seam
Option 1: Right Sides Facing – Front Loop/Back Loop Combo (the back of the slip stitch will be displayed on the front of the fabric)
*I find this is the best option for fabrics you want to have rest flat – like Afghan squares*
*I find this is the best option for fabrics you want to have rest flat – like Afghan squares*
1. Line up the stitches of the 2-pieces of crocheted fabric with the right sides of the work facing – you can pin these together if you wish.
2. Make a slip knot on your crochet hook (if you are joining with a new piece of yarn) and insert the crochet hook into the front loop of the top piece of fabric and the back loop of the bottom piece of fabric, yarn over the hook and draw the yarn through all three loops on the hook.
3. Insert your hook into the next set of stitches (front loop of the top piece of fabric and back loop of the bottom piece of fabric), yarn over the hook and draw the yarn through all three loops on the hook.
4. Repeat across, finish off and weave in ends.
Option 2: Wrong Sides Facing – Back Loop/Front Loop Combination (the front of the slip stitch will be displayed on the front of the fabric)
The instructions are the same as Option 1, with the two pieces of crocheted fabric reversed (i.e. wrong sides facing).
Option 3: Wrong Sides Facing – Both Loops (the front of the slip stitch will be displayed on the front of the fabric)
*I find this is the best option for joining pieces of amigurumi and objects like pillows*
*I find this is the best option for joining pieces of amigurumi and objects like pillows*
1. Line up the stitches of the 2-pieces of crocheted fabric with the wrong sides of the work facing – you can pin these together if you wish.
2. Make a slip knot on your crochet hook (if you are joining with a new piece of yarn) and insert the crochet hook into the both loops of the top piece of fabric and both loops of the bottom piece of fabric, yarn over the hook and draw the yarn through all five loops on the hook.
3. Insert your hook into the next set of stitches (both loops of the top piece of fabric and both loops of the bottom piece of fabric), yarn over the hook and draw the yarn through all five loops on the hook.
4. Repeat across, finish off and weave in ends.
Option 4: Right Sides Facing – Both Loops (the back of the slip stitch will be displayed on the front of the fabric)
The instructions are the same as Option 3 with the two pieces of crocheted fabric reversed (i.e. right sides facing).
View the other tutorials in the “How to Join” collection here:
Rhondda says
Thank you Candice 🙂 I’m glad it was helpful!
Rhondda says
Thank you Joyce 🙂
Candice Taylor says
This is such a great tutorial. Your directions are so clear and understandable!
Joyce Halstead says
You always have the best tutorials, very interesting. Thank you!
Rhondda says
I’m so happy it helped Herma!
Herma de Wit says
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I needed it for my CAL 2014 project and it works great.
Rhondda says
Very welcome 🙂 Happy it was helpful!
Diana Stanhope says
Thank you! I always struggle with making a neat join.