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Using the invisible join technique is an easy way to make your finished crochet projects look more professional. Even if you are brand-new to crocheting, this step-by-step photo tutorial will show you how to master this finishing method.
When I first started crocheting I used to slip stitch join (sl st) for all of my projects. It is quick and easy and something we all learn to do when we are first crocheting. It is definitely an effective way to finish-off but it does not always give the project you just spent hours making look like you spent hours making it.
How to Make an Invisible Seamless Join
I personally find that using the invisible join method is the best way to finish my projects when I’m working in rounds or in a spiral; especially when I’m changing colors, crocheting amigurumi, or working on that very last round of my project.
One of my favorite times to use this project is to make a ‘hat’ for the first stitch of the round. For example, if you are following someone’s pattern and they begin with a 3 chain stitches and the instructions tell you that that ch-3 is counting as the first dc (double crochet) of the round, then this seamless join will make that chain 3 look like an actual stitch! This works very well for afghan squares. It makes the squares look more finished and the color changes neater.
When you want that nicely finished edge, or to make less obvious joins when working in rounds and changing colors, then invisible finish is the joining technique you want to use. It works for any pattern stitch, even for taller stitches.
To see a video demonstration of how to create an invisible join please watch my video on YouTube. The video is for one of my afghan squares but I’ve queued it to begin right at the Invisible Join part of the pattern, so you won’t have to scroll to find it 🙂
Step-by-Step Invisible Join Tutorial
Step 1: After you complete the last stitch at the end of the round, cut the yarn (leaving a 6 to 8 inch tail of yarn). Next, pull up your crochet hook and pull the working loop on your hook all the way through.
Step 2: Thread your working yarn end through a tapestry needle. With the right side (RS) of your project facing you, insert your tapestry needle under both loops of the stitch, 2 stitches to the left of your final stitch. Pull through.
Step 3: Insert the needle in between the 2 front loop and back loop of the last stitch (in the center of the ‘v’ of the stitch) crocheted. Pull through.
Step 4: While pinching the top of the stitch you made using the invisible join method, weave in the yarn end securely on the wrong side of your work.
See how the invisible join stitch now looks like all the others?
It has replaced the one it was worked over top of, so if you were to work the next round, you would actually work into this new invisible join stitch, not the one hiding beneath it.
The invisible join is also known as the invisible finish. It is a great way to give a professional look to your finished crochet projects. It is a quick and easy way to make your project look professional and you will wish you’d taken the time to try it sooner!
Get the free instructions for the single crochet (sc) stitch square in the photos here. The One Sided Front Loop Single Crochet Square is crocheted with Medium Weight Yarn [4] and a 6.5 mm hook (K). The finished square measures 8 inches X 8 inches, but the stitch pattern looks pretty in projects like scarves and hats. The tutorial shows you how to carry yarn up the side of your project.
Elevate your crochet game! Learn the invisible join technique with my detailed photo tutorial. Attaining a professional finish on all your projects is easier than you think.
Take your crochet to the next level with the invisible join technique! 🧶 My step-by-step photo tutorial makes it easy-peasy, getting you that coveted professional finish, no matter your experience level. Let’s stitch it up together!💫
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Rhondda Mol is the crochet designer and blogger behind Oombawka Design Crochet. Since 2012, she has been sharing free crochet patterns, tutorials, and expert tips to help crocheters of all levels succeed. With more than 600 published patterns, Rhondda focuses on creating clear instructions and resources to inspire creativity and confidence in the crochet community.
Thanks for the tutorials! I like written with photos most of the time over videos, but sometimes videos can show the missing parts!