Learn This Beautiful Cross-Stitch Join for Granny Squares! 🤩, by Play Hooky with Me on YouTube. 14 min 55 s.
- Video length
- 14 min 55 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Lay two finished squares right side up, side by side, with the edges you want to join touching. Line up the corner stitches so the rows match.
Thread a finishing needle with yarn in your chosen colour. Leave a short tail and do not knot it yet, since you will weave it in later.
Bring the needle up through the corner stitch of the left square, then across and down through the matching corner stitch of the right square to make the first diagonal cross stitch.
Work along the edge, making evenly spaced diagonal stitches that cross each other to form X shapes. Keep the tension loose so the seam does not pucker.
When you reach a point where four squares meet, place the next two squares in position. Mark the centre of the intersection with a stitch marker.
Work the cross stitches into the intersection so all four squares meet at one point. Bring the yarn through the shared corner stitch and cross the stitches over the centre.
Join the next row of squares vertically, working the same cross stitch pattern down the side edges. Keep the spacing the same as the first seam.
At the second intersection, repeat the crossing technique so the vertical seam meets the horizontal one cleanly. Check the front looks even before moving on.
Weave the yarn tails into the back of the work along the seam for a few stitches, then trim. Do not knot them.
Continue adding squares row by row, joining each new square to the ones already in place. Add a border of your choice once all seams are done.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep your stitches loose and even, because tight cross stitches pull the squares out of shape.
Use a blunt finishing needle so you do not split the yarn strands of your squares.
Mark each four-square intersection with a stitch marker before you start stitching so you do not lose the centre point.
Weave in ends as you finish each seam instead of leaving them all to the end.
Questions
Can I use this join on any crochet squares?
Yes, as long as the squares are the same size and have a clear corner stitch. It works best on squares with a solid or simple edge.
Do I need the same yarn as the squares?
No. A contrasting colour shows off the cross stitches, while a matching colour gives a subtle seam. Use a similar weight so the join sits flat.
How do I stop the seam from puckering?
Work with a relaxed hand and check the join after a few stitches. If it pulls, undo a stitch or two and loosen the tension.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
