Which sewn join is best for crochet square, motifs or panels? How do you know which stitch to use?
The answer depends on what you are looking for?
- Does the crochet join need to be invisible or visible?
- Are you going to use a contrast yarn to sew the panels together?
- How much stretch do you need within the seam?
The three best sewn joins for crochet are zig-zag stitch, whip stitch and mattress stitch. Choose your option based on how you want the finished join to look and the type of join you need. Here’s a handy decision tree with your options:
When to use Zig-Zag Stitch for Joining Crochet?
Zig-Zag stitch is very visible and slightly messy, with lots of seam stretch. This can all be used to your benefit of you want a deconstructed, free-form look to your crochet.
Learn zig-zag stitch here as a video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.
When to use Whip Stitch for Joining Crochet?
Whip stitch is a visible stitch with some seam stretch. It creates a diagonal bar which is nicely decorative. With the same coloured yarn as the squares/ panels being joined, it looks like part of the stitch detail and therefore invisible. With a contrast colour, it adds a candy-stripe effect along the join lines.
Learn whip stitch here as a video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.
When to Use Mattress Stitch for Joining Crochet?
Mattress stitch is invisible, even with a contrast colour yarn. The lack of stretch makes is perfect for garments, blankets, bags and accessories – especially those that need to be hard wearing.
Learn mattress stitch here as a video tutorial, OR here as a photo tutorial.
Video Tutorial for 3 Sewn Crochet Joins
And, just in case you want all three sewn joins in one place, here they are in a video tutorial:
