Single Line Granny Square Join (One Row Strip Method)

One Row Granny Square Join As You Go Method

The single line granny square join method joins granny squares into a single, one-square-wide strip using a modified join-as-you-go approach.

Each square is completed individually, with its border joined to the previous square as it is worked, before the yarn is fastened off.

The process is repeated for each new square, building a neat single line of squares rather than a full blanket or grid.

Unlike traditional join-as-you-go methods, this technique is designed specifically for single-line construction only, making it ideal for projects where a narrow, structured band of granny squares is needed.

Note: This joining method is designed for traditional granny squares worked in double crochet cluster rounds with open spaces.

It is not intended for solid granny squares or tightly filled motifs, as the join relies on the gaps created by the cluster structure.

Why Use This Method?

This joining technique is useful when you want the look of granny squares without assembling a large fabric piece. It creates a clean, organised strip that lies flat and has a consistent structure.

It is especially helpful if you want to:

• Avoid sewing squares together at the end
• Build a decorative strip as you go
• Create narrow, functional crochet pieces
• Keep all construction work in a single direction

Why I Wrote This Method

I created and documented this joining method after finding that most existing granny square joining techniques focus on building full blankets or multi-directional layouts.

When I was searching for a way to join squares into a single, one-square-wide strip, the results I found didn't match what I was trying to achieve.

This method is designed specifically for that gap -  joining granny squares into a linear strip only and without sewing, using a modified join-as-you-go approach.

It also reflects my own way of working, where I prefer to complete each square individually and fasten off before moving on to the next.

By sharing it, I hope to make it easier for others who want a simple, structured way to build granny squares into strips for projects like scarves, headbands, table runners, and other one-line designs - without needing to adapt blanket-style joining methods.

How This Method Differs From Other Joins

How This Method Differs From Other Joins

This technique is often confused with other granny square joining methods, but there are important differences:

Traditional Join-As-You-Go (JAYG): typically used to build full blankets or multi-row grids

• Continuous joins: use unbroken yarn across multiple motifs
• Sewn joins: squares are completed first and joined afterwards

 In contrast, this method is:

• Sequential - each square is completed before moving to the next
• Single-line only - it does not expand into rows or columns
• Border-integrated joining - the join happens while working the square's border
• Fastened off between squares - each motif is individually finished

Materials And Preparation

For best results:

• Granny squares without final border rounds
• Use consistent yarn weight across all squares
• Keep hook size uniform for even tension
• Ensure all squares are the same size before joining
• Block squares if needed to maintain straight edges

Consistent sizing is especially important, as uneven squares can cause twisting or rippling in the finished strip.

How To Make A Single Line Granny Square Join

For clarity, contrasting colors are used in this tutorial to distinguish the borders and joining areas.

First Square Border (Join Preparation)

This pattern uses chain 2 corner spaces and no chain spaces between clusters, so if you normally work chain 1 spaces between clusters or use a different corner spacing, you can adjust your border accordingly.

For example, you may omit chain 1 spaces between clusters and use chain 2 corners for consistency with this method.

Because this join is only worked along one edge, any difference in size or tension is usually minimal, as long as the same method is used consistently for all squares.

Border on First Square

• Slip stitch yarn into any corner space, chain 2 (count this as a double crochet, make 2 double crochet (dc), chain 2, 3 double crochet in the corner space,
• then make 3 double crochet in each space between the clusters of the previous round,
• then make 3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet in the next corner space,
• continue making 3 double crochet cluster stitches in the spaces between stitches and 3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochets in the corner spaces, until you reach the end
• slip stitch into the top of chain 2 to join, cut yarn fasten off and weave in end.

Join Next Square

Position the next square (the one without a border) at the front and square with the border at the back and the right sides facing up.

1 - Slip stitch yarn into any corner space on the square without the border, chain 2 (this counts as the first double crochet), then make 2 double crochet and chain 1 in the same corner space.

2 - Slip stitch and chain 1 into the corner space of the square with the border (this will start the joining),

3 - Then make 3 double crochet cluster back into the corner space of the square without the border,

4 - Slip stitch into the space between clusters on the square with the border

5 - Make a 3 double crochet cluster in the space between the next clusters on the square without the border

6 - Slip stitch into the next space between clusters on the square with the border

7 - Make a 3 double crochet cluster in the space between the next clusters on the square without the border

8 - Slip stitch into the next space between clusters on the square with the border

9 - Make a 3 double crochet cluster in the space between the next clusters on the square without the border

10 - Slip stitch into the next space between clusters on the square with the border

11 - Make 3 double crochet and chain 1 in the corner space of the of the square without the border

12 - Slip stitch into the corner space of the square with the border

13 - Make 3 double crochet cluster in the corner space of the square without the border

14 -  Continue to make 3 double crochet in each space between clusters and 3 double crochet, chain 2, 3 double crochet in the chain 2 corners, after making the last 3 double crochet cluster group, slip stitch into the top of chain 2 to join, ch1, cut yarn fasten off and weave in ends.

15 - Repeat the above steps for the remaining squares.

Now that you've learned how to create a long strip of joined granny squares, you can take it a step further by joining the ends to form a circle. This is especially useful for projects such as this crochet slouchy beanie (coming soon).

Watch Single Line Granny Square Join

Closing The Strip Into A Circle (For Skirt, edges, Hats)

To make this into a ring work your last square as follows

1 - Join the last remining square to the last square joined in the strip using the steps above until you reach step 13

2 - Make 3 double crochet stitches in each of the spaces between the clusters along the next side until you reach the next corner,

3 - Make 3 double crochet and chain 1 in corner space of the square without the border

4 - Slip stitch and chain 1 in the corner of the first joined square

5 - Continue to join the last square to the first square like you have done before

6 - When you come to the fourth side make 3 double crochet in each space between clusters, then slip stitch into the top of the chain 2 to join, chain 1, cut yarn fasten off and weave in all ends.

Watch How To Close The Strip Into A Round

Variations

For the joining example on this page, I've used double crochet stitches, as in my Harmony Crochet Scarf (coming soon).

However, for other projects like my Harmony granny square headband (coming soon), I used single crochet stitches for the border round instead.

This created a narrower band that was better suited to these finished items. If double crochet or half double crochet stitches were used instead, the strips would have been too long for those projects.

Uses for a Single-Line Granny Square Strip Join

This method can be used for a range of narrow, linear crochet projects, including:

• Scarves
• Headbands
• Ear warmers
• Belt or waist tie
• Decorative edging for throws, cushions, blankets, shawls, bags, cardigans, skirts, jumpers, or hats
• Decorative strips for tables, shelf or mantle

Tips for best results

• Lay the squares out in the order you wish to join them.
• The first square always starts of with a full border.
• When joining, place the square with the border at the back of the square without a border, with both right sides facing out.
• Pay attention to orientation so all squares face the same direction
• Maintain even tension during slip stitch joins to avoid tight pulling
• Check alignment after each square before fastening off
• Keep borders consistent so joins remain visually even

Small adjustments as you go will help keep the strip straight and balanced.

Single Line Granny Square Join FAQs

Method Recap

The Single-Line Granny Square Strip Join is a modified join-as-you-go method designed specifically for creating a one-square-wide strip of joined motifs.

It offers a structured, sequential way to build linear crochet pieces without sewing or full blanket construction, making it ideal for decorative and functional strip-based projects.

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