Joining New Yarn/Changing Colors in Granny Squares

Joining New Yarn/Changing Colors in granny squares
update c2004, 2008 Sandra Petit, http://www.crochetcabana.com

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There are a few methods for changing colors within a granny square. First, you can do it just the same as when working in rows. You can work your stitch until the last step, then join your new color. When you come back around to that spot, you can sew over the ends. However, if you are slip stitching over to your next space, the new color will show. If you slip stitch over with your old color, and THEN add the new yarn, it will not show.

If you normally sew over ends, keep in mind that it will give a bulky look if you sew over two ends at a time. One end should be sewn in at a time. You can do one at this point and you might bring the second end up and sew over it on the next round. You would thread the end, weave it through the stitch above it and then lay it across the round you are currently working on.  I usually make my grannies out of one color because - I hate to sew in ends!

You have finished a row or round and your pattern says to finish off and join new color at a specific point in your pattern, but doesn't tell you how to do that. I have seen/heard people explain how to do this in different ways and I will demonstrate those I know here. You choose the method that works best for you.

Granny Joining Method 1:

You have finished the last shell of your first round and worked the ch-3 to join	Join with a slip stitch to the top chain of the beginning chain-3	Slip stitch, using the "old" color, in the next two dcs
Insert hook into the next ch-3 space, join the new color, work your ch-3 to bring to height with your new color	Work corner in same space

Granny Joining Method 2:

You can use a slip knot to join the new color. There are two ways I know of to do this.

Slip Knot 2A: Make a slip knot on hook, insert hook into space, yo, pull through both loops for a slip stitch join. If you are doing a single crochet join, you would yo and then pull through both loops (in other words, make a single crochet)

Make a slip knot on hook	Insert hook into space where you need to join new color, yarn over
Pull loop through - for slip stitch joining, pull through both loops, for single crochet joining yo, pull through both loops	Slip stitch joining pictured

Slip Knot 2B:  Make a slip knot, remove from hook, insert hook into space, attach slip knot to hook, pull through space, yo and pull through loop on hook

Make a slip knot, remove knot from hook, insert hook into space where you need to join new color	Reattach slip knot to hook
Pull through	YO, pull through loop on hook

Granny Joining Method 3: In this method you will use a double crochet to join to the first ch-3 on your first round, rather than slip stitching over to your next open space. This will also allow you to join without having your new color show through. On subsequent rounds, you can use a sc or hdc.

Work your last double crochet through to the last step	Complete dc using new yarn	YO, insert hook into top chain of beginning ch-3, yo, pull through (3 loops on hook) ,
Complete dc as usual (yo, pull through 2 loops, yo, pull through rem loops)	Chain 3	Work corner as usual in same space. working in space under the dc just made. In other words, you will work your corner around the dc.

Granny Joining Method 4: Turning

Most granny squares are worked from one side, without turning, but if you want a "reversible" granny, you can chain 3 and turn, then work your next shell in the space of the ch-3 to the left, where you joined. Join your new color as you complete your slip stitch so you will begin your next shell with the new color when you work your ch-3 or your first round or ch-1 of your subsequent rounds.

insert hook in top chain of beginning ch-3	join new color with a slip stitch
chain 3 (as shown from front side)	turn (ch-3 as shown from back side)	work corner into space to the left of the ch-3 you just made

07/09/2008

The buttons above were my first at the Cabana. I keep them for sentimental reasons. :-)

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