Invisible Join

The invisible join is, as the name suggests, a great way to finish a round invisibly when crocheting.

I’m sure you know the problem: if you end a round with a slip stitch when crocheting, this slip stitch is usually clearly visible. Depending on the pattern, sometimes more and sometimes less but it definitely can destroy the neat appearance of your work.

You can avoid this by using an invisible join. Sometimes it is also called “needle join”  as originally it is done with a needle and not a hook. But no worries, it also can be done using the crochet hook!

An invisible join is usually used at the end of the work, when the yarn has to be cut anyway. And it is perfect for making a colourful piece where each round is made in a different colour.

But I have to admit that I also often use it on single-colour pieces. I just think it makes the end of the round look much cleaner.  And I don’t mind having to work away more ends.

Here is how it is worked using a needle:

Please note: unless stated otherwise in the pattern, the invisible join is always worked in the second stitch of the round (marked with an arrow in photo #2), regardless of wether the row started with a chain or a standing stitch.

  1. finish the last stitch of the round, cut yarn, leaving a tail from at least 10 cm (2 in)
  2. pull the end of the yarn through the top loops of the last stitch by lifting the hook
  3. thread a needle and insert it from front to back under the top loops (the little ‚v’) of the second stitch of the round
  4. pull the yarn end through the stitch
  5. then insert the needle from front to back between the top loops of the last stitch of the round
  6. pull the yarn end through the stitch
  7. secure the tail by pulling it through the horizontal loop on the back of the stitch – shown with the needle in pic #7
  8. Finished! Just work away the tails. Take care not to pull the loop too tight. It should have the same size as the other top loops of the round

Here is how it is worked using a hook:

Please note: unless stated otherwise in the pattern, the invisible join is always worked in the second stitch of the round (marked with an arrow in photo #2), regardless of wether the row started with a chain or a standing stitch.

  1. finish the last stitch of the round, cut yarn, leaving a tail from at least 10 cm (2 in)
  2. pull the end of the yarn through the top loops of the last stitch by lifting the hook
  3. insert the hook from back to front under the top loops (the little ‚v’) of the second stitch of the round
  4. grab the yarn end and gently pull it through the stitch
  5. Insert the hook from back to front between the the loops of the last stitch of the round – shown with the needle in pic #5
  6. grab the yarn end and gently pull it through the stitch
  7. secure the tail by pulling it through the horizontal loop on the back of the stitch – shown with the needle in pic #7
  8. Finished! – Just work away the tails. Take care not to pull it too tight. The loops should have the same size like the other top loops of the round

Simply try out which method you like best!