joining afghan strips

[jingle125]

I'm working on my first afghan, and it's one of those quick-and-easy types that you make in long strips and then join together.

 

So here's my question -- just how am I supposed to join the strips? I've seen patterns that tell you to use a whipstitch, but wouldn't that involve a huge needle with an eye? Are there other good methods?

 

I'm worried that if I don't join them sturdily enough, the afghan will be prone to falling apart! <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/wha.gif" />

 

Thanks!

Jingle <img border=0 src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/ducky.gif" />

[pfirsch]

Well, if you want to whipstitch them, I would suggest stitching through the innermost loops and then going back and stitching through the two outermost loops.

 

If that sounds like too much work, check out <a href="http://www.crochetcabana.com/tutorials/ltc-joining_squares.htm" target="_new">some other methods</a>.

[CraftyChristine]

<span style="font-family:comic sans ms; color:purple;">You can pick up crafting needles just about anywhere to get the job done (I get mine from Wal-mart). They're plastic, blue and yes, they have a large eye. They're actually really handy and I'd suggest picking up a few. The ones I've bought come in packages of two.

 

The method I use most often for joining is this:

 

Lay your strips right side down and butt them together. Using your needle and coordinating yarn, whip stitch through the back loops of your strips only. When you get to the end of the strips, weave your joining yarn through to hide it. (I usually split the plys of yarn I'm going through because when you wash it they close back up around your finishing yarn quite nicely).

 

I've found that by using this method you get a nice flat piece of work. It's my favorite!

 

You could also hold the right sides together, line up the loops and slip stitch through the back loops of both thicknesses. You'll get close to the same effect, but more of a ridge on the back of your work.

 

Good luck! I didn't know this stuff when I put my first project together and it didn't turn out so well lol.</span>

[Julie]

I'm with Christine, either of the methods she describes is exactly how I do it - with a couple minor differences to the getting started process. I tie my squares or strips together so they are correctly placed and I know I'm not short one before I start. Plus I can pick the whole thing up carefully and move it if it's a big job that takes a couple days to complete. That's a personal preference though, and certainly not a requirement to joining strips or squares together. <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/veryhappy.gif" />

[jingle125]

Thanks so much, guys! You're a real fount of knowledge.

 

I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out!

[calico carol]

Better late than never for my reply....

As for joining strips, I LOVE the "Mile a Minute" way!! You make these "loops" using chain stitch, on both sides of each strip, then taking these loops...you "braid" them together! Its SO fast and easy, and really adds a whole new dimension/look to your strips! At the bottom of the strips, when you're out of loops to braid, you add a tassel, which holds the loops together. I think its called the "Loop N Lace" method, from Annie's Attic. Works great!

 

Carol

[Stitchinpick]

Calico, What a great suggestion! Thanks for mentioning that to us. I love new ideas.

[PBLKNP]

I've never heard of that...that sounds so much easier than the usual sewing. I'll have to try that next time!

 

PAM

[PBLKNP]

Carol,

 

Not meaning to sound dumb, but how many chains do you do at the end of the row for the "loop"? And is this each row? I'm assuming?

 

Thanks...PAM

[teri]

Is there anywhere to get more info on the loop n lace way of joining strips? It sounds great but I can't find pics or directions anywhere when I do a search. Thanks!

[calico carol]

Carol,

 

Not meaning to sound dumb, but how many chains do you do at the end of the row for the "loop"? And is this each row? I'm assuming?

 

Thanks...PAM

 

Its kind of hard to explain without seeing it...I have a video on how to do it in fact that I got from "Annie's Attic" years ago. I should look on their website and see if they offer these instructions.

You make something like 10-chain "loops" up each side of the strip. I start at one end, sc, then ch-10, sc in next stitch that is right next to your 1st sc...You end up with ALOT of loops! Do this on the side of another strip. Now put both strips side by side...and I guess you could say you 'interweave' them....pull one loop thru the other loop on the opposite side, then take THAT loop and pull it thru the loop on the OPPOSITE side, and so on, all the way down to the bottom of the strip. Does this make sense? I'll have to pull out the video, and write the instructions down. Its really quite easy! Makes a really pretty "woven" look between the strips. Annie has another method too, with alot more loops...makes an even wider joining area, almost like another strip has been added!

Anyone else know of this method??

[natalie058]

Hey, that explanation makes sense to me, and the way I'm visualizing it is quite nifty! I'd love to see a pic of the finished product, if anyone's able to come up with one.

[calico carol]

well, I've looked all over on here and can't find exact instructions! Perhaps they're in an Annie's Attic "Mile a Minute" afghan leaflet instruction book?? Seems I only saw this on the video tho. Can't find anything on her website.

 

Anyone else know of this method?? I love it...it really works,and there are several variations!

[Stitchinpick]

These questions are so far in on this thread that I am afraid it will not be seen by many. I think I will start a new thread on it. Watch for it and add on questions if I don't word it correctly.

[Chrome Kitty]

My gma joined machine knit afghan strips like that. I think she left like 1/2" space between the beg and end scs of each loop.