Crocheted or knitted pieces can be joined together in several ways, each offering unique benefits and aesthetic qualities. They can be seamed together with a mattress stitch, which provides a nearly invisible join, or joined with the three-needle bind-off technique used in joining knitted pieces together. Alternatively, certain crochet slip-stitch techniques, such as the crochet zig zag join is used not only to secure the pieces (knitted or crocheted) firmly but to also give the seam a decorative zig zag look. The join in this technique is created by a repetition of alternating crochet slip stitches from one piece to the other, resulting in a visually appealing texture that enhances the overall design.

The crochet zig zag join technique is one of my favorite join methods and I’ve included it in many of my patterns. The Comfy Poncho, Winterland Cowl, The Waiting Season Cowl, The Patchwork Petal Scarf, The Four Section Blanket, and Goes with Everything Cowl are some patterns that use the crochet zig zag method.

The written instructions and video below show how to use the Crochet Zig Zag join for right-handed crochet.

Written Instructions on how to Crochet Zig Zag Join:

1. Insert the crochet hook from front to back under both the strands of the edge stitch in the first knitted or crocheted piece
2. Yarn over with working yarn and pull the loop on the crochet hook under and through both the strands of the edge stitch in the first piece
3. Slip stitch the loop to the loop on the hook (Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Slip Stitch)
4. Insert the crochet hook from back to front under both the strands of the edge stitch in the second knitted or crocheted piece
5. Yarn over with working yarn and pull the loop on the crochet hook under and through both the strands of the edge stitch in the second piece
6. Slip stitch the loop to the loop on the hook (Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Slip Stitch)
7. Repeat Steps 1 to 6 for the Crochet Zig Zag Join