“There are secret opportunities hidden inside every failure.”

-Unknown

If I work continuously in the round, my design shifts. If I join every round, I get an ugly seam. HELP!

Never fear, my friend. I am here to provide you with what I think is a pretty good solution to this age old dilemma that rears its ugly head anytime you are working in the round and show you how to achieve an invisible seam!

The Problem

Working in the round has its positives and negatives. When you work a piece in the round, it will have a more professional appearance as all the stitches will be right side facing out. Whereas, when you work back and forth in rows, every other row shows the right side of the stitches and every other row shows the wrong side. However, working in the round has its disadvantages as well. When you work continuously in the round, the stitches gradually shift to the left. If the piece is solid or the color changes are minimal, it doesn’t matter too much, but if your design has detailed color work or a cable design, this shifting will give the design a diagonal appearance. Joining rounds and using a chain stitch to move up to the next round is the solution to this issue, but it leaves an unsightly seam through your work. If an invisible seam is what your project needs, then keep reading!

The Solution

The invisible slip stitch and chainless starting stitch is a technique that I have picked up over the years, and it provides a great solution to this dilemma by creating a near invisible seam! Although the seam will still be somewhat visible, it will be a great deal less noticeable than if you were to join rounds the traditional way. I have used this technique in a few of my designs, so I thought it would best to have a tutorial on my blog for makers to reference should you ever run across this stitch technique in one of my patterns! When you use the invisible slip stitch and chainless starting stitch, get ready for crochet’s…

…greatest disappearing act!

Invisible Slip Stitch

Here we have reached the end of the round and are ready to join. Instead of joining in the traditional way, we are going to use the invisible SL ST.
The first step is to remove the hook from the loop.
Next, insert the hook from back to front into the first stitch of the new round.
With the hook inserted into the next stitch from back to front, place the loop back on the hook.
Pull the loop through the stitch. The loop should be coming out of the back of the work. Invisible SL ST complete.
Crochet stitch tutorial for invisible slip stitch and chainless starting stitch
Notice how the beginning and end of the round match up perfectly level.

Chainless Starting Stitch (HDC)

Here we have just completed the invisible SL ST and are ready to complete the chainless starting stitch. Start by pulling the loop up slightly taller than you normally would.
Next, use your pointer finger to hold the loop firmly in place and swing the hook down and towards you (in the direction of the arrow) moving under the loop. Essentially, you are yarning over with the loop. You must keep you finger tightly on the loop or the yarn over will come undone.
In this picture, you can see the loop as the yarn over on the hook. Keep your finger firmly on the loop. Next, you will insert the hook into the same stitch as the join.
Here the hook has been inserted into the stitch. Remember to continue holding the loop in place with your pointer.
Next, you will pull up a loop through the stitch that you inserted the hook into. You now have three loops on the hook — the beginning loop (that you are holding tightly), the yarn over (from the same loop), and the new loop that you just pulled up.
Next, you will yarn over and pull through all three loops. Chainless starting HDC completed. The top loops will seem a little loose at first. Gently tug the fabric right near the join to even it out. You will need the extra room to join to when you finish the round.
In this picture, you will see the chainless starting HDC worked as well as the next stitch. They look identical, and there is no bulky CH stitch.
Here is the view from the top of the chainless starting HDC and the next stitch.

The Magic

Now you are ready to conquer all those projects worked in the round with no fear of design compromise or bulky seams. This technique is a miracle-worker! While it may still be somewhat visible, I believe that it is the closest you can get to that ever evasive invisible seam.

If this tutorial helped you, please share it! I would love to see your work! You can tag me on Instagram and Facebook @theplushpineapple. Use the tag #theplushpineapple. Also, I would love for you to check out some of my other tutorials including my tutorial on corner-to-corner crochet and how to make a yarn tassel!

“Much love, sunshine, and pineapples”

Sarah

Written by

Sarah

Sarah is the maker and designer behind A Plush Pineapple. She is a wife of thirteen years to her college sweetheart and momma to two awesome kiddos. When she is not crocheting, designing, or blogging, you can probably find her soaking up the sun or eating seafood. Her goal as a designer is that love, sunshine, and pineapples make their way into the hearts and homes of all who make her designs.