The Join As You Go (JAYG) method is a joining method typically used to join multiple crochet squares, but can also be used to join just about anything together, such as panels. The stitch used for each join is a slip stitch from the “working square” and is placed between each set of cluster along the edge of the finished square. 

This method lays fairly flat when complete, doesn’t use any extra yarn than what you would used for your final round and although it can seem intimidating, it’s actually really easy.

*NOTE* Although much of the principle would be the same for a panel, this tutorial walks you through how to join a granny square or sunburst granny only. 

*NOTE* The stitches used for the JAYG method will  depend on the stitches called for in the pattern. In the video below I share how to use the JAYG on the Sunburst Granny Square. Therefore the last round of stitches are:

• TR CL, CH 3, TR CL in the same space.
• DC CL in the next space, HDC CL in the next space.
• DC CL in the next space, HDC CL in the next space.
• TR CL, CH 3, TR CL in the same space.
• REP until you reach the first set of TR CL. SL ST into top of first TR.

Regardless of the stitches the actual going method stays the same.

TO BEGIN YOU MUST START WITH ONE COMPLETE SQAURE

• Work another square up to the final round, but do not work final round. 
• Finish one edge of the working square with the appropriate stitches, but only work up to the first set of cluster stitches or stitch in the corner.
• In this example we have a CH 3 between the TR CL in each corner, so CH 1, SL ST in the CH 3 corner space of finished square. CH 1. TR CL is same space as first TR CL in working square.
• On the finished square SK to the space between the second TR CL in the corner and the first DC CL. SL ST the working square to the finished square. Work a DC CL in the next space on the working square.
• On the finished square SK to the space between the DC CL and the first HDC CL. SL ST the working square to the finished square. Work a HDC CL in the next space on the working square.
• On the finished square SK to the space between the HDC CL and the second DC CL. SL ST the working square to the finished square. Work a DC CL in the next space on the working square.
• On the finished square SK to the space between the DC CL and the first TR CL of the next corner. SL ST the working square to the finished square. Work a TR CL in the CH 3 space on the working square. CH 1.
• SL ST into the CH 3 space on the finished square. CH 1. Work TR CL in the same space as the previous TR CL.
• Finish the rest of the square as usual.