Invisible Begins and Ends

When working rounds of double crochet, it's possible to create invisible beginnings and joinings. If you want to be fancy with this afghan we are about to make, you can do this. Here's how.

Can you tell the difference between the next two photos? The top one has invisible beginnings and joinings. The joinings show on the bottom one.

To begin a round with a standing double crochet instead of chain 3, make loop on hook, yarn over holding loop with your thumb if needed, insert hook in stitch and pull up a loop. (Yarn over, pull through 2 loops on hook) 2 times to finish double crochet as usual.

To create an invisible join, after working last double crochet, do not join. Cut yarn leaving at least 6 inches; pull yarn end completely through removing loop from hook.

Insert crochet hook from front to back under top two loops of second stitch of round; pull yarn through.

Insert crochet hook from back to front between the top two loops of last stitch worked in round; pull yarn through.

Adjust tension on the yarn to create a join that looks the same as the remaining stitches. Your invisibly joined round is now complete! Bring yarn end to back of work and weave in securely.