Invisible Join: How to Crochet in the Round with No Gaps

This is a good one, friends! This super simple trick will close all those annoying gaps in your crochet circles, using two simple invisible joining techniques.

Have you ever made a hat (or other project in the round) and been annoyed by the obvious seam where you join your rounds? Or the little bump created when you join your last round and fasten off? Me too.

A graphic with an aqua background. At the top words written in black read, "Invisible join, how to crochet in the round with no gaps." Below is a photo of two crochet circles made in yellow yarn. The circle on the left is made with traditional joins, and the circle on the right is made with invisible joins. — Pin it for later!

Today I’ll show you two invisible joining techniques. One for joining rounds, and one to fasten off.

Below is a photo tutorial, and you can also find a video tutorial at the bottom of the post. I think the video does the best job of showing the steps, so I highly recommend you give it a watch.

Invisible Join in Rounds

Step 1: Create a magic loop, chain 2, and work 11 double crochets into the loop. (12 total stitches.)

A photo showing a crochet circle with twelve stitches made in yellow yarn with a blue crochet hook. This is step 1 of invisible join in crochet when working in the round. — Step 1

Step 2: Once you work the last stitch of your round, remove your hook from the stitch. (Be sure to leave enough of a loop so you can easily slip your hook back in.) Insert your hook in the top of the first official double crochet (not the chains) from back to front.

A photo showing a crochet hook inserted into the top of the first double crochet from back to front. — Step 2

Step 3: Flip your circle so you’re looking at the wrong side. Ensure the working yarn is facing you. Insert your hook in the loop you left open (first photo) and pull it through the top of the first double crochet (second photo.)

A photo showing a crochet hook inserted in the top of the first double crochet and the open loop. — Step 3

A photo showing the joined circle from the back with blue crochet hook. — Step 3

Step 4: Flip your circle back to the right side. You circle is now joined, but there’s an additional trick. You will have one loop on your hook. Do not chain. Insert your hook in the top of the first stitch, single crochet, chain 1. The single crochet and chain 1 counts as your first stitch. You can see this looks much more like a double crochet than the traditional chain 2 (or 3).

A photo showing the front of the crochet circle with one loop on the hook. — Step 4

A photo showing the single crochet and chain one. — Step 4

Continue increasing by placing one double crochet in the same stitch as your single crochet and chain 1, and two double crochets in each remaining stitch. The photo below shows where to place you last two stitches. It’s a little snug, but your last stitch should always land there.

A phot with a needle inserted in the space where you should place your last stitches. — The needle shows where to insert your last two stitches.

Super easy, right? You’ll see as your piece grows that you no longer have that obvious gap where you joined.

Invisible Join to Fasten Off

Once your piece is complete and you’re ready to fasten off, pull out and cut your yarn like you usually would. You may want to allow yourself and extra inch or so since we’ll be creating a small extra “stitch”.

Step 1: Thread your yarn needle. Insert the needle under both top loops of the first official double crochet (first photo), and pull through (second photo).