# [Change a join and recalculate dimensions](https://threadcabin.com/explore/400/change-a-join-and-recalculate-dimensions)

> Compare the finished advance of both joining methods before keeping the old motif count.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/400/change-a-join-and-recalculate-dimensions
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:35.4303507+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:41.1197815+00:00
- Craft: Crochet
- Primary image: [Illustration: Two crochet squares joined along one edge while a third is still being worked, with the hook at the active joining point.](https://threadcabin.com/images/explore/focused/join-as-you-go.jpg)

Compare the finished advance of both joining methods before keeping the old motif count.

## Before you start

Gather the measurements, counts or timing sample needed below. Record their units and whether they describe a sample, the whole project or one purchased package. Use a finished sample when dimensions or material use depend on fabric structure.

## How to do it

1. **Plan and join crochet motifs into a finished project** — Measure the joined repeat, plan rows and columns, arrange colour, and test a seam before assembling many motifs.
2. **Measure a motif after blocking and joining** — Use the distance between corresponding points of joined motifs. An 11.5 cm loose square with a join adding 0.5 cm per repeat has a 12 cm pitch in this example.
3. **Choose a layout when the target is not an exact multiple** — A 125 × 180 cm target with 12 cm square repeats needs 11 × 15 motifs to cover it: 132 × 180 cm. Keeping only complete repeats inside the target gives 120 × 180 cm.
4. **Add a border that lies flat** — Sample the border pickup rate along a straight edge and treat corners separately. Too many attachments can wave; too few can pull the edge inward.

## Try this example

A ten-motif row advancing 10 cm per unit is about 100 cm; at 10.5 cm it becomes about 105 cm, subject to outer-edge treatment. Check the actual assembled row before adding its border.

## Check your result

- Recheck the inputs against the actual sample or label, keep units consistent and round only the final count or purchase. Repeat a sample if a small measuring difference changes the decision.
- These arithmetic examples assume the measured structure stays comparable. Shaping, borders, dense textures and color changes require their own allowances or samples.

## Sources

- [www.craftyarncouncil.com: 020_CGauge3.pdf](https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/files/DiscoverPDFs/020_CGauge3.pdf)
- [media.craftyarncouncil.com: CYC_CIP_Crochet_Program_2017.pdf](https://media.craftyarncouncil.com/files/CIP/CYC_CIP_Crochet_Program_2017.pdf)

[Browse editable craft templates](/crafts?craft=crochet)

[Report a correction](/corrections).

## Sources and provenance

- [Plan and join crochet motifs into a finished project](https://threadcabin.com/explore/20/plan-and-join-crochet-motifs-into-a-finished-project)
- [Measure a motif after blocking and joining](https://threadcabin.com/explore/71/measure-a-motif-after-blocking-and-joining)
- [Choose a layout when the target is not an exact multiple](https://threadcabin.com/explore/72/choose-a-layout-when-the-target-is-not-an-exact-multiple)
- [Add a border that lies flat](https://threadcabin.com/explore/226/add-a-border-that-lies-flat)
- [Crochet loop placement changes texture and movement](https://threadcabin.com/explore/12/crochet-loop-placement-changes-texture-and-movement)