# [Plan and join hairpin-lace strips](https://threadcabin.com/explore/422/plan-and-join-hairpin-lace-strips)

> Keep loop groups and joining rhythm aligned, then measure the finished joined strip width.

- Canonical page: https://threadcabin.com/explore/422/plan-and-join-hairpin-lace-strips
- Language: en
- Published: 2026-09-25T17:26:35.5942184+00:00
- Updated: 2026-09-25T17:26:40.1599643+00:00
- Craft: Crochet
- Primary image: [Illustration: A hairpin-lace fork holding a cream strip with long equal loops on both sides and a crocheted center spine, beside two joined strips.](https://threadcabin.com/images/explore/focused/hairpin-lace.jpg)

Keep loop groups and joining rhythm aligned, then measure the finished joined strip width.

## Before you start

Confirm whether the instructions use US or UK terms. On a smooth-yarn sample, mark the first and last stitch and note whether the turning chain counts.

## How to do it

1. **Prepare hairpin-lace strips** — Keep equal loop counts on both sides of a strip and preserve their order when removing it from the frame. Joining groups determine the finished width.
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. **Secure crochet ends and joins** — Route tails through compatible stitch paths without pulling the fabric tight. Test the fastening on the actual slippery, fuzzy or smooth yarn before trimming close.
4. **Finish assembled crochet** — Support the whole wet piece and align seams without forcing motifs beyond their sampled dimensions. Check the relaxed dry size after removing pins.

## Try this example

Two strips with 24 loops per side each provide eight groups of three. Join all eight groups in a trial, finish it and use the measured joined width to determine the number of strips.

## Check your result

- Count stitch tops separately from chain spaces and compare successive row or round totals. Lay the sample down without stretching it to inspect the shape.
- A symbol or familiar stitch name does not supply a complete construction. Use the project’s own counts, turning rules and joining instructions.

## Sources

- [stitchdiva.com: tutorials](https://stitchdiva.com/pages/tutorials)
- [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

- [Prepare hairpin-lace strips](https://threadcabin.com/explore/239/prepare-hairpin-lace-strips)
- [Measure a motif after blocking and joining](https://threadcabin.com/explore/71/measure-a-motif-after-blocking-and-joining)
- [Secure crochet ends and joins](https://threadcabin.com/explore/253/secure-crochet-ends-and-joins)
- [Finish assembled crochet](https://threadcabin.com/explore/255/finish-assembled-crochet)
- [Crochet loop placement changes texture and movement](https://threadcabin.com/explore/12/crochet-loop-placement-changes-texture-and-movement)