Finished 2nd third of my big rainbow blanket

I might be too late if you have already started in with another joining method but this may help others.

You can seam garter stitch neatly by using Staci Perry’s (VeryPinkKnits) Smiles and Umbrellas method. Think of a wavy row of garter stitch as a series of linked Smiles (stitch curves at the bottom) and Umbrellas (stitch curves at the top).

Attach seaming yarn in corner of left hand piece. Insert sewing needle under the first “smile” and catch in the thread just above it. Then go to the right hand piece. Insert sewing needle under the first “umbrella” and catch the thread just about it. Go to the left side and do the same with the next smile, right side next umbrella. Work loosely for a few stitches - it helps to see where you have been - and then pull up your seaming thread. It should created an invisible seam from the right side with the garter stitch rows from both pieces lining up.

I am not gifted in any way with crafting. I just wanted to say your blanket looks lovely.

Thank you, OakDryad and Pepper59.
I have actually surprised myself by managing a non-messy join - helped by the end rows and cast-offs/ons being very similar colours.
So no need for strips, thank goodness - the last third will be quite enough!
But I’m getting on with something else for a bit now.

What a great idea Oakdryad thank you for sharing and Witzend love your colours on the blanket looks great.

Looks lovely and cosy, witz.