Tip Tuesday: Four Unique Ways to Join Your Yarns

Switching skeins or changing colors? A seamless yarn join can make all the difference in your projects! 

This week, we’re breaking down four unique yarn joining techniques that you can use to create smooth transitions. For this tutorial, we’ll use two colors of yarn to help you clearly see each method in action but you can use these with the same colors when you are simply moving to the next skein in your project.
Let’s get started with yarn joins!

1. The Magic Knot

The magic knot is a quick, easy, and secure option that doesn't waste unnecessary yarn. 

1. Overlap the working and new yarns by 3–5 inches.
2. Tie a knot around the working yarn using the new yarn, and repeat with the working yarn around the new.
3. Pull both yarns in opposite directions to bring the knots together, and lock them in place.
4. Trim the excess ends and continue stitching.

This method is fast and reliable but can leave a small bump in your fabric.

2. Magic Knot 2!

The easiest and most common method of joining your yarns. Sometimes referred to as the simple knot and sometimes referred to as a magic knot, this method is ideal for beginners. 

1. Align the tail of the working yarn with the start of the new yarn.
2. Tie a pretzel knot, with both strands.
3. Pull tight and trim the ends close before continuing to stitch.

While easy, this technique does create a more visible knot. So keep that in mind while you’re trying this out. 

3. The Russian Join

This method is going to be your go-to for color changes or adding a new skein without knots. It’s the most seamless connection on this list that maintains a distinct line between the old and new colors.

1. Fold your working yarn over your new yarn.
2. Thread a needle with the tail of your working yarn.
3. Weave the needle back into the working yarn itself for about two inches and pull it through to close the loop that the new yarn is looped through.
4. Take your new yarn tail and repeat this process, weaving it into itself.
5. Cut the excess tails & continue stitching.

This join doesn’t work with tape yarns. But it is sturdy, knot-free, and works beautifully with most other yarn types.

4. The Braided Join

This is a fun one! It’s great for blending your new skein with your old skein when you run out. Although it’s not ideal for color changes because it creates a visible overlap. You will also see a texture difference in your knitting over these sections. 

1. Unravel about two inches of the plies from both the working and new yarn tails.
2. Split your plies in half.
3. Find the center and interlock the unraveled plies in a "V" shape.
4. Braid the three strands on each side together for about 1.5 inches.
5. Trim the excess yarn before continuing to knit or crochet.

This method creates a secure and nearly invisible join for single-color projects.

Note: Practice Makes Perfect

Each join has its pros and cons, and works better with different fiber types. So experiment with all of these techniques to find your favorite. 
Do you already have a favorite? Which join will you try first? Let us know in the comments below. Until next week, happy crafting!