Joining Yarn in Knitting
How to Add a New Ball of Yarn

Joining yarn is a simple knitting technique for adding a new yarn ball. And since there are so many ways to do it I'm just going to show you how I do it and then you can try.  

That way you won't have to worry when it's time to change that ball of yarn or even if you would like to change colors.  It's really easy.

And while the obvious reason for adding a new ball of yarn is because you've come to the end of the old one, there are other reasons too:

• You may find a knot in your yarn. This happens and the best way to deal with any knot is to cut it out.  More about this in a minute.
• You may discover a thick and thin section of your yarn (imperfection) 
  
• You're changing yarn colors
  

***Important Note About Knots In Yarn***

There may be times that you find some sort of a knot in your yarn. Don't knit them.

The problem with knitting knots is that they always seem to make a grand entrance on the right side of your work. The end up poking through.

And it never fails, that knot will probably be right smack dab in the front where everyone can see it.

The other problem is that some knots look really tiny and you may want to keep on knitting, ignoring it completely. I'm so guilty of this but don't do it.

That teeny tiny knot usually ends up holding the two pieces of yarn together. And when you tug on the ends it comes apart. 

If you knit it more than likely it'll start coming apart particularly after a couple of washes. 

The best advice is, when you come across a knot, cut it out all together. And then use the following knitting technique for joining yarn. It's one of the best ways to deal with it.

Layout For Joining New Yarn

In this photo I want you to see the layout for joining yarn because it can be confusing on just how to start the new yarn. 

The new yarn end will be lying along the left side of the left needle. Leave 3 - 6 inches for the new yarn as well.

Joining Yarn in the Same Color On Circular Needles

This knitting technique works for knitting in the round on circular needles as well. The only difference of course is that you don't have an end of the row.  

In this case when I'm joining yarn, I'll try joining it close to where a seam might be like under the arm or even off to the side a bit.  

That way it's not right in the spotlight where the eyes focus.

Being able to position where you'll be joining yarn isn't always a choice, after all it's knitting. Stuff happens so just work the join carefully that's all.            

Adding the New Ball of Yarn

1. I always knit the first stitch with the old yarn. It is a matter of choice though.  This way it keeps the seam edge nice a neat. 

Of course if I am knitting stripes I will join yarn at the very beginning of the row

2. Grab the tail end of the old ball of yarn and the new yarn and wrap both yarns around the right needle and just knit it.  

Knit the next stitch the same way using both yarns.  Don't worry if the stitches get loose, it'll be okay.  And you can fix it in a minute. 

3. Knit two or three stitches and drop the old yarn end and continue knitting with the new one.

Once you have worked a few more stitches stop knitting and turn your knitting over.

4. Here's how to secure both yarn ends until your finished knitting. Either tie a half knot as in the first photo or tie a tiny bow.

That way the ends will be more secure until you're ready to weave them in. Then turn your knitting over and continue knitting to the end of the row.

And that's it. The photo below is when you work the joins on the next row. Have a look.

5. Begin next row by knitting or purling depending on whether you're knitting stockinette stitch and knit across to where the join is. 

It will be the double stitch of old and new yarns.  

Make sure to knit the double stitches as one stitch.  In the photo above I began to knit the stitch in order to show you.  And you're done.

Joining Yarn In New Color 

So what happens if you're changing yarn colors?  No problem.

1. Knit up to where you want to add your new yarn color. Drop the old yarn and start knitting with the new one.  

The stitches will be loose but you can fix them in a minute.

2. Knit a couple more stitches, then stop knitting, turn your knitting over and tie a half knot or bow just like we did above with the same color.  

That way the stitches won't feel so floppy.

Are you wondering how to sew up the joins when you're finished knitting? 

Knitting Tips for Closing Joins

Have a look at the back of my knitting.  This is where I added a new ball of yarn and how I will close up the little holes.

OK, so there's a hole. 

Take the two yarn ends and twist them both around one whole turn.  You may need to adjust the tension of your stitches and fiddle with it a bit until it's right. 

Then just weave in the ends. The same color yarn ends will go in the same color part of the fabric if you have different colors.

Here is the end result of the same color yarn and I don't think you can even tell where the joins were right?

And here is the finished swatch with the new color. 

Just in case you'd prefer to watch how it's done I found two great knitting videos, one is using the same color yarn and the other is adding a new color. 

Joining Yarn With Same Color Knitting Video

Joining Yarn With New Color Knitting Video

I hope this helps. Happy Knitting!

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