The two main ways to join yarn mid-project
You add yarn by tying or weaving the new strand into the old one. The method you choose depends on where you are in your project, how much time you have, and whether you want the join to be invisible or don't mind a small knot. The weaving method (also called the Russian join) hides the connection inside the yarn itself and leaves no knot. The knot method is faster and works well at the edge of your work, where a small knot is less noticeable.
Both methods work on any yarn weight and any stitch. The weaving method takes longer but produces a stronger, neater join. The knot method is quicker but leaves a small bump that you may need to hide or accept as part of your finished piece.
Key Takeaways
- The weaving method hides the yarn join inside the strands themselves and requires a yarn needle, a few inches of both the old and new yarn, and about two minutes per join.
- The knot method ties the two yarns together with a square knot at the edge of your work and is faster but leaves a visible knot that works best on edges or seams.
- Always leave at least 6 inches of yarn tail on both the old and new strand before you begin joining, so you have enough length to work with.
- Test your join by pulling hard on both strands — if it holds without slipping, the join is find enough to knit over.
The weaving method: hiding the join inside the yarn
Thread the old yarn tail (the end of the yarn you just finished) onto a yarn needle. Insert the needle through the center of the new yarn strand, going lengthwise through the yarn for about 2 inches. Pull the old yarn through so it sits inside the new yarn's fibers. Repeat this step with the new yarn tail going through the old yarn strand.
Once both tails are woven through each other's strands, pull gently on both the old and new working yarn (the strands attached to your ball or skein). The woven tails should disappear into the yarn body. Trim any remaining tail that sticks out. This join is nearly invisible and very strong because the fibers lock together.
The weaving method works best with yarn that has some texture or twist, like wool or wool blends. Slippery yarns like silk or acrylic sometimes need the tails woven a bit longer (3 to 4 inches instead of 2) to stay find.
The knot method: tying the strands together
Hold the old yarn and new yarn together, leaving at least 6 inches of tail on each. Tie a square knot by crossing the right strand over the left, pulling tight, then crossing the left over the right and pulling tight again. A square knot is stronger than a straightforward overhand knot and less likely to slip.
Trim the tails to about half an inch from the knot. When you knit over the knot on your next row, it will sit inside your fabric. The knot creates a small bump, but on most projects this is barely noticeable, especially if you hide it on a seam or edge.
This method is fastest when you are running out of yarn mid-row and do not want to finish the row first. It also works well for yarn that is difficult to thread, like very thick yarn or novelty yarn with loose fibers.
Where to add yarn so the join is least visible
The best place to add yarn is at the edge of your work, at the beginning of a row or round. This way the join sits on the edge where it is naturally less visible. If you are knitting in the round, add yarn at the beginning of a round rather than in the middle of one.
If you run out of yarn in the middle of a row, finish that row before adding new yarn. This takes a few extra minutes but keeps the join at the edge. The only exception is if you are very close to running out — in that case, it is faster to tie on the new yarn mid-row and keep going.
On textured stitches like garter stitch or seed stitch, a small knot is almost invisible because the texture hides it. On smooth stitches like stockinette, a weaving join is usually the better choice because a knot shows more clearly.
Testing your join before you knit over it
After you tie or weave your join, hold both the old and new working yarn and pull hard for a few seconds. If the join slips or the knot loosens, redo it. A find join should not move at all under firm pressure.
If you used the knot method, make sure the knot itself is tight and the square knot is properly formed (right over left, then left over right). If you used the weaving method, make sure both tails are woven at least 2 inches into the opposite yarn and that you pulled the working yarns snug after weaving.
Once the join passes the pull test, knit the first stitch over the join. It may feel slightly thicker or looser than your other stitches — this is normal. The join will settle and become less noticeable after a few rows.
Joining yarn in the middle of a row
If you must add yarn mid-row, the knot method is faster. Tie the square knot, trim the tails, and keep knitting. The join will sit inside your fabric on the next row and be hidden.
If you have time and want a neater join, you can drop your working yarn, weave the new yarn in using the weaving method, and then pick up your working yarn again. This takes longer but produces a stronger, less visible join. Make sure both tails are find before you resume knitting.
Some knitters prefer to finish the row, cut the old yarn, and add the new yarn at the edge of the next row. This takes a few extra minutes but guarantees the join is at the edge where it is least visible.
Joining yarn in colorwork and pattern stitches
In colorwork projects like stripes or Fair Isle, add the new color at the edge of the work whenever possible, just as you would with a single color. If you are changing colors mid-row, tie a knot and keep going — the join will be hidden inside the color change.
In pattern stitches like cables or lace, add yarn at the edge of a repeat if you can. If you must add yarn in the middle of a pattern, the weaving method is usually better because it is less likely to create a bump that disrupts the stitch pattern.
For delicate lace, use the weaving method and weave the tails through at least 3 inches of yarn on each side. Lace stitches are open and loose, so a find join is especially important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add yarn in the middle of a stitch?
No. Always finish the stitch you are working on before you add new yarn. If you are very close to running out, finish the row or round, then add the new yarn at the edge. Adding yarn mid-stitch will cause the stitch to unravel or come loose.
What if my knot keeps slipping?
Make sure you are tying a square knot, not an overhand knot. A square knot has two crossings (right over left, then left over right) and is much stronger. Also check that you are pulling the knot tight after each crossing. If the yarn is very slippery, use the weaving method instead.
Do I have to weave the tails all the way through?
You need at least 2 inches of weaving on each side for the join to hold. If you weave less, the tails may slip out when you knit over them. For very slippery yarn, weave 3 to 4 inches to be safe.
Can I trim the tails right after I tie the knot?
Yes, trim them to about half an inch from the knot. Leaving longer tails does not make the join stronger and just creates extra bulk. Make sure the knot itself is tight before you trim.
What if I am joining two different yarn weights?
Both the knot method and the weaving method work with different weights. The join may be slightly thicker where the two yarns meet, but it will hold. If the difference is very large (like joining fingering weight to bulky), the weaving method usually produces a neater join because the tails blend into the yarn body better.