The most practical way to join yarn depends on where you are in your project
You join yarn when you run out mid-project, switch colors, or start a new ball. The method you choose matters because a weak join can unravel, and a visible one can break the look of your finished piece. The four main techniques are the weaver's knot (fastest, works mid-row), the Russian join (invisible, best for similar yarn weights), the spit splice (permanent, only for animal fibers), and tying on (simplest, hidden in seams). Each has a moment when it works best.
Most knitters learn one or two methods and stick with them, but knowing all four gives you options when the obvious choice does not fit your situation. A join that works perfectly in a seam may be wrong for the middle of a visible pattern. A method that is invisible on wool may not work on acrylic. This guide walks you through each technique, when to use it, and how to avoid the mistakes that make joins come loose.
Key Takeaways
- The weaver's knot is the fastest join and works anywhere in your knitting, but you will need to weave in the tails afterward.
- The Russian join threads the new yarn through the old yarn's fibers and is nearly invisible if done with matching yarn weights.
- The spit splice works only on wool and other animal fibers that felt together when wet, and creates a permanent join with no tail to weave in.
- Tying on with a straightforward knot is the easiest method and works well when the join will be hidden in a seam or edge.
The Weaver's Knot: Fastest and most reliable
The weaver's knot is the method most knitters reach for because it is quick, holds tight, and works anywhere in your project. You tie the old yarn and new yarn together using a straightforward overhand knot that cinches down when you pull. The join sits between your stitches and does not interrupt your rhythm.
To tie a weaver's knot, lay the old yarn and new yarn parallel, crossing them to form an X. Loop the old yarn around the new yarn, then thread the new yarn back through the loop and pull tight. The knot will slip and tighten as you knit the next few stitches. You will need to weave in both tails later, but the knot itself will not come loose. This method works with any yarn weight and fiber type, making it the most forgiving choice when you are unsure which join to use.
The Russian Join: Nearly invisible if done right
The Russian join hides the connection inside the yarn itself by threading one yarn through the fibers of the other. It leaves no knot and no visible join line, which makes it the best choice for visible areas of your project where a knot would show. The join disappears into the yarn and becomes part of the fabric.
Thread the new yarn onto a tapestry needle and push the needle through the center of the old yarn for about an inch, then back out. Pull gently so the new yarn sits inside the old yarn's fibers. Repeat in reverse: thread the old yarn through the new yarn the same way. Trim the ends close. The join works best when both yarns are the same weight and texture. If the new yarn is much thicker or thinner, the join can slip or create a visible bump where the fibers do not grip evenly.
The Spit Splice: Permanent but limited to animal fibers
The spit splice works only on wool, alpaca, mohair, and other animal fibers that felt and bond when wet. It creates a permanent join with no knot and no tail to weave in, which makes it popular for seamless projects. It does not work on cotton, acrylic, or plant-based yarns because those fibers do not felt.
Overlap the old yarn and new yarn by about two inches. Wet both strands with water or saliva, then rub them together between your palms for 10 to 15 seconds. The friction and moisture cause the fibers to felt and bond into one continuous strand. Once dry, the join is permanent and will not come apart. Test the join by pulling hard before you continue knitting. This method is ideal for projects where you want zero visible joins, but it only works if your yarn is made from animal fiber.
Tying On: Simplest method for hidden joins
Tying on is the easiest join and requires no special technique. You straightforward tie the old yarn and new yarn together with a square knot or double knot, the same way you would tie two pieces of string. This method works best when the join will be hidden—at the edge of a seam, inside a ribbed cuff, or at the start of a new row where the knot can be worked into the edge.
Make a square knot by crossing the old yarn over the new yarn, looping and pulling tight, then repeating in the opposite direction. The knot will be visible and bulky, so avoid using this method in the middle of a visible stitch pattern. Weave in both tails after you finish. This method is reliable and works with any yarn, but the knot itself will always be noticeable if it sits where someone can see it.
When to join at the end of a row versus mid-row
Joining at the end of a row is easier because you can tie the knot, weave in the tails, and move on without interrupting your stitch pattern. The join sits at the edge where it is less visible. Most knitters plan ahead and finish a row before the yarn runs out so they can join at the edge without breaking their rhythm.
If you run out of yarn mid-row, the weaver's knot or Russian join will let you keep knitting without dropping stitches. Tying on mid-row will create a visible knot in the middle of your work, so avoid it unless the join will be hidden by a seam or pattern texture. The spit splice also works mid-row because it leaves no knot at all. The trade-off is that mid-row joins take longer to execute and require more focus than end-of-row joins.
How to weave in tails after you join
After you join yarn with a knot, you will have two short tails to hide. Thread each tail onto a tapestry needle and weave it through the bumps on the back of your stitches for about an inch, following the line of the knitting. This anchors the tail and hides it inside the fabric. Trim the tail close to the fabric so it does not poke out.
For the weaver's knot and tying-on methods, weave both tails. For the Russian join, the tails are already inside the yarn and do not need weaving. For the spit splice, there are no tails to weave because the fibers have felted together. Weaving in tails takes a few extra minutes but is necessary to keep your joins from coming loose in the wash or with wear. A tail that is not woven in will eventually pull free and unravel the join.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join yarn in the middle of a stitch?
Yes, but it is not ideal. The weaver's knot and Russian join both work mid-stitch because the knot or join sits between stitches and does not interrupt the loop. Avoid tying on mid-stitch because the knot will be too bulky and visible. If you must join mid-row, use the weaver's knot or spit splice.
What if my new yarn is a different weight than the old yarn?
The weaver's knot and tying on work with any weight combination. The Russian join works best with matching weights because a thick yarn threaded through thin yarn can slip or create a visible bump. The spit splice also works best with matching weights because the felting is uneven if the fibers are very different sizes.
Will the join show in my finished project?
It depends on the method and placement. The Russian join and spit splice are nearly invisible. The weaver's knot and tying on create a knot that may show if it sits in a visible area, but will disappear if you weave the tails into a seam or edge. Joining at the end of a row hides the join better than joining mid-row.
Can I use the spit splice on acrylic yarn?
No. The spit splice only works on animal fibers like wool, alpaca, and mohair because those fibers felt when wet. Acrylic, cotton, and other synthetic or plant-based yarns do not felt and the join will come apart. Use the weaver's knot or Russian join instead.
How do I know if my join is strong enough?
Pull hard on both sides of the join before you continue knitting. A good join should not slip or separate. If it does, retie it or try a different method. The weaver's knot and spit splice are the strongest joins. The Russian join is strong if done with matching yarn weights. Tying on is reliable but the knot itself can slip if pulled hard, so weave in the tails securely.