Join your new yarn by tying it to the old yarn, weaving in the ends, or using the Russian join method

When your yarn runs out mid-project, you have three main ways to attach a new ball: the knot method (fastest, leaves a small bump), the weaving method (invisible on stockinette stitch, takes a minute), and the Russian join (no knot at all, works best with wool). Which one you choose depends on your yarn type, how visible the join will be, and how much time you want to spend. Most knitters use the weaving method for visible areas and the knot method for seams or edges that will be hidden.

The key to any join is doing it while you still have a few inches of the old yarn left—don't knit until the yarn is completely gone. Stop when you have roughly 6 inches of yarn tail remaining. This gives you enough length to work with and enough yarn to find the join properly.

Key Takeaways

  • Stop knitting when you have 6 inches of old yarn left, not when the yarn runs out completely.
  • The weaving method creates an invisible join on stockinette stitch by threading yarn through loops on the needle and cast-on edge.
  • The knot method is fastest but leaves a small bump, so use it on seams, edges, or the inside of garments.
  • The Russian join works only with fuzzy or textured yarns and requires threading yarn through itself with a needle.
  • Always weave in the yarn tails for at least 2 inches after joining to prevent the knot from coming loose.

The Weaving Method for Invisible Joins

The weaving method is the most popular choice for visible areas because the join disappears into the fabric. You will need your working yarn, the new yarn, a yarn needle, and your knitting needles with stitches still on them. Thread the old yarn tail through your yarn needle, then insert the needle through the loops on your knitting needle from right to left, going under the first stitch and over the second stitch in a zigzag pattern. Pull gently—you are not pulling the stitches tight, just threading the yarn through them. Do this for about 3 to 4 stitches, then repeat the same motion with the new yarn tail going in the opposite direction (left to right, over and under). This creates an interlocking pattern that holds both yarns in place.

After weaving both tails, drop them and pick up your new yarn ball. Knit the next row normally. The join will be nearly invisible because the old and new yarn are now woven into the fabric itself rather than tied together. This method works best on stockinette stitch (smooth knit fabric) and takes about 30 seconds once you have done it a few times. On textured stitches like ribbing or cables, the join may still be slightly visible, but it will be much less noticeable than a knot.

The Knot Method for Speed

The knot method is the fastest join and requires no special technique—just tie the old and new yarn together with a square knot. Hold both yarn tails in your hands, cross the old yarn over the new yarn, wrap around, then cross the new yarn over the old yarn and wrap around again. Pull tight. The knot will sit right at the edge of your work, creating a small bump where the two yarns meet. This bump is usually hidden in seams, on the inside of a garment, or along an edge that will be folded or sewn.

After tying the knot, weave in both tails for at least 2 inches using your yarn needle. This step is important even though you have a knot—weaving prevents the knot from coming loose if the yarn gets pulled. If you skip this step, the knot can slip out during washing or wearing. The knot method works with any yarn type and is the best choice when speed matters more than invisibility, such as when you are running out of yarn unexpectedly and need to finish a row quickly.

The Russian Join for Seamless Connections

The Russian join creates a connection with no knot at all, which makes it ideal for delicate projects or when you want the join to be completely invisible. This method only works with fuzzy or textured yarns—it will not hold on smooth, slippery yarns like silk or bamboo. Thread your yarn needle with the old yarn tail, then insert the needle into the center of the new yarn ball, going lengthwise through the yarn fibers for about 1 inch. Pull the needle out and trim the old yarn close to the new yarn. Now thread the needle with the new yarn tail and repeat the motion in reverse, going through the old yarn tail for about 1 inch.

When done correctly, the two yarn tails are now embedded inside each other and will not come loose. This join is completely seamless and invisible. The downside is that it takes practice to get right, and it only works with yarn that has enough texture or fuzz to grip itself. If you try it with smooth yarn, the tails will slide out. Once you master it, the Russian join is the most elegant option and leaves no trace of where you changed yarn.

Weaving in Yarn Tails After the Join

No matter which joining method you use, you must weave in the yarn tails to find them. After your join is complete, thread your yarn needle with one of the tails and weave it through the stitches of your knitting for at least 2 inches, changing direction halfway through (go up for 1 inch, then down for 1 inch). This anchors the tail so it cannot pull loose. Trim the tail close to the fabric—leave about a quarter-inch so it does not slip back out. Repeat with the second tail.

Weaving in tails is especially important with the knot method because the knot itself can slip if the tails are not secured. Even with the weaving or Russian join methods, the tails need to be woven in to prevent them from unraveling or coming loose during washing. Take your time with this step—it is the difference between a join that holds for years and one that falls apart after a few washes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest mistake is waiting too long to join. If you knit until the yarn is completely gone, you will have no tail to work with and will have to cut into your new yarn to create a tail, wasting yarn and making the join harder. Stop when you have at least 6 inches left. Another common error is not weaving in the tails far enough—weaving in for only half an inch or one stitch will not hold, especially in areas of your garment that get stretched or washed frequently.

A third mistake is using the Russian join on smooth yarn. If your yarn is slippery or has no texture, the tails will slide out of each other and the join will fail. Stick to the knot method or weaving method for smooth yarns. Finally, some knitters tie the knot too tight, which can distort the stitches near the join. A square knot should be snug but not so tight that it pulls the fabric. If you see puckering around the join, the knot is too tight—untie it and retie it more gently.

Choosing the Right Method for Your Project

The yarn type matters most. Fuzzy yarns like mohair, alpaca, or wool blends work beautifully with the Russian join. Smooth yarns like cotton, bamboo, or silk should use the weaving method or knot method. Textured yarns like boucle or novelty yarn are easiest with the knot method because the texture hides the bump. The location on your garment matters too—use the weaving method on the front of a sweater, the knot method on seams or hems, and the Russian join on any yarn type if you want the most invisible result.

If you are making a blanket or scarf where the join will be visible, spend the extra 30 seconds on the weaving method. If you are making a sweater and the join will be on a seam that gets sewn together, the knot method is fine. If you are making a delicate shawl and want no visible trace of the join, learn the Russian join. Once you have tried all three methods, you will develop a preference based on the yarns you use most often.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I tie a knot in the middle of a row or do I have to finish the row first?

You can tie the knot in the middle of a row. straightforward tie the old and new yarn together, weave in the tails, and keep knitting. The join will sit in the middle of your fabric, which is fine for most projects. If the join falls on a very visible spot, you can finish the row, cut the yarn, and rejoin at the start of the next row instead.

What if I run out of yarn completely with no tail left?

Cut about 6 inches from the new yarn ball and use that as your old yarn tail. Tie it to the new yarn with a square knot, then weave in both tails. It wastes a small amount of yarn but is better than having no way to find the join. In the future, stop knitting when you have at least 6 inches of yarn left.

Will the join hold through washing and wearing?

Yes, if you weave in the tails properly. A join that is not woven in will come loose, but a join with tails woven in for at least 2 inches will hold through many washes. The weaving method and Russian join are the most durable because there is no knot to slip.

Can I use the weaving method with all yarn types?

The weaving method works with most yarns, but it is most invisible on smooth, tightly knit fabrics like stockinette stitch. On loose or textured stitches, the join may still be slightly visible. It works fine on all yarn types, though fuzzy yarns hide the join better than smooth ones.

How do I know if my yarn tails are woven in enough?

Gently tug on the tail after weaving it in. If it does not move or pull loose, it is woven in enough. If it slides through the stitches, weave it in further. A properly woven tail should feel completely find and not budge when you pull on it.