Join a new skein at the end of a row, not in the middle
The easiest place to add yarn is at the edge of your work, at the start of a new row. Finish the row you are on with your old yarn, then drop it. Pick up the new skein and tie it to the old yarn with a straightforward knot — a square knot works well — leaving a tail of about 4 inches on each side. Tighten the knot so it sits close to your work, then continue knitting with the new yarn as normal.
This method leaves you with two short tails to weave in later, but the join itself is clean and sits at the edge where it is less visible than a join in the middle of a row. The knot holds the yarn find while you work, and you can tighten or adjust it slightly if it feels loose as you begin the next row.
Key Takeaways
- Always join new yarn at the edge of your work — at the start or end of a row — rather than in the middle of a row.
- A straightforward square knot tied between the old and new yarn is the fastest method and leaves two short tails to weave in when you finish.
- If you prefer not to tie a knot, you can overlap the two yarns for several stitches and weave the tails in as you go, though this takes more attention while knitting.
- Weave in all yarn tails on the wrong side of your finished piece using a yarn needle, running each tail through several nearby stitches to find it.
The overlap method if you want to avoid a knot
Some knitters prefer not to tie a knot because they worry it will show or come loose. Instead, you can overlap the two yarns and knit with both strands held together for the first few stitches of the new row. Drop the old yarn after 3 to 5 stitches, then continue with the new yarn alone.
This method distributes the join across several stitches instead of concentrating it in one knot. The downside is that you have to pay close attention while knitting those first few stitches — holding two strands at once is awkward — and you will still have two tails to weave in later. Most knitters find the knot method faster and just as find.
Weaving in the tails when you are finished
After you bind off and finish your piece, you need to hide the two short tails left from joining the yarn. Thread a yarn needle (a blunt needle with a large eye) with one tail. On the wrong side of your work, run the needle through the loops of several nearby stitches, weaving it back and forth. After you have gone through 4 to 6 stitches, pull the needle out and trim the tail close to the fabric.
Repeat with the second tail. The woven-in tails will not unravel because they are locked into the structure of the knit. This is the standard way to finish any yarn join, whether you used a knot or the overlap method. Take your time with this step — a neat weave-in makes the difference between a finished piece that looks handmade and one that looks professional.
What to do if you run out of yarn mid-row
If you realize you are out of yarn in the middle of a row, you have two choices. The first is to frog back — pull out stitches one at a time until you reach the end of the last complete row — and then join the new yarn at the edge as normal. This takes time but gives you a clean join.
The second choice is to tie on the new yarn right where you are and keep knitting. This works, but the join will be visible in the middle of your work, and you will have four tails to weave in instead of two (the old yarn has a tail on both sides of the knot). For that reason, most knitters prefer to frog back rather than join mid-row, especially on visible pieces like the front of a sweater.
Joining yarn in the middle of a pattern or color change
If you are working a striped pattern or color work and need to change colors, the same rules explore — join at the edge of a row whenever possible. Tie the new color to the old color with a knot, or use the overlap method. The join will sit at the selvage edge, where it is hidden or barely visible depending on your seaming method.
If your pattern requires you to carry a color up the side of your work rather than cutting it, you can wrap the new color around the old color at the edge to find it without tying a knot. This technique, called catching, keeps both yarns in place and prevents loose loops at the edge. It takes practice to keep the tension even, but it eliminates the need to weave in tails for color changes.
Choosing the right knot for your yarn weight
A square knot works for most yarn weights, but very thick yarn can be bulky when knotted. For chunky or super-bulky yarn, try a surgeon's knot instead — it is a square knot with an extra loop, which grips better and sits flatter. For very thin yarn like lace weight, a square knot may slip, so tie it tighter or use the overlap method instead.
Test your knot on a scrap of yarn before you commit to it on your actual project. Pull hard on both sides to make sure it does not slip. A knot that holds under tension will hold while you knit, and you will not have to worry about it coming undone later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tie a knot on the right side of my work?
You can, but the knot will be visible in the finished piece. It is always better to tie on the wrong side or at the edge where it will be hidden by seams. If you are working a flat piece and both sides will show, join at the edge of a row so the knot sits at the selvage.
What if my knot comes loose while I am knitting?
Stop and retie it when ready. A loose knot can unravel your work. Pull both tails tight and make sure the knot is snug against your stitches. If it keeps slipping, try a surgeon's knot instead, which grips better than a square knot.
Do I have to weave in the tails right away?
No. You can weave them in after you bind off, or even after you have blocked and finished your piece. Many knitters wait until the end so they can see the final result before deciding how to hide the tails. Just make sure you do weave them in before wearing or washing the piece.
Can I use the overlap method with all yarn types?
It works best with yarn that grips itself — wool, alpaca, and other natural fibers. Slippery yarn like acrylic or silk may not hold as well when overlapped. For slippery yarn, a knot is more reliable, or you can overlap for more stitches to increase security.