The two main ways to join yarn mid-project
You can add new yarn to your knitting in two ways: tie a knot at the edge of your work, or weave the new yarn in as you knit. The knot method is faster but leaves a small bump on your finished piece. The weaving method takes a few extra rows but creates a nearly invisible join that works well for visible edges or garments where a smooth finish matters.
Which method you choose depends on where the join will be — a seam that gets sewn together can hide a knot easily, but a visible edge like a scarf or blanket border looks better with a woven join. Both techniques work with any yarn weight or fiber type, though thicker yarns show knots more obviously.
Key Takeaways
- The knot method ties the old and new yarn together at the edge of your work and is done in seconds, but creates a small visible bump.
- The weaving method overlaps the old and new yarn for several rows so they hold together without a knot, and the join becomes invisible when you weave in the ends.
- Knots work best for seams or edges that will be hidden, while weaving works best for visible edges or when you want a seamless look.
- Both methods require you to weave in the loose ends with a yarn needle after you finish knitting, which secures the join permanently.
The knot method: tying yarn at the edge
To use the knot method, drop the old yarn at the end of a row and pick up the new yarn. Tie a straightforward overhand knot with the two yarn ends, pulling it snug against the edge of your work. The knot sits right at the side of your knitting where the rows meet.
Start knitting with the new yarn on the next row. The knot stays in place at the edge and does not unravel because the stitches on either side of it hold it in. This method is when ready — you lose no time and can keep your rhythm going.
The downside is that the knot creates a small lump on the edge of your piece. If that edge will be sewn into a seam (like the side of a sweater), the lump disappears into the seam allowance. If the edge is visible (like the side of a scarf), the knot shows as a small bump.
The weaving method: overlapping yarn for a hidden join
The weaving method takes longer but hides the join completely. At the end of a row, drop the old yarn but do not tie anything. Pick up the new yarn and knit the next row holding both the old and new yarn together as if they were one strand. Knit for three to five rows this way, then drop the old yarn and continue with just the new yarn.
The overlap of two yarns for several rows creates enough friction that they hold together without a knot. When you finish knitting and weave in the loose ends with a yarn needle, the old yarn disappears into the stitches on one side and the new yarn disappears into the stitches on the other side. The join becomes invisible.
This method works best when the join will be on a visible edge, because there is no lump and no knot to hide. It also works well if you are nervous about knots coming undone, since the overlap itself is what holds the yarns together. The trade-off is that you use a little extra yarn and your tension may look slightly different for those overlap rows — practice helps.
Choosing the right spot to add yarn
Add new yarn at the end of a row, not in the middle of one. Ending a row gives you a clean edge to work from and makes the join much easier to manage. If you are in the middle of a row when you run out of yarn, finish that row with the old yarn if you can, or cut the old yarn and tie it in at the edge.
For the knot method, the edge where you tie is the best place because it is already a natural break in your work. For the weaving method, the edge is also ideal because the overlap rows blend in with the rest of the edge stitches.
If you are working in the round (on circular needles or double-pointed needles), add yarn at the start of a round for the same reason — it gives you a clear place to begin and end your join.
Weaving in the loose ends after you finish
Both the knot method and the weaving method leave you with loose yarn ends that need to be secured. Thread a yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle) with one of the loose ends. Weave the needle through the stitches on the back of your work, going in and out of the loops for about two inches. This anchors the yarn end so it cannot pull free.
Trim the loose end close to your work after you have woven it in. Do not cut it flush — leave about a quarter inch so it does not slip back out. Repeat with the other loose end from the join.
Weaving in the ends is the step that makes both methods permanent. Without it, even a knot can eventually work loose if the piece gets washed or handled a lot. With it, the join holds for the life of the garment.
Tension and color changes at the join
Your tension may shift slightly where you add new yarn, especially if you are switching to a different yarn weight or fiber. The stitches right after the join might look slightly looser or tighter than the rest of your work. This is normal and usually evens out after a few rows as your hands adjust to the new yarn.
If you are changing yarn color, the join will show a color line at the edge of your work. This is unavoidable with the knot method, but the weaving method hides it better because the overlap rows blend the two colors together. Some knitters use this color line as a design feature — it can look intentional if you plan it as a stripe.
When to use each method: a quick guide
| Situation | Best Method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Seams that will be sewn together | Knot method | The knot hides inside the seam allowance |
| Visible edges (scarves, blankets, shawls) | Weaving method | No visible lump or knot on the finished edge |
| You are in a hurry | Knot method | Takes seconds instead of several rows |
| You want the strongest join | Weaving method | The overlap creates more grip than a knot alone |
| Color change that should blend | Weaving method | The overlap rows transition between colors smoothly |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add yarn in the middle of a row?
You can, but it is much harder. Tie a knot in the middle of the row and keep knitting, but the knot will be visible in the middle of your fabric rather than at the edge. It is better to finish the row with the old yarn if you have enough, or cut and tie at the edge of the next row.
What if my knot comes undone while I am knitting?
Tie it again when ready and pull it snug. If it keeps slipping, you can tie a double knot (an overhand knot tied twice) instead of a single knot. After you weave in the ends, the knot is locked in place and cannot come undone.
Do I have to weave in the ends right away?
No. Many knitters leave the loose ends until the entire project is finished, then weave them all in at once. This is easier because you can see the whole piece and plan where to hide the ends. Just make sure you do weave them in before you wear or wash the garment.
Can I use the weaving method with very thin yarn?
Yes, but you may need to overlap for more rows — five to seven instead of three to five — because thin yarn creates less friction. Test it by gently pulling the overlap section before you drop the old yarn. If it feels solid, you can drop it. If it feels loose, knit one more row with both yarns.
What is the difference between a yarn needle and a regular sewing needle?
A yarn needle has a larger eye to fit thick yarn and a blunt tip so it slides through stitches without splitting the yarn fibers. A sewing needle has a small eye and a sharp point. Use a yarn needle for knitting — a sewing needle will fray your yarn and make weaving in the ends frustrating.