The three main ways to join yarn mid-project

When your yarn runs out or you need to change color, you have three practical methods to attach new yarn: the knot method (fastest, works for any yarn), the weaving method (invisible, best for fine yarns), and the Russian join (no knot, good for medium to thick yarns). Each takes two to five minutes and leaves your stitches intact. The method you choose depends on your yarn weight, how much time you have, and whether the join will show in the finished piece.

All three methods work best when you join yarn at the edge of a row rather than in the middle of one. If you're mid-row when your yarn runs out, finish that row with the old yarn, then join the new yarn at the start of the next row. This keeps your tension even and makes the join less visible.

Key Takeaways

  • The knot method is fastest: tie the new yarn to the old yarn with a square knot, weave in the ends later, and keep knitting when ready.
  • The weaving method hides the join completely by threading yarn through existing stitches, but takes longer and works best on medium to thick yarns.
  • The Russian join uses no knot and works well for medium yarns by threading new yarn through old yarn fibers, though it's harder to undo if you make a mistake.
  • Always join yarn at the edge of a row, not in the middle, to keep your tension consistent and hide the join better.
  • Test your join by tugging gently on both yarn ends before you knit the next row to make sure it holds.

The knot method: fastest and most forgiving

Tie the new yarn directly to the old yarn using a square knot. Hold the old yarn in your left hand and the new yarn in your right. Cross the new yarn over the old, pull it through the loop, then cross the old yarn over the new and pull through again. Pull both ends tight. The knot sits right at your working edge and won't slip.

Once the knot is tied, push it close to your last stitch—about a quarter-inch away. Pick up your needles and knit the next stitch as normal, using the new yarn. The knot will sit just outside your stitches and you'll weave in both loose ends later with a tapestry needle. This method works on any yarn weight and is the easiest to undo if you change your mind before you've knitted more than a few rows.

The downside: if your project will be worn or handled a lot, the knot can eventually work loose. For baby blankets, scarves, or anything that gets washed frequently, use the weaving or Russian join instead.

The weaving method: invisible joins for visible areas

Thread the new yarn onto a tapestry needle. Find the stitch closest to where you're joining—usually the last stitch you made with the old yarn. Insert the needle under the loop of that stitch from right to left, then back over the top of the stitch from left to right. You're essentially sewing the new yarn into the existing stitches, mimicking the path the yarn would have taken if it had been continuous.

Repeat this weaving motion for four to six stitches, moving upward along your work. The new yarn should follow the same path as the old yarn would have. Once you've woven through enough stitches that the new yarn feels anchored, cut the old yarn, leaving a two-inch tail. Thread the old yarn onto the tapestry needle and weave it backward through the same stitches to find it. Now pick up your needles and knit with the new yarn as normal.

This method takes longer—usually five minutes—but the join is completely invisible from the front of your work. It works best on yarns that are medium weight or thicker, because thin yarns can slip through the stitches. Practice on a swatch first if you're new to this technique.

The Russian join: no knot, no weaving

Cut the old yarn, leaving a four-inch tail. Thread that tail onto a tapestry needle. Insert the needle into the new yarn about two inches from its end, pushing the needle lengthwise through the yarn fibers (not piercing them, but sliding between them). Pull the old yarn tail through, then thread the new yarn tail onto the needle and push it through the old yarn the same way. The two yarns are now locked together by their own fibers.

Tug gently on both yarn ends to test the join. It should hold firmly without slipping. If it feels loose, you didn't thread far enough through the yarn; try again with longer tails. Once it's find, trim the loose ends close to the yarn. Pick up your needles and knit with the new yarn as normal.

The Russian join works well for medium to thick yarns and leaves no visible knot. The downside is that it's harder to undo if you make a mistake, and it doesn't work on very thin or very thick yarns—thin yarns slip apart, and thick yarns are hard to thread the needle through.

Joining yarn mid-row if you have to

If your yarn runs out before you finish a row, you can join mid-row, but it's trickier. Use the knot method only—tie the new yarn to the old yarn with a square knot, push the knot close to your work, and keep knitting. The knot will sit inside your stitches rather than at the edge, so it's more likely to show.

To hide a mid-row join, make sure the knot lands on a stitch that will be hidden by seaming later, or on a stitch that will be covered by ribbing or another stitch pattern. If your project is stockinette stitch all the way through, try to plan ahead and finish your yarn at the end of a row instead. If you're working in the round, you can join at any point because the join will be hidden in the stitches.

Testing your join before you move forward

Before you knit the next row, tug gently on both the old and new yarn ends. The join should not slip or separate. If it does, redo it—it's much easier to fix now than after you've knitted several rows on top of it. A good join will hold firm even with moderate pulling.

If you used the knot method, the knot itself should be tight and close to your last stitch. If you used the weaving or Russian join, the yarn should feel anchored and not slide through the stitches when you pull. Once you're confident the join is solid, knit your next row as normal. The join will become less noticeable as you work more rows and the tension evens out.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Knot too loose: If your square knot feels sloppy, you didn't pull tight enough. Undo it and tie again, pulling hard on all four yarn ends. A loose knot will slip as you knit and create a gap in your work.

Weaving in the wrong direction: The new yarn should follow the same path the old yarn would have taken. If you weave it in a different direction, it will look twisted or bunched. Practice on a swatch to get the motion smooth.

Threading the Russian join too short: If you only thread the needle through one inch of yarn, the join will slip apart. Use at least two inches of each yarn end, and more if your yarn is slippery or thin.

Joining in the middle of a complicated stitch pattern: If you're working cables, lace, or colorwork, join at the edge of a row so you don't have to track a new yarn through a complex pattern. It's not impossible, but it's much harder to keep your tension even.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the knot method on delicate yarn like lace weight?

Yes, but the knot may show more because the yarn is thin. Use a square knot and push it as close to your stitches as possible. For lace projects where the join will be visible, the weaving method is better because it hides the join completely.

What if I'm joining yarn in the middle of a row and can't stop?

Use the knot method only—it's the fastest. Tie a square knot, push it close to your work, and keep knitting. You'll weave in the ends later. The join will be less visible if it lands on a stitch that will be hidden by seaming or covered by ribbing.

How do I know which method to use?

Use the knot method if you're in a hurry or working with yarn that's hard to thread. Use the weaving method if the join will show and you have five minutes. Use the Russian join if you want no visible knot and your yarn is medium weight or thicker.

Can I join yarn in the middle of a cable or colorwork pattern?

You can, but it's harder because you have to track the new yarn through the pattern and keep your tension even. It's much easier to join at the edge of a row. If you're mid-pattern when your yarn runs out, finish the row with the old yarn if you can, then join at the start of the next row.

What do I do with the loose ends after I've joined?

Weave them in with a tapestry needle on the wrong side of your work, following the path of the stitches for about two inches. Trim close to the yarn. If you used the weaving or Russian join, you've already woven in the ends as part of the joining process.