The two main ways to change yarn color

You change yarn color by tying the new yarn to the old one and knitting with the new strand. The two methods are the knot method, where you tie the yarns together before you start knitting with the new color, and the overlap method, where you knit both yarns together for a few stitches to find the join. The knot method is faster and leaves a smaller bump at the color change. The overlap method is stronger and hides the join better inside your fabric, but it uses more yarn and can look bulky if your yarn is thick.

Which method you choose depends on where the color change happens in your project. If the change is at the edge of your work or somewhere the join will be hidden, the knot method works fine. If the change is in the middle of a visible section, the overlap method gives you a neater result.

Key Takeaways

  • The knot method ties the new yarn to the old yarn before you start knitting, and it works best at edges or places the join will be hidden.
  • The overlap method knits both yarns together for several stitches, making a stronger join that looks neater in the middle of your work.
  • Weave in the yarn tails from either method on the back of your fabric after you finish knitting to hide the knots.
  • Practice the method you choose on a small swatch before you use it on your actual project.
  • The knot method uses less yarn overall, while the overlap method requires extra yarn at the color change point.

How to use the knot method

Hold the old yarn and the new yarn in your left hand so the ends overlap by about 4 inches. Tie a straightforward overhand knot, pulling it tight so the knot sits close to your working stitches. Trim the tails to about 1 inch on each side of the knot. Slide the knot up to the back of your work so it does not get caught in your stitches as you knit.

Start knitting with the new yarn on your next stitch. The knot will sit on the wrong side of your fabric. After you finish your project, thread each tail through a yarn needle and weave it through the stitches on the back of your work for about 2 inches, then trim the excess. This secures the knot and hides the tails.

The knot method works especially well when you are changing color at the start of a new row or round, because the knot ends up at the edge where it is less visible. If you are changing color in the middle of a row, the knot will show on the back of your work, but it will not affect how your stitches look from the front.

How to use the overlap method

Drop the old yarn and pick up the new yarn, leaving a 4-inch tail of the new yarn hanging. Knit the next 4 to 6 stitches using only the new yarn. Now go back and pick up the old yarn and knit those same 4 to 6 stitches again, working over both the old and new yarn tails. This creates a double layer of stitches that locks the color change in place.

Once you have knitted over both yarns, drop the old yarn and continue knitting with only the new yarn. The overlap creates a small thickened section where the colors meet, but this blends into the fabric and is much less noticeable than a knot. After you finish your project, weave in both tails on the back of your work.

The overlap method uses more yarn at the color change point because you are knitting the same stitches twice. It also takes longer than the knot method. Use it when the color change is in a place where people will see it from the front, or when you want the strongest possible join.

Changing color at the edge versus in the middle

A color change at the edge of your work — such as at the start of a new row in flat knitting or at the beginning of a new round in circular knitting — is the easiest place to change colors. The join sits right at the selvage, where it is naturally hidden. Use the knot method here and you will barely see the transition.

A color change in the middle of a row or round is more visible and requires more care. The overlap method works better here because it spreads the join across several stitches instead of concentrating it in one spot. If you must use the knot method in the middle of your work, tie the knot on the back of your fabric and make sure the tails are woven in securely so they do not work loose.

Stranded colorwork — where you carry both colors across the row and pick them up as needed — is a different technique altogether and does not use either of these methods. In stranded work, you straightforward drop one color and pick up the other without tying anything.

Weaving in yarn tails after the color change

After you finish your project, you will have two yarn tails at each color change point: one from the old yarn and one from the new yarn. Thread each tail through a yarn needle, one at a time. On the back of your fabric, weave the needle through the stitches in a straight line for about 2 inches, then pull the needle out and trim the tail close to the fabric.

Weave each tail in a different direction so they do not cross over each other and create a visible line on the front. If your yarn is slippery, like acrylic or silk, weave the tail through the stitches twice — once in each direction — to make sure it does not slip out later. For wool and other grabby yarns, one pass is usually enough.

The goal is to hide the tail inside the fabric so it does not show from the front and does not work loose when you wear or wash the finished piece. Take your time with this step, because a tail that comes out will unravel the stitches around the color change.

Common mistakes when changing yarn color

The most common mistake is tying the knot too close to your working stitches. If the knot is right at the needle, it gets caught in your stitches and creates a lump. Always tie the knot at least 4 inches away from your needle, then slide it to the back of your work before you start knitting.

Another mistake is not weaving in the tails securely. A tail that is woven in for only half an inch will work loose, especially in a garment that gets a lot of wear. Weave each tail for at least 2 inches and consider weaving it twice if your yarn is slippery.

Some knitters try to change color by straightforward dropping the old yarn and picking up the new one without tying or overlapping. This creates a gap or a weak spot where the two colors meet, and the stitches can unravel. Always use one of the two methods to find the join.

Choosing the right method for your yarn and project

Thick, chunky yarns work better with the knot method because the overlap method creates too much bulk. Thin, delicate yarns can use either method, but the overlap method gives you a stronger join. If you are working with a yarn that splits easily, like a loosely plied yarn, the knot method is safer because you do not have to pull the needle through the same stitches twice.

For a garment that will get a lot of wear, such as a sweater or a pair of socks, the overlap method is worth the extra time and yarn because it creates a join that will not come apart. For a decorative item like a blanket or a shawl that will not be handled as much, the knot method is fine.

If you are not sure which method will work best for your project, knit a small swatch using both methods and see which one you prefer. This also gives you a chance to practice before you commit to the color change on your actual work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change yarn color in the middle of a stitch?

No. Always finish the stitch you are working on before you change colors. If you change colors in the middle of a stitch, the stitch will be weak and may unravel. Complete the stitch with the old yarn, then tie on the new yarn and start the next stitch.

What if my yarn tails keep slipping out after I weave them in?

Your yarn is slippery, which is common with acrylic and some synthetic blends. Weave the tail through the stitches twice — once in each direction — instead of just once. You can also tie a small knot at the end of the tail before you weave it in, though this creates a small bump that you may feel when you wear the garment.

Does the knot method work for circular knitting?

Yes. Tie the knot the same way you would for flat knitting, and slide it to the back of your work before you start knitting the next round. The knot will sit on the inside of your circular piece where it will not show.

How much extra yarn do I need for the overlap method?

The overlap method uses about 1 to 2 inches of extra yarn from each color at the color change point, depending on how many stitches you overlap. If you are planning a color change, add a few extra inches to your yarn length to account for this.

Can I use the overlap method with very thick yarn?

You can, but the result will be noticeably thick and bumpy. Thick yarn creates a large double layer when you knit the overlap stitches twice. For chunky yarn, the knot method gives you a much neater result, or you can hide the color change at the edge of your work where the bulk will not be as noticeable.