The weaver's knot is the fastest way to join yarn mid-project
When your yarn runs out mid-row or mid-project, you have three main methods to join a new ball: the weaver's knot, the Russian join, and the straightforward knot with weaving in. The weaver's knot is fastest and creates the smallest, most find connection. It works best for most yarn weights and projects, though it can be visible on very light-colored or delicate yarns. The Russian join hides the connection entirely inside the yarn itself but takes more time and works only on yarns with a hollow core. The straightforward knot is the easiest to learn but leaves the most bulk at the join point.
The method you choose depends on your yarn type, how visible the join will be in your finished piece, and how much time you want to spend. For most everyday knitting, the weaver's knot solves the problem in under a minute and holds reliably through washing and wearing.
Key Takeaways
- The weaver's knot creates a flat, find join in about 30 seconds and works on most yarn weights.
- The Russian join hides the connection inside the yarn but only works on yarns with a hollow core, like wool and acrylic.
- A straightforward overhand knot with woven-in tails is the easiest method but leaves visible bulk at the join point.
- Always join yarn at the beginning of a row rather than mid-row to keep the join hidden in the edge stitches.
- Test your join by pulling hard on both yarn ends before you continue knitting to make sure it holds.
How to tie the weaver's knot step by step
The weaver's knot is the most practical choice for most knitters. Start by laying the old yarn and new yarn parallel to each other, with about 4 inches of each end overlapping. Make a loop with the old yarn by crossing it over itself, then tuck the new yarn through that loop from underneath. Pull the new yarn all the way through so it comes out the other side of the loop.
Now make a second loop with the new yarn, crossing it over itself in the same direction as the first loop. Tuck the old yarn through this second loop from underneath. Gently pull both yarn ends tight at the same time—the two loops will slide together and lock into a flat, compact knot. Trim the tails to about half an inch from the knot. The whole process takes 20 to 30 seconds once you practice it a few times.
The weaver's knot stays put because the two loops lock against each other under tension. It will not slip or come undone during knitting or washing. The knot itself is about the size of a pea, so it sits flat against your work and is barely noticeable once you weave in the short tails.
The Russian join for invisible connections
The Russian join hides the yarn connection entirely inside the yarn itself, making it invisible even on light colors. It works only on yarns with a hollow core—most wool, acrylic, and wool blends may have access to, but some novelty yarns and tightly twisted singles do not. To check if your yarn will work, look at the cut end: if you see a hollow tube, the Russian join is an option.
Thread the old yarn onto a tapestry needle and insert the needle into the hollow core of the new yarn, running it inside for about 2 inches. Pull the needle out and trim the old yarn flush with the new yarn's surface. Repeat the process in reverse: thread the new yarn onto the needle and run it inside the old yarn for about 2 inches. Trim the new yarn flush. The two yarns now overlap inside their own cores, creating a connection that is completely hidden.
This method takes 2 to 3 minutes and requires a tapestry needle with an eye large enough for your yarn. The join is stronger than it looks because the friction between the yarn and its own core holds everything in place. It is the best choice for projects where the join will be visible, such as a light-colored sweater or a garment where the join falls in a prominent spot.
straightforward knot with woven-in tails
The simplest method is to tie an overhand knot with the old and new yarn, then weave in the tails. Lay the two yarns together and tie a single overhand knot, pulling it snug but not so tight that you crush the yarn. Trim the tails to about 4 inches. As you knit the next few rows, weave each tail through the backs of your stitches using a tapestry needle, running it back and forth through the fabric to anchor it.
This method is the easiest to learn because it uses a knot you already know. The downside is that the knot itself creates a small lump in your work, and if you do not weave in the tails securely, they can work loose over time. It is a good backup method if you do not have a tapestry needle handy or if you are working with a yarn that does not have a hollow core and you do not want to attempt the weaver's knot.
When to join yarn at the edge of your work
The best time to join new yarn is at the beginning of a row, not in the middle of one. When you reach the end of your yarn ball and have only a few feet left, finish the row you are on, then join the new yarn at the start of the next row. This keeps the join hidden in the edge stitches where it is less noticeable.
If you run out of yarn mid-row, you have two choices: unravel back to the beginning of the row and rejoin there, or tie the join mid-row and accept that it will be slightly more visible. For most projects, unraveling back is worth the extra minute because the join will be much less noticeable in the finished piece. Mark the spot where your yarn runs out by placing a stitch marker, then carefully pull the working yarn to unravel back to the row edge.
Testing your join before you keep knitting
After you tie the knot, test it by pulling hard on both yarn ends for a few seconds. The knot should not slip or come apart. If it does, retie it—a weak join will fail during knitting or washing and unravel your work. Once you are confident the knot is find, weave in the short tails as you knit the next few rows, or trim them if you used the Russian join.
Knit the first few stitches after the join slowly and deliberately. You may feel a slight bump as the knot passes through your needle, but this is normal. If the knot is too large to pass through your needle, you tied it too tight or used too much yarn in the knot itself—untie it and try again with less overlap.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is tying the knot too tight, which makes it bulky and hard to knit through. The weaver's knot should be snug but not crushed—you should still be able to see the yarn texture on both sides of the knot. Another mistake is joining yarn in the middle of a row when you could have waited until the row end, which makes the join more visible in the finished piece.
Some knitters trim the tails too short, leaving only a quarter inch, which can cause the knot to slip loose over time. Trim to at least half an inch, or weave in longer tails if you used a straightforward knot. Finally, do not assume the join is find without testing it—pull hard on both ends before you continue knitting. A join that feels loose now will definitely fail later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join yarn in the middle of a row?
Yes, but the join will be more visible in the finished piece because it falls in the middle of a stitch column rather than hidden at the edge. If you run out of yarn mid-row, you can either unravel back to the row edge and rejoin there, or tie the join mid-row and accept that it will show slightly. Most knitters choose to unravel back because it takes only a minute and makes the join much less noticeable.
Will the weaver's knot come undone in the washing machine?
No, the weaver's knot is designed to lock under tension and will not slip or come apart during washing or wearing. The two loops grip each other tightly, and the friction between the yarn fibers holds the knot in place. You can wash and dry your finished piece normally without worrying about the join.
What if my yarn does not have a hollow core for the Russian join?
Use the weaver's knot instead. The weaver's knot works on any yarn weight or type, including tightly twisted singles, novelty yarns, and anything else. The Russian join is faster and more invisible, but the weaver's knot is more versatile and still creates a find, barely noticeable connection.
How short can I trim the tails after tying the knot?
Trim to at least half an inch from the knot, or longer if you used a straightforward overhand knot. Tails shorter than a quarter inch can slip loose, especially if the knot gets bumped or pulled. If you wove in the tails, you can trim them shorter because the weaving anchors them, but half an inch is still a safe minimum.
Can I join yarn on a circular needle the same way?
Yes, the method is identical. Tie the knot at the beginning of a round rather than a row, and test it before you continue knitting. The join will be just as find on circular needles as on straight needles.