The basic join: tie on and weave in the tail

When you start knitting in the round, you cast on stitches onto a circular needle or set of double-pointed needles, then join them into a loop. The simplest way to join is to tie the working yarn (the end attached to your ball) to the tail end (the end you left when you cast on) using a square knot, then weave both tails into the stitches on the wrong side of your work later.

To tie the knot: hold the tail in your left hand and the working yarn in your right. Cross the working yarn over the tail, pull it through, then cross the tail over the working yarn and pull it through again. Pull both ends tight so the knot sits at the base of your stitches. The knot will be hidden inside the tube of fabric you create, so it does not have to be perfect.

This method works for most projects and is the fastest way to start. The downside is that you have two yarn tails to weave in later, and if the knot comes loose, you can unravel. For most everyday knitting, this is not a real problem.

Key Takeaways

  • The simplest join is a square knot between the tail and working yarn, tied at the base of your cast-on stitches before you start the first round.
  • The invisible join (also called the Judy's magic cast-on join) creates a seamless edge with no knot and no tail to weave in, but requires practice to learn.
  • The Russian join lets you thread yarn through stitches instead of tying a knot, which is stronger and leaves less bulk at the join.
  • Whichever method you choose, always check that your stitches are not twisted around the needle before you knit the first round, or your whole piece will be twisted.
  • If you are joining a new ball of yarn mid-project, the Russian join or a weaver's knot works better than a square knot because the join is less likely to slip.

The invisible join for a seamless edge

If you want no knot and no visible join line, the invisible join (sometimes called the Judy's magic cast-on join) creates a seamless loop. This method requires you to cast on using a specific technique that leaves two loops of yarn at the base, then you knit the first round in a way that closes the gap between them.

The invisible join takes practice because you have to cast on in a particular way and then recognize which stitches to knit first. Many knitters find it fiddly at first but prefer it once they get the hang of it, because the edge looks professionally finished and there is no bulk from a knot. Search for "Judy's magic cast-on" video tutorials to see the hand movements, as this method is much easier to learn by watching than by reading.

This join is worth learning if you knit hats, socks, or other small circular projects regularly, because the seamless edge is noticeable and looks polished. For larger projects like sweaters, the join is usually hidden by ribbing or a collar, so the extra effort may not be worth it.

The Russian join for strength without a knot

The Russian join (also called the Russian grafting join) threads the yarn through the stitches themselves instead of tying a knot. You thread the working yarn through a tapestry needle, then pass the needle through the base of several cast-on stitches, then thread the tail through the same stitches in the opposite direction. This creates a join that is locked in place by the stitches themselves.

To do a Russian join: thread your tapestry needle with the working yarn. Pass the needle through the base of the first three or four cast-on stitches from right to left (or left to right, depending on your cast-on direction). Then thread the tail end through the needle and pass it through the same stitches from left to right (the opposite direction). Pull both ends snug so the join tightens. Trim the tails short once they are locked in.

The Russian join is stronger than a square knot and leaves less bulk, which makes it a good choice if you are joining a new ball of yarn in the middle of a project. It also works well for delicate yarns that might slip in a knot. The downside is that it takes a bit longer than a square knot and requires a tapestry needle.

Joining a new ball of yarn mid-project

If you run out of yarn before you finish, you will need to join a new ball. The best place to join is at the beginning of a round, so you do not have a join line running up the middle of a stitch column. Knit until you have about 6 inches of yarn left on the old ball, then drop it and pick up the new ball.

For a mid-project join, the Russian join or a weaver's knot is stronger than a square knot. A weaver's knot is tied differently than a square knot and is designed to hold under tension. To tie a weaver's knot: make a loop with the old yarn, pass the new yarn through the loop, wrap the new yarn around both strands of the old yarn, then pull the new yarn back through the loop. Pull all four ends tight.

Once you have joined the new yarn, weave in both tails on the wrong side of your work. If you are worried about the join coming loose, you can weave the tails through several stitches in a zigzag pattern instead of a straight line, which locks them in better.

Checking for twisted stitches before you join

Before you knit the first round, lay your cast-on stitches flat on the needle and look at them from above. All the stitches should sit in the same direction around the needle—they should look like a smooth spiral, not like they are twisted or folded. If any stitches are twisted (the loop is crossed over itself), straighten them now by gently pulling the needle through.

This step is critical because if you knit even one round with twisted stitches, the twist will run all the way up your project and you will have to rip back and start over. It takes only 10 seconds to check, and it saves hours of frustration later. Many knitters learn this lesson the hard way.

Common mistakes when joining in the round

The most common mistake is knitting too tightly on the first round after joining. Because you are pulling the yarn around a loop instead of back and forth in rows, the tension feels different, and many knitters pull too hard. This makes the stitches at the join tight and uneven. On your first round, consciously relax your tension and let the stitches sit loosely on the needle.

Another common mistake is not leaving a long enough tail when you cast on. If your tail is too short, you will not have enough yarn to tie a knot or thread through stitches. Leave at least 6 inches of tail, more if you are using a thick yarn or a join method that requires threading.

A third mistake is joining the yarn at the wrong place. If you join in the middle of a round instead of at the beginning, you will have a visible join line running up the side of your work. Always finish the round you are on, then join the new yarn at the start of the next round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to weave in the tails right away, or can I do it later?

You can weave them in later, but do it before you wash the finished piece. Weaving in tails after washing is harder because the yarn is damp and stretches. Many knitters weave in tails as they go, right after they finish a section, so they do not have to hunt for them later.

What if my square knot keeps coming untied?

Your yarn may be too slippery or your knot may not be tight enough. Try a weaver's knot instead, which holds better under tension. You can also tie a second knot on top of the first one, though this adds bulk. If you are joining mid-project, use the Russian join, which locks the yarn into the stitches themselves.

Can I use a regular knot instead of a square knot?

A regular overhand knot will work, but it creates more bulk and is harder to hide. A square knot is flatter and easier to weave in. If you are using the invisible join or Russian join, you do not need a knot at all.

How do I know which join method to use?

For your first projects, use a square knot—it is the fastest and easiest. Once you are comfortable, try the Russian join for mid-project yarn changes, because it is stronger. Save the invisible join for when you want a polished, seamless edge and have time to practice the technique.

What happens if I twist my stitches and knit a whole round before I notice?

You will have to rip back to the cast-on and start over. There is no way to fix a twisted cast-on once you have knit past it. This is why checking before you join is worth the 10 seconds it takes.