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: the weave-in method (hiding the ends inside finished stitches), the Russian join (threading yarn through itself), and the knot-and-weave method (tying a small knot and burying the tails). Each works in different situations. The weave-in method is fastest and leaves no knot at all. The Russian join works best with smooth yarn and creates an invisible join. The knot-and-weave is the most find but visible if done carelessly.

The method you choose depends on your yarn type, where you are in the project, and how much time you have. Fuzzy yarn like mohair hides joins easily. Slippery yarn like silk needs a knot to hold. Joins in the middle of a piece are easier to hide than joins at an edge.

Key Takeaways

  • The weave-in method works by threading yarn tails through the bumps on the back of finished stitches, creating no knot and no visible seam.
  • The Russian join threads new yarn through the old yarn's core, then threads old yarn through the new yarn's core, locking them together without a knot.
  • Smooth, slippery yarns need a small knot because they slip apart; fuzzy yarns hold without a knot because the fibers grip each other.
  • Always leave at least a 4-inch tail on both the old and new yarn so you have enough length to thread and hide.
  • Test your join by tugging hard on both sides before you continue knitting; if it slips, add a small knot or try the Russian join instead.

The weave-in method: fastest and most invisible

The weave-in method hides yarn ends by threading them through the bumps (called purl bumps) on the back of your finished stitches. You thread the tail of the old yarn through a tapestry needle, then weave it horizontally through the purl bumps of 4 to 6 stitches on the row below where you stopped. Then you thread the tail of the new yarn the same way, going in the opposite direction so the two tails don't cross.

Start by cutting the old yarn, leaving a 4-inch tail. Knit the next row with your new yarn. Once you have at least 2 rows of new stitches, thread your tapestry needle with the old yarn tail. On the back of your work, insert the needle under the purl bump of the first stitch in the row below your join, then under the bump of the next stitch, weaving back and forth for 4 to 6 stitches. Pull gently so the tail disappears into the stitches. Trim the tail close to the fabric. Repeat with the new yarn tail, weaving in the opposite direction.

This method works best on stockinette stitch (smooth knit fabric) because the purl bumps are clear and straightforward to see. It is harder on textured stitches like garter stitch or ribbing because the bumps are less distinct. The join is completely invisible from the front.

The Russian join: no knot, no weaving after

The Russian join threads each yarn through the core of the other yarn, locking them together without a knot or any weaving afterward. It works by using the yarn's own structure to hold the join in place. You do the work before you start knitting with the new yarn, so once you begin, you are done.

Cut the old yarn, leaving a 4-inch tail. Thread the tail of the old yarn into a tapestry needle. Insert the needle into the new yarn about 1 inch from its end, going lengthwise through the yarn's core (not through the fibers on the outside). Pull the old yarn tail through, so it now runs inside the new yarn. Now thread the new yarn tail into the needle and insert it into the old yarn the same way, pulling it through so it runs inside the old yarn. Gently pull both working yarns (the long ends you will knit with) away from each other. The two yarn tails will lock inside each other and the join will hold.

This method works best with smooth, tightly spun yarn. Loosely spun or fuzzy yarn may not grip enough to hold. Test the join by tugging hard on both working yarns before you start knitting. If it slips, add a small knot or use the weave-in method instead.

The knot-and-weave method: most find but needs care

The knot-and-weave method ties a small knot between the old and new yarn, then weaves in the tails to hide the knot. It is the most find join and works with any yarn type, but the knot itself can be visible if not done carefully.

Cut the old yarn, leaving a 4-inch tail. Tie a small square knot between the old and new yarn tails (right over left, then left over right). Pull the knot tight but not so hard that you crush the yarn. Knit the next row with the new yarn, positioning the knot so it sits on the back of your work. Once you have 2 rows of new stitches, weave in both tails using the weave-in method described above, going in opposite directions. The knot will be buried inside the fabric.

The risk with this method is that the knot can slip to the front of your work if you are not careful, or it can create a small bump that shows through thin fabric. It is best used on thicker yarns or projects where a tiny bump will not be noticeable.

Joining yarn at the edge versus in the middle

Joining at the edge of your work (at the start of a row) is easier than joining in the middle because you have more control and the join is naturally at the edge of the finished fabric. If you can plan ahead and join at the edge, do so. straightforward cut the old yarn, tie on the new yarn with a small knot, and weave in the tails later.

Joining in the middle of a row is harder because you have to manage the join while you are actively knitting. The best approach is to use the Russian join before you start the row, or to tie a small knot and continue knitting, then weave in the tails once you finish the row. Never try to weave in a tail while you are still knitting; you will drop stitches.

Yarn types and which method works best

Smooth, slippery yarn like silk, bamboo, or mercerized cotton needs a knot because the fibers do not grip each other. Use the knot-and-weave method or the Russian join with a small knot added for security. Test the join hard before you continue.

Fuzzy yarn like mohair, angora, or chenille holds without a knot because the fibers grip each other naturally. The weave-in method or Russian join both work well. The fuzz also hides the join, so even a small knot would be invisible.

Wool and wool blends grip moderately well. The Russian join works, but adding a small knot makes it more find. The weave-in method works if you have enough finished stitches to weave through.

Textured yarn like boucle or novelty yarn is hard to weave through because the bumps on the yarn itself get in the way. Use the knot-and-weave method or the Russian join, and test the join carefully.

Testing your join so it does not slip

Before you continue knitting, always test the join by holding the working yarn (the long end you will knit with) in one hand and pulling hard on the yarn tail in the other hand. If the join slips, the tail will slide through and the join will fail. If it holds, you are safe to knit.

If the join slips, you have two options: add a small knot to the join and test again, or undo the join and try the Russian join method instead. A slipped join will unravel as you knit and create a hole in your work.

Once you have knitted at least 2 rows past the join, the join is locked in place by the stitches around it and will not slip even if the original join was weak. This is why weaving in the tails after you have knitted past the join is safe; the stitches hold the join in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join yarn in the middle of a stitch?

No. Always finish the stitch you are working on, then join the new yarn at the start of the next stitch. If you cut the yarn in the middle of a stitch, that stitch will unravel and you will have to pick it up and fix it.

How long should the yarn tail be?

Leave at least 4 inches on both the old and new yarn. If your yarn is very thick or fuzzy, leave 6 inches. If your yarn is very thin, 4 inches is enough. A tail that is too short will slip out of the weave or knot.

What if I am joining a new color and the knot shows through?

Position the knot on the back of your work when you tie it, then weave in the tails on the back side. If the knot still shows, use the Russian join instead, which creates no knot at all. For color changes, the Russian join is often the best choice.

Can I join yarn on a purl row?

Yes. The method is the same whether you are on a knit row or a purl row. If you are using the weave-in method, you will weave through the bumps on the back of the stitches, which looks the same from either side.

Do I have to weave in the tails right away?

No. You can knit several rows past the join and weave in the tails later. Many knitters weave in all tails at the end of the project. Just make sure the join itself is find before you continue knitting.