The three main ways to join yarn ends

You join two yarn ends by weaving them through stitches, tying them with a knot, or splicing the fibers together. The method you choose depends on whether you are joining mid-project (adding a new ball of yarn) or finishing an edge. Weaving is the strongest and most invisible for seams. A straightforward knot works for joining new yarn while you knit. Splicing (also called felting) works best on wool and creates almost no bulk.

Each method takes between one and five minutes. None requires special tools beyond what you already have. The choice comes down to where the join sits and how much the join will move once the piece is finished.

Key Takeaways

  • Weaving yarn ends through nearby stitches hides the join completely and works for seaming two finished edges together.
  • A straightforward square knot lets you add new yarn mid-project without stopping, though you will need to weave in the tails afterward.
  • Splicing works only on wool and animal fibers; you separate the plies, overlap them, and wet them to fuse the fibers together.
  • The join will hold best if you leave at least 4 inches of tail on each end and work slowly through the stitches.

Weaving ends together for seams

Weaving is the method to use when you are joining two finished edges — the sides of a sweater, the edges of a blanket, or two pieces of a garment. Thread one yarn end onto a tapestry needle (a blunt needle with a large eye). Insert the needle through the first stitch on one edge, then through the first stitch on the other edge, moving in a figure-eight pattern. Pull gently so the stitches draw together without puckering.

Work about 1 inch at a time, then pull the yarn snug. Continue until you have sewn about 2 inches, then weave the tail back through the stitches you just made to lock it in place. Trim the excess. This method creates a seam that is nearly invisible from the outside and very strong because the yarn is locked into the structure of the knit itself.

Tying a knot to add yarn mid-project

When you run out of yarn in the middle of knitting, tie a straightforward square knot to join the old end to the new yarn. Hold the old yarn and new yarn together, cross the old yarn over the new, wrap around, then cross the new over the old and wrap around again. Pull both ends tight. The knot should sit close to your working stitches.

Continue knitting with the new yarn. Once you finish the piece, thread each tail (the old and new ends) onto a tapestry needle and weave them through the stitches near the knot, working in opposite directions. This locks the knot in place and hides it. Without weaving in the tails, the knot can slip or come undone in the wash.

Splicing for wool and animal fibers

Splicing works only on yarn made from wool, alpaca, mohair, or other animal fibers that felt when wet. It does not work on cotton, acrylic, or synthetic yarn. To splice, separate the plies (the twisted strands) of both yarn ends for about 2 inches. Overlap the separated plies from the old yarn with the separated plies from the new yarn, staggering them so the join is not bulky.

Wet the overlapped section with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Rub the fibers together gently between your palms for 30 seconds to 1 minute. The friction and moisture cause the fibers to felt and bond. Rinse in cool water and squeeze out excess moisture. Let it dry completely before you knit over the join. The result is a join with almost no thickness and no visible seam.

Choosing the right method for your project

Use weaving for seams that will take stress — the sides of a sweater, the edges of a bag, or anywhere two pieces meet. The join is strong and invisible. Use a knot for adding yarn mid-project when you are running out; it is fast and you can keep knitting when ready. Use splicing only if your yarn is wool or another animal fiber and you have time to let it dry before continuing.

Avoid splicing on yarn that is very thin or very thick; the overlap becomes either too small to felt or too bulky to knit over. Avoid tying knots on edges that will show — the knot will be visible even after you weave in the tails. If you are unsure whether your yarn will felt, test a small piece first by wetting and rubbing it.

How to avoid weak joins

The most common mistake is leaving too short a tail. Use at least 4 inches of yarn on each end so you have enough to work with and enough length to lock into the stitches. Another mistake is pulling too hard while weaving; this distorts the stitches and can split the yarn. Pull just enough to draw the edges together snugly.

If you are splicing, do not rush the wetting and rubbing step. The fibers need time to felt, and dry fibers will not bond. If the join feels loose after it dries, wet it again and rub a bit longer. For knots, make sure the knot is tight before you start knitting; a loose knot will slip and unravel.

Weaving in tails after the join

After you tie a knot or finish a seam, you still have two yarn tails to hide. Thread each tail onto a tapestry needle. Insert the needle through the stitches parallel to the direction the yarn runs, working through at least 2 inches of stitches. Change direction halfway through so the tail does not pull out. Trim the excess yarn close to the fabric.

For a seam, weave the tails into the seam itself rather than into the body of the knit; this keeps them from showing as bumps. For a knot, weave each tail in a different direction so they lock each other in place. Test the hold by gently tugging the tail; it should not move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use weaving to join yarn while I am still knitting?

No. Weaving works only on finished edges because you need to pass the needle through complete stitches. While you are knitting, use a knot instead. You can weave the tails in after you finish the piece.

What if my yarn is too thick for a tapestry needle?

Use a yarn needle (a larger needle with a blunt tip) or thread the yarn through a loop of thinner yarn and pull that loop through the stitches. You can also split the yarn into individual plies if it is made of multiple strands twisted together.

Will the join hold through washing?

Yes, if you weave in the tails properly. A knot alone will slip in the wash; you must weave both ends through at least 2 inches of stitches. A spliced join in wool will hold permanently because the fibers have felted together.

Can I splice acrylic yarn?

No. Splicing works only on animal fibers like wool, alpaca, and mohair. Acrylic and cotton do not felt. Use a knot and weave in the tails instead.

How do I know if my join is strong enough?

Gently tug the join from both directions. It should not slip or separate. If it does, weave the tails in longer or re-tie the knot tighter. For spliced joins, wet and rub again if the fibers feel loose.