How to Add More Yarn to Knitting: A Step-by-Step Guide

When you’re knitting, there’s nothing more frustrating than running out of yarn in the middle of a project. It can disrupt your flow and leave you with an unfinished piece. But fear not! Adding more yarn to your knitting is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can seamlessly blend in new yarn and continue working on your project.

The first step is to assess where you ran out of yarn. Look for a stitch that provides a natural starting point for your new yarn. This could be anywhere in your knitting, depending on the stitch pattern. Once you’ve found the right spot, securely tie a knot at the end of your old yarn to prevent it from unraveling.

Next, take your new yarn and fold it in half, creating a loop at the midpoint. Insert the loop through the stitch where you tied the knot, making sure the tag end of the yarn is on the right side of the stitch.

Pro Tip: If your yarn is particularly slippery and you’re worried about it coming undone, you can use a small safety pin or stitch marker to temporarily hold it in place.

Now it’s time to continue knitting with your new yarn. Hold the working end of the new yarn in your right hand and the old yarn in your left hand. When you come to the next stitch, insert the needle through both the new yarn and the old yarn in a knit or purl motion, depending on your stitch pattern.

Continue working across your row or round, alternating between the new and old yarns in each stitch. This will help blend the two yarns together and create a seamless transition. As you work, make sure to tighten the tension slightly to avoid any gaps or loose stitches.

Once you’ve completed a few rows or rounds with the new yarn, you can trim the ends of the old yarn, leaving a short tail. Make sure to weave in the loose ends on the wrong side of your knitting to secure them in place.

And there you have it! With these simple steps, you can easily add more yarn to your knitting and continue creating beautiful projects without any interruptions. Happy knitting!

Choosing the Right Yarn

When adding more yarn to your knitting project, it’s important to choose a yarn that matches or complements the yarn you’re currently using. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right yarn:

Fiber Content: Choose a yarn with a similar fiber content to ensure a consistent texture and drape. For example, if you’re using a wool blend yarn, look for a new yarn with a similar wool content.
Weight: Select a yarn that has a similar weight to the yarn you’re working with. The weight of a yarn refers to its thickness and is indicated by a number on the yarn label. Matching the weight will help maintain a consistent tension throughout your project.
Color: Consider the color of the yarn you’re adding. You can choose a yarn that either matches your current yarn or adds a contrasting pop of color. It’s a great opportunity to add interest and creativity to your project.
Texture: Think about the texture of your current yarn and how you want it to blend or contrast with the new yarn. For example, if your current yarn has a smooth texture, you might want to add a yarn with a bit of texture or vice versa.
Availability: Make sure the yarn you choose is readily available, so you can easily get more if needed. It’s frustrating to run out of yarn and not be able to find the same one again.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right yarn to seamlessly add more to your knitting project and continue creating beautiful pieces.

Prepping Your Project

Before adding more yarn to your knitting project, it’s important to prepare your project for the upcoming addition. Here are some steps to follow:

Assess your progress: Take a moment to examine how much yarn you have left. This will help you estimate the amount of new yarn you’ll need to add.
Choose the right yarn: Select a yarn that is similar in weight, fiber content, and color to the yarn you’ve been using. This will ensure that the added yarn blends seamlessly with your project.
Prepare the new yarn: If your new yarn comes in a skein or hank, you’ll need to wind it into a ball before adding it to your project. Use a yarn winder or wind it by hand, making sure it is tangle-free and ready for knitting.
Find a suitable spot to join: Look for a natural break in your project, such as a stitch marker or a color change. This will make it easier to hide the join and make it less noticeable in your finished project.
Secure the original yarn: Before adding the new yarn, secure the end of the original yarn to prevent it from coming undone. You can do this by tying a small knot or using a safety pin to hold it in place.
Join the new yarn: To join the new yarn, start knitting with both the original and new yarn held together for a few stitches. This will create a seamless transition between the two yarns.
Weave in loose ends: Once you have knitted several rows with the new yarn, you can start weaving in the loose ends. Use a yarn needle to thread the ends through the stitches, creating a secure and invisible finish.
Continue knitting: With the new yarn successfully added, continue knitting your project as usual. Pay attention to any changes in gauge or tension to ensure a consistent look.

By following these prepping steps, you’ll be ready to add more yarn to your knitting project seamlessly and continue on with your creative journey.

Selecting the Right Technique

When adding more yarn to your knitting project, it’s important to consider which technique will work best for your specific situation. Here are a few different methods you can try:

Joining a new skein: This technique involves simply attaching a new skein of yarn to the end of the old one. It’s a popular method for seamless projects and can be done by knitting a few stitches with both yarns held together before continuing with the new yarn.
Weaving in ends: If you have leftover yarn from previous projects or scraps that you’d like to incorporate, weaving in ends can be a great option. It involves adding the new yarn by weaving it in along the edge of your knitting using a tapestry needle.
Splice method: The splice method is useful for working with woven or plied yarns. It involves overlapping the old and new yarns and then rubbing them together to create a join. Once the join is secure, you can continue knitting with the new yarn.
Knotting technique: Knotting is a simple and quick method to join different yarns. However, it’s essential to use knots that are secure and won’t come undone easily. This technique is suitable for projects where the knots will be hidden or if you prefer the look of knots.
Felting technique: This technique is particularly useful for natural fiber yarns such as wool. By using a felting needle or felting tool, you can felt the ends of the old and new yarn together, creating a secure and seamless join.

Choosing the right technique will depend on factors such as the type of project you’re working on, the type of yarn you’re using, and your personal preferences. Experimenting with different methods will help you find the technique that works best for you and your knitting projects.

Picking the Right Location

When adding more yarn to your knitting project, it’s important to choose the right location to join the new yarn. This will help ensure that the added yarn is secure and doesn’t come undone during future use.

Step 1: Assess your knitting pattern

First, take a look at your knitting pattern to determine the best place to add more yarn. Look for natural breaks in the pattern, such as a change in color or a transition between sections. These are good places to add in your new yarn.

Step 2: Find a discreet spot

Next, find a spot in your knitting where the new yarn can be added discreetly. Avoid adding more yarn in the middle of a row or right in the middle of a stitch. Instead, look for a place where the yarn tails can be easily hidden or worked into the surrounding stitches.

Step 3: Plan for weaving in ends

Consider how you will weave in the ends of the new yarn once you’ve finished knitting. Choose a location where the yarn tails can be easily tucked into the back of your work or woven invisibly into the surrounding stitches. This will help give your project a professional finish.

Step 4: Avoid adding yarn near areas of stress

Avoid adding more yarn near areas of stress, such as the edges of your project or areas where the tension may be tighter. Adding yarn in these areas may result in a weaker join and increase the likelihood of the added yarn coming undone over time.

Step 5: Secure the join

When you add the new yarn, be sure to secure the join by tying a small knot or using a method such as Russian Join or Magic Knot. This will help ensure that the added yarn stays in place and doesn’t come unraveled.

Step 6: Test the join

Before continuing with your knitting, it’s a good idea to give the join a gentle tug to make sure it is secure. If it feels loose or unstable, go back and reinforce the join before continuing.

By choosing the right location to add more yarn to your knitting project, you can ensure a strong and secure join that will withstand wear and washing. Happy knitting!

Identifying the Perfect Joining Method

When adding more yarn to your knitting project, it’s important to choose the right joining method to ensure a seamless transition and avoid any unsightly gaps or knots. Here are some popular joining methods to consider:

Russian Join: This method involves splitting the ends of both the old and new yarn and interlocking them together. It creates a secure join that doesn’t require weaving in loose ends later.
Knit or Purl Join: With this method, you can add new yarn during a knit or purl stitch. Simply drop the old yarn and start knitting or purling with the new yarn, leaving a tail to be woven in later.
Spit Splice: This technique works best with animal fibers like wool. Simply wet both the old and new yarn ends, overlap them, and rub them together with your hands to create a felted join. It’s a secure and seamless method that doesn’t require any additional steps.
Slip-Stitch Join: This method involves slipping the last stitch of the old yarn and the first stitch of the new yarn without knitting or purling them. It creates a neat and secure join, but it can be more visible depending on the yarn color and stitch pattern.

Each joining method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for your specific project and yarn type. Additionally, practicing these techniques on scrap yarn before using them on your actual project can help you perfect your skills and achieve a seamless join every time.

Positioning the Ends Correctly

When adding more yarn to your knitting project, it’s important to position the ends correctly to ensure a seamless transition. Here are the steps to follow:

Identify the working yarn: Before adding more yarn, determine which end of your knitting project is the working yarn. This is the yarn that you are currently using to knit.
Prepare the new yarn: If you are adding a new skein of yarn, unwind it and find the end. If you are using a leftover yarn from a previous project, make sure to untangle it and find the end.
Thread the new yarn: Take the end of the new yarn and thread it through a yarn needle or use your fingers to guide it through the stitches, following the same path as the working yarn.
Secure the new yarn: Once the new yarn is threaded through the stitches, secure it by tying a loose knot to prevent it from unraveling. This will be undone later once the knitting is finished.
Continue knitting: With both the working yarn and the new yarn in position, continue knitting as usual. Make sure to knit a few stitches with both yarns held together to ensure a smooth transition.
Join the new yarn: When you reach the point where you need to start using the new yarn exclusively, carefully untie the knot securing the new yarn and trim any excess length. Then, continue knitting with the new yarn.

By following these steps, you can add more yarn to your knitting project and seamlessly continue knitting without any visible joins or knots.

Securing the New Yarn

Once you have joined a new ball of yarn to your knitting project, it’s important to secure it properly to prevent it from unraveling. Here are a few methods you can use to secure the new yarn:

Knotting

One simple method is to tie a small knot at the end of the old yarn and the beginning of the new yarn. Make sure the knot is small and tight, but not too tight that it distorts the fabric. Trim any excess yarn tails to keep your work neat.

Weaving in the Ends

Another way to secure the new yarn is to weave in the ends. After joining the new yarn, thread the tails onto a yarn needle and weave them through the stitches on the wrong side of the fabric. Be sure to weave the ends in different directions to ensure a secure hold. Trim any excess yarn once you’ve woven it in.

Twisting the Yarn

If you prefer a more seamless look without knots or woven ends, you can twist the old and new yarn together. Hold the old and new yarns together and continue knitting with both strands for a few stitches. This will anchor the new yarn in place. After a few stitches, you can drop the old yarn and continue knitting with the new yarn.

Using a Russian Join

The Russian join is a technique that allows you to join new yarn without knots or weaving in ends. To do a Russian join, thread the new yarn onto a tapestry needle and insert it into the middle of the old yarn. Pull the new yarn through, leaving a small loop. Thread the old yarn through the loop, then thread the new yarn through the loop created by the old yarn. Pull both yarns tight to secure the join. Trim any excess yarn tails.

Using a Spit Splice

The spit splice is another method that joins yarn without knots or weaving in ends. To do a spit splice, overlap the old and new yarn by a few inches. Moisten the overlapping section with water or saliva, then rub your hands together vigorously to create friction. The heat and moisture help the yarn fibers bind together, creating a secure join. Once the join is complete, allow it to dry before continuing your knitting.

Remember, when securing the new yarn, it’s important to choose a method that is appropriate for your project and yarn type. Take the time to experiment and find a method that works best for you.

Blending and Finishing Touches

Once you have added more yarn to your knitting project, it is important to blend the new yarn with the existing yarn and finish off any loose ends for a professional-looking finish. Here are some steps to help you achieve this:

Blending the yarn: Start by holding both the new and old yarn strands parallel to each other for a few stitches. This will help blend the yarn and avoid any noticeable changes in texture or color.
Weaving in loose ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave in the loose ends of both the new and old yarn. Simply thread the needle with the loose end and weave it back and forth through the stitches, making sure to go in different directions to secure it in place.
Blocking: Depending on the project, you may need to block your knitting to smooth out any uneven stitches or to shape it. Follow the blocking instructions specific to your project to achieve the desired results.
Adding decorative touches: If desired, you can add decorative touches to your knitting project to enhance its appearance. This could include adding buttons, beads, or embroidery to create unique designs.

Remember to take your time when blending the yarn and finishing off your project. By paying attention to these final touches, you can ensure that your knitting looks polished and professional.

FAQ:

What do I do if I run out of yarn in the middle of a knitting project?

If you run out of yarn in the middle of a knitting project, you can add more yarn by joining a new ball of yarn to the project. Simply secure the end of the old yarn and tie a knot with the new yarn, making sure to leave a tail that can be woven in later. Then continue knitting with the new yarn as you normally would.

How do I choose the right yarn to add to my knitting project?

When adding more yarn to a knitting project, it’s important to choose a yarn that is similar in weight, fiber content, and color to the yarn you’re already using. This will help ensure that your project has a consistent look and feel. If possible, try to match the exact brand and color of yarn you’re already using.

Can I add a different color yarn to my knitting project?

Yes, you can add a different color yarn to your knitting project if you want to create a color change or design element. When adding a different color yarn, simply join it in the same way as joining a new ball of yarn. You can choose to make the color change at the beginning of a row or in the middle of a row, depending on your desired design.

Should I weave in the ends of the added yarn?

Yes, it’s important to weave in the ends of the added yarn to ensure that they do not come unraveled over time. After joining a new ball of yarn, leave a tail of about 6 inches or so. Use a tapestry needle to weave the tail into the stitches of your knitting, following the same path as the working yarn. This will help secure the ends and create a finished look to your project.

What should I do if my joined yarn comes undone?

If your joined yarn comes undone, don’t panic. Simply rejoin the yarn by tying a knot and continue knitting as usual. It’s a good idea to leave a slightly longer tail when joining the yarn to give it more security. If you’re concerned about a knot coming undone, you can also use a small dab of fabric glue or clear nail polish to secure the knot.

Can I add more yarn in the middle of a row?

Yes, you can add more yarn in the middle of a row if you run out. Simply follow the same steps as joining a new ball of yarn. Secure the end of the old yarn, tie a knot with the new yarn, and continue knitting. Just make sure to weave in the ends of the added yarn later to secure them.

How to Add More Yarn to Knitting