Starting a new ball of yarn while knitting is a common task that every knitter needs to know. Whether you’ve run out of yarn on your current ball or you want to change colors, it’s important to know how to seamlessly transition to a new ball of yarn. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of starting a new ball of yarn while knitting.
Step 1: Before you start, make sure you have the new ball of yarn ready. You can wind it into a ball or use a yarn bobbin to keep it neat and untangled. Make sure to have enough yarn to complete your project.
Step 2: When you’re ready to start the new ball of yarn, hold the end of the old yarn and the beginning of the new yarn together. Leave a tail of about 6-8 inches from both strands.
Step 3: Take the working yarn from the new ball and knit it together with the last stitch of the old yarn. This will help secure the two strands and prevent any gaps or loose ends.
If you’re changing colors, you can choose to do a few rows or stitches with both colors before completely switching to the new yarn. This will create a smoother transition and blend the colors together.
Note: If you’re starting a new ball of yarn in the middle of a row, simply drop the old yarn and start knitting with the new yarn. You can weave in the loose ends later to secure them.
Step 4: Continue knitting with the new ball of yarn, using the tail ends of both strands to weave in and secure the loose ends. You can use a tapestry needle or your knitting needles to weave the ends through the stitches.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to seamlessly start a new ball of yarn while knitting. Whether you’re changing colors or simply need more yarn, this technique will ensure that your knitting project looks professional and neat.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To start a new ball of yarn for knitting, you will need to gather the following supplies:
- Yarn: Choose the yarn you want to use for your project. It can be any color or type that you prefer.
- Knitting Needles: Select the appropriate size of knitting needles for your yarn. The yarn label should provide recommendations for needle size.
- Scissors: Have a pair of scissors on hand to cut the yarn when needed.
- Tapestry Needle: You will need a tapestry needle with a large eye to weave in any loose ends of yarn.
- Stitch Markers: Depending on your project, you may need stitch markers to help keep track of specific stitches or sections.
Once you have gathered all these supplies, you will be ready to start a new ball of yarn for your knitting project!
Step 2: Find the End of the Yarn
After selecting the yarn you want to use for your knitting project, the next step is to find the end of the yarn. The end of the yarn is the starting point you will use to begin knitting.
Follow these steps to find the end of the yarn:
- Inspect the yarn ball or skein: Look for any loose strands or tails of yarn hanging from the ball. These tails are usually the ends of the yarn.
- Gently loosen the outer layers of the yarn ball: If the end of the yarn is not immediately visible, slowly unwind the outer layers of the ball to reveal any hidden ends.
- Feel for the end: Run your fingers through the unraveled yarn to locate the end. Sometimes, the end might be tucked inside the ball, so be sure to check all sides.
- Secure the end: Once you have found the end of the yarn, secure it by either tying a loose knot or wrapping it around the ball a couple of times. This will prevent the yarn from unravelling while you work.
It is important to find the end of the yarn before you start knitting to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted knitting process. By following these steps, you will be able to easily locate the end and be ready to begin your knitting project.
Step 3: Create a Slipknot
Now that you have measured and cut your yarn, it’s time to create a slipknot. A slipknot is a loop that will be used to secure your yarn to the knitting needle.
To create a slipknot, follow these steps:
- Take one end of the yarn and fold it over to create a loop.
- Pass the end of the yarn through the loop, creating a second loop.
- Tighten the second loop by pulling on the loose end of the yarn.
- Place the slipknot onto your knitting needle, leaving a short tail of yarn.
Make sure that the slipknot is not too tight or too loose. It should be snug, but still allow you to easily slide it along the knitting needle.
Now you’re ready to start knitting with your new ball of yarn! The slipknot will be the first stitch on your needle, and you can begin following your knitting pattern.
Step 4: Make a Loop with the Slipknot
Now that you have a slipknot on your knitting needle, it’s time to make a loop with it to secure the end of your new ball of yarn.
Hold the slipknot with your thumb and index finger, and hold the loose end of the yarn with your other hand.
Insert the knitting needle into the loop of the slipknot from front to back, and then bring it up and over the top of the loose end of the yarn.
Gently pull the loose end of the yarn through the loop, making sure to keep tension on the loop as you pull.
Once the loose end of the yarn is pulled through the loop, tighten the loop by pulling the loose end of the yarn away from the slipknot. This will secure the loop in place and create a neat knot.
Now you have successfully made a loop with the slipknot, and you are ready to start knitting with your new ball of yarn!
Step 5: Insert the Working Needle
Once you have your new ball of yarn ready, it’s time to insert the working needle into the first stitch of the row. This is an important step to ensure that your knitting project stays secure.
First, hold the working needle with your right hand and the empty needle with your left hand. Insert the working needle into the first stitch of the row from left to right, going under the left needle.
Make sure that the tips of both needles are facing the same direction, pointing towards the right, and that the working yarn is behind the needles.
With your right hand, wrap the working yarn around the right needle from back to front, creating a loop.
Using the right needle, pull this loop through the stitch, transferring it from the left needle to the right needle.
Once the stitch is on the right needle, you can remove the left needle from the stitch. The working needle is now holding the first stitch of the row.
Continue this process for each stitch in the row, always inserting the right needle into the next stitch, wrapping the working yarn around, and pulling the loop through.
Remember to keep the tension of the yarn consistent throughout your knitting to ensure even stitches.
Step 6: Pull the Yarn Through
Once you have located the end of the new ball of yarn, it’s time to start pulling it through your knitting project.
- Insert the Needle: Insert the tip of your knitting needle into the stitch where you left off.
- Hold the Yarn: Take the end of the new yarn and hold it together with the working yarn, making sure they are not tangled.
- Pull Through: With your needle, grab the yarn and pull it through the stitch, creating a loop.
- Tighten the Loop: Gently pull the loop to tighten it, ensuring that it is snug but not too tight.
Continue pulling the yarn through each remaining stitch until you have worked your way across the row or round. Make sure to keep the tension consistent with the rest of your project to maintain an even appearance.
If you are changing colors or joining a new ball of yarn in the middle of a row or round, be sure to secure the yarn ends by weaving them in later to prevent unraveling.
Remember to take your time and work slowly when pulling the yarn through to avoid any snags or mistakes. And that’s it! You have successfully started a new ball of yarn and can continue knitting your project.
Step 7: Tighten the Loop
After you have completed the previous step, you will notice a loop of yarn at the end of your new ball. This loop needs to be tightened to secure the yarn.
- Hold the loop with one hand: Use your thumb and forefinger to hold the loop firmly.
- Pull the tail: With your other hand, gently pull the tail of the yarn to tighten the loop.
- Tighten further if needed: If the loop is still loose, continue pulling the tail until the loop is securely tightened.
Once the loop is tightened, you can continue knitting with the new ball of yarn. Make sure to leave a tail length of yarn for weaving in later.
Step 8: Start Knitting with the New Yarn
Now that you have your new ball of yarn ready, it’s time to start knitting with it. Here’s how:
- Take the end of the new yarn and hold it in your right hand.
- Using your right thumb and forefinger, pinch the end of the old yarn and the beginning of the new yarn together.
- Make a slipknot with the two yarn ends by looping the new yarn over the old yarn and pulling the end through the loop.
- Tighten the slipknot by pulling on both yarn ends.
- Insert your right needle into the first stitch on the left needle, just like you would for a regular knit stitch.
- Hold the slipknot with your left thumb and forefinger to secure it.
- Wrap the new yarn around your right needle counterclockwise, just like you would for a regular knit stitch.
- Insert the right needle through the stitch on the left needle and use it to pull the new yarn through the stitch.
- Drop the old yarn and continue knitting with the new yarn.
Continue knitting with the new yarn in the same way you were knitting with the old yarn. The slipknot will anchor the new yarn and prevent it from unraveling. Make sure to weave in the loose ends of both the old and new yarns later to secure them.
Congratulations! You have successfully started knitting with a new ball of yarn.
FAQ:
What is the best way to start a new ball of yarn knitting?
The best way to start a new ball of yarn knitting is to join the new yarn to the old yarn by tying a small knot. Then, continue knitting with the new yarn, making sure to leave a long enough tail to weave in later.
Can I just start knitting with a new ball of yarn without joining it to the old one?
While you can technically start knitting with a new ball of yarn without joining it to the old one, it is usually best to join the yarns together. This helps secure the yarns and prevent any loose ends in your finished project.
How do I join the new yarn to the old yarn?
To join the new yarn to the old yarn, start by knitting to the point where you want to switch yarns. Take the end of the new yarn and tie a small knot around the tail of the old yarn. Then, continue knitting with the new yarn.
What should I do with the tails of the old and new yarns?
After joining the new yarn to the old yarn, it is important to leave long enough tails of both yarns to weave in later. This will ensure that the tails are secure and do not come loose while you are knitting.
Is there a specific type of knot I should use to join the yarns?
There is no specific type of knot that you must use to join the yarns. A simple knot will suffice. Just make sure it is tight enough to hold the yarns together, but not so tight that it distorts the knitted fabric.
What if I run out of yarn in the middle of a row?
If you run out of yarn in the middle of a row, you will need to join a new ball of yarn. Follow the steps to join the new yarn to the old yarn, making sure to leave enough of a tail to weave in later. Then, continue knitting with the new yarn as usual.
Can I join the new yarn at the beginning of a row instead of in the middle?
Yes, you can join the new yarn at the beginning of a row instead of in the middle. Simply start knitting with the new yarn as if it were any other row. Just make sure to leave enough of a tail to weave in later.