Knitting is a wonderful craft that allows you to create beautiful and cozy items with just a few simple tools. However, one challenge that many knitters face is how to join a new ball of yarn when the old one runs out. Luckily, there are several methods you can use to seamlessly join a new ball of yarn and continue your knitting project. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of joining a new ball of yarn so you can confidently tackle any knitting project!
Step 1: First, you’ll want to prepare your new ball of yarn. If your new ball of yarn is wound into a skein, you’ll need to wind it into a ball before starting. This can be done using a yarn swift and ball winder, or simply by hand.
Step 2: Next, you’ll want to find a natural break in your knitting to join the new ball of yarn. This can be at the end of a row, or in the middle of a row if you don’t mind weaving in the ends later. Once you’ve found the appropriate spot, take your old ball of yarn and tie a loose knot at the end to secure it.
Step 3: Now, take the end of your new ball of yarn and hold it alongside the last stitch you knit with the old yarn. Insert your needle into the next stitch and knit it with both strands of yarn held together. This will create a strong and secure join between the old and new yarn.
Step 4: Continue knitting with the new ball of yarn, making sure to keep the tension consistent with the rest of your project. As you knit, the loose knot from the old yarn can be easily undone and trimmed away. If needed, you can also weave in the ends later for added security.
Pro Tip: If you’re working with a pattern that requires a specific color change, make sure to follow the pattern’s instructions for joining a new ball of yarn. Some patterns may recommend a different joining method to ensure a clean and seamless transition between colors.
Joining a new ball of yarn in knitting doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a few simple steps, you can seamlessly continue your project and create beautiful knitted items. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, mastering this skill will open up a world of possibilities for your knitting projects.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you join a new ball of yarn in knitting, make sure you have the following supplies:
- Knitting Needles: Choose the appropriate size needles for your project.
- Yarn: Make sure you have enough yarn to complete your project and the new ball of yarn that you will be joining.
- Tapestry Needle: You will use this needle to weave in ends and join the new ball of yarn.
- Scissors: You will need scissors to cut the yarn.
Having these supplies ready will ensure a smooth transition when joining a new ball of yarn in your knitting project.
Identify and Cut the Old Yarn
Before you can join a new ball of yarn to your knitting project, it’s important to identify the old yarn and cut it in the correct place. Follow these steps to identify and cut the old yarn:
- Inspect your knitting: Take a close look at your knitting project to locate the end of the old yarn. The end may be loose or woven into the fabric.
- Trace the old yarn: Once you find the end of the old yarn, gently trace it back through your stitches. Follow the path of the yarn until you reach a point where it is securely woven in.
- Secure the stitches: Use a stitch holder or safety pin to secure the stitches at the point where the old yarn is woven in. This will prevent any stitches from unraveling while you cut the yarn.
- Cut the old yarn: With the stitches secured, use a pair of sharp scissors to cut the old yarn. Make sure to cut it close to where it is woven in to minimize any loose ends.
- Remove any excess yarn: After cutting the old yarn, check for any loose ends or excess yarn. Trim them if necessary to ensure a clean start with the new ball of yarn.
Following these steps will help you properly identify and cut the old yarn, preparing your knitting project for joining a new ball of yarn.
Prepare the New Yarn
Before joining a new ball of yarn, there are a few things you need to do to prepare the new yarn:
- Choose a matching or complementary color: If you’re knitting a project that requires multiple balls of yarn, it’s important to choose a new yarn that matches or complements the color of the yarn you’ve been using. This will ensure a seamless transition between the two yarns.
- Ensure the new yarn is the same weight: It’s important to check that the new yarn you’re joining is the same weight as the yarn you’ve been using. This will help maintain an even tension and prevent your project from looking uneven.
- Check the yardage: Take note of the yardage of the yarn you’ve been using and compare it to the yardage of the new yarn. Make sure the new yarn has enough yardage to complete your project, or else you may run out of yarn before you finish.
- Wind the new yarn into a ball: If the new yarn is still in skein form, you’ll need to wind it into a ball before you can join it to your project. This can be done by hand or with the help of a yarn winder. Make sure to wind the new yarn tightly to prevent tangles.
- Secure the ends of the old and new yarn: Before joining the new yarn, secure the ends of both the old and new yarn to prevent any unraveling. You can do this by tying them together in a knot or by using a tapestry needle to weave the ends into your project.
By properly preparing the new yarn, you’ll ensure a smooth transition in your knitting project and avoid any interruptions or inconsistencies in your work.
Make a Slip Knot
A slip knot is the first step in joining a new ball of yarn in knitting. It creates a secure and adjustable loop that you can easily unwind. Here’s how to make a slip knot:
- Hold the end of the yarn in your hand, leaving a tail about 6 inches long.
- Create a loop by crossing the end of the yarn over the main strand.
- Bring the end of the yarn through the loop from the bottom to the top.
- Gently tighten the loop by pulling on the tail and the main strand.
The slip knot should be snug, but not too tight. It should be easy to adjust or undo if needed. Once you have made the slip knot, you are ready to continue with joining the new ball of yarn to your knitting project.
Join the New Yarn
Once you have prepared your new ball of yarn, it’s time to join it to your work.
- Begin by knitting to the point in your project where you need to join the new yarn. You can finish your current row or wait until the beginning of a new row, depending on your preference.
- Take the new ball of yarn and leave a long tail, approximately 6 inches or more. This tail will be woven in later to secure the join.
- Hold both the old yarn and the new yarn together for the next few stitches. This will help secure the join and prevent any gaps in your work.
- Knit the next few stitches using both the old yarn and the new yarn held together. The exact number of stitches will depend on your pattern, so refer to your instructions.
- After you have knit the specified number of stitches, drop the old yarn and continue knitting with the new yarn only. Make sure to leave a tail of the old yarn long enough to weave in later.
- Continue knitting with the new yarn until you reach the desired length or until your pattern instructs you to join another ball of yarn.
Note: If you prefer a neater join, you can also choose to tie a small knot between the old and new yarn tails. However, be careful not to make the knot too tight, as it may create a noticeable bulge in your finished project.
Once you have joined the new yarn, continue following your pattern and knitting as usual. Remember to weave in any loose tails at the end of your project to ensure a clean and professional finish.
Weave in Loose Ends
After joining a new ball of yarn, you will have loose ends of yarn hanging from your knitting. These loose ends need to be woven in to secure them and prevent them from unraveling.
Follow these steps to weave in the loose ends:
- Thread the loose end onto a yarn needle: Using a yarn needle with a large eye, thread the loose end of yarn onto the needle.
- Weave in the end along a row: Insert the yarn needle through the stitches on the wrong side of your knitting, starting at the point where the loose end is hanging.
- Weave in the end vertically: Repeat step 2, but this time insert the yarn needle vertically through the stitches, going up or down a few rows. This will help secure the loose end even more.
- Cut off the excess yarn: Once you have woven in the loose end, use scissors to carefully trim off any excess yarn, leaving a tail of about 1 inch.
Remember to weave in loose ends at both the beginning and end of your project, as well as any additional loose ends created when joining new balls of yarn throughout your knitting.
By properly weaving in your loose ends, you can give your knitting a neat and finished look.
Continue Knitting with the New Yarn
Once you have successfully joined a new ball of yarn to your knitting project, you can continue knitting with it. Here are the steps to follow:
- Hold the knitting needles with the stitches already on them, making sure the new yarn is coming from the right-hand side.
- Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle as if to knit.
- Wrap the new yarn around the right needle counterclockwise.
- Pull the right needle and the new yarn through the first stitch, slipping it off the left needle.
- Repeat steps 2-4 for each stitch until you reach the end of the row.
- Turn the work and continue knitting in the desired stitch pattern with the new yarn.
It’s important to maintain proper tension as you knit with the new yarn to ensure that the stitches are even. Take your time and adjust the tension as needed.
Remember to keep the old and new yarn tails out of the way as you knit to prevent them from getting tangled or incorporated into the stitches accidentally.
If your knitting pattern requires a specific stitch pattern or sequence, continue following the pattern instructions with the new yarn.
Continue knitting with the new yarn until you have reached the desired length or completed the required number of rows according to your pattern.
If you need to switch back to the original yarn or join a different yarn again, simply repeat the steps mentioned earlier to join the new yarn.
Overall, joining a new ball of yarn in knitting allows you to continue your project without interruption and ensure a seamless transition between yarns. With a little practice, this technique will become second nature, and you’ll be able to tackle even more advanced knitting projects with confidence.
FAQ:
What is the best way to join a new ball of yarn in knitting?
The best way to join a new ball of yarn in knitting is to simply overlap the end of the old yarn and the beginning of the new yarn for a few inches, then continue knitting with the new yarn.
Do I need to tie a knot when joining a new ball of yarn?
No, it is not necessary to tie a knot when joining a new ball of yarn. Simply overlapping the ends of the old and new yarn is sufficient to secure the join.
Will the join be noticeable in the finished knitted piece?
The join should not be noticeable in the finished knitted piece if it is done properly. By overlapping the ends of the yarn and knitting a few stitches with the new yarn, the join will be seamless.
Can I join a new ball of yarn in the middle of a row?
Yes, you can join a new ball of yarn in the middle of a row. Simply follow the same steps as joining at the end of a row, overlapping the ends of the old and new yarn for a few inches before continuing to knit.
How do I ensure a secure join when joining a new ball of yarn?
To ensure a secure join, it is recommended to weave in the ends of the old and new yarns as you continue knitting. This will help to prevent any loose ends from unraveling.
What can I do if I run out of yarn before finishing my project?
If you run out of yarn before finishing your project, you can join a new ball of yarn using the method described in the article. Make sure to join the new yarn in a inconspicuous place, such as the edge or a seam, to minimize any visibility of the join.
Are there any alternative methods for joining a new ball of yarn?
Yes, there are alternative methods for joining a new ball of yarn, such as the Russian join or the felted join. These methods involve intertwining the ends of the old and new yarns to create a secure join without the need for weaving in ends.