Learn How to Join Yarns When Knitting [FREE Knitting Tutorial]

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Unfortunately, there comes a time when you run out of yarn while you are knitting your project. Whenever that happens, you will need to know how to join yarns together in a way that isn’t recognizable.

In fact, there are several methods you can use for joining yarns. Which one you choose will depend on your project, as well as the yarn type you are using.

Some of the most common methods of joining yarns are:

Joining yarns at the end (this tutorial)
Joining yarns in the middle
Splicing yarn
The Russian Join

In this tutorial, we will focus on how you can join yarns at the end of a row in your project.

Joining a Yarn Ball at the Edge

This method can be used when you run out of yarn and need to start a new ball in the same color, or you need to change to a new color.

Moreover, it is especially useful when you have a seam edge where the ends can be woven in.

If you have started knitting and realized that you are going to run out of yarn, you can just unravel back to the edge.

Actually, you can estimate if you have enough yarn to finish a row by following these steps:

Lay your piece flat.

How to Join Yarn Ball at the Edge Step 1: Knitted fabric attached to a knitting needle laid flat.

Fold the remaining yarn back and forth over the knitted piece.

How to Join Yarn Ball at the Edge Step 2: Hand folding the excess yarn back and fourth over the knitted fabric to measure it.

If you have at least 4 times the width of your project, you will have enough yarn to knit a row of simple stitch patterns. More complex stitch patterns may require more yarn.

How to Join Yarn Ball at the Edge Step 3: The excess yarn folded four times back and fourth over the knitted fabric.

How to Join Yarns at the Edge – Step-by-Step

You will need to have a tail of about 6 inches (or approx. 15.5 cm) of the old ball.

How to Join Yarn Ball at the Edge Step 1 Part 2: The excess yarn measures 6 inches or 15 cm long.

To join the new yarn at the side edge, tie it loosely around the old yarn. Make sure to leave a 6-inch tail (about 15.5 cm).

How to Join Yarn Ball at the Edge Part 2 Step 2: A new red yarn tied loosely around the loose yarn end.

The knot should be tight enough so that none of the ends can work themselves free. However, the knot should be loose enough so that you can untie later.

How to Join Yarn Ball at the Edge Part 2 Step 3: A new red yarn tied tightly around the loose yarn end.

Make sure to push the knot up to the edge of your knitting before you start knitting with the new yarn.

How to Join Yarn Ball at the Edge Part 2 Step 4: The red yarn knot pushed slightly up the edge of loose yarn.

When finishing the project, untie the knot and if possible, weave the ends into the side seam.

How to Join Yarn Ball at the Edge Part 2 Step 5: The red yarn threaded in a tapestry needle preparing to weave it in the purl side of the knitted fabric.

Alternatively, undo the knot and weave one end up the edge for a couple of inches (approx. 5 cm). Then double back over a few stitches to secure the end. Make sure you do not pull it too tightly and distort the edge.