Stitches

What is the best way to add new yarn when knitting?

Public Comments

1. when i'm knitting and need more yarn i leave about 6 inches of the original yarn and then get the new yarn (make sure it's in a ball not a hank) and knot them together probably about 2 times and then go along w/ my knitting.
2. I don't think there's really a right or wrong way to join per se. Everyone has their favorite methods. I usually make a knot and weave it in. But here's a link on what the "experts" say... http://en.allexperts.com/q/Knitting-2228/adding-yarn-project.htm
3. You have to do a little advanced planning. When you are getting towards the end of one ball, tie a loose knot to the new ball while on the back side of your work. Continue knitting and make sure the knot remains on the back side. If not, gently pull it to the back and then make a stronger overhand knot.
4. Generally when coming to the end of a ball of yarn it's best to plan ahead and change the yarn while you are working on the public side of your item so the change is on the reverse or wrong side. When you have about a foot of yarn left, hold the tail of a new ball in your left hand. For the next several stitches, insert your right needle through the stitch and under the tail of the new yarn (yarn from the ball should be headed in the direction you're knitting) and knit the new stitch with the old yarn. In the next stitch, knit so that the new stitch is picked up over the new yarn. Alternate going over and under the new yarn like this for several stitches, then switch the yarns in your hands and work over and under the old tail for several stitches. Leave any remaining yarn from each ball hanging on the back of the work. At the end you can then stretch the work out so you have the same amount of tail yarns in the piece as give and clip the tails about 1/4 inch from the surface of the fabric.
5. If you are knitting with wool, here is a suggestion. When I used to weave, I would unravel the ends of the current yarn and the yarn I was going to introduce. Then take both ends, place them on top of one another in the palms of your hands. Rub them vigorously together for a couple of minutes. They will 'felt' together slightly, creating a continous yarn. Good luck
6. Don't tie a knot, just start knitting with the new yarn. Leave a tail 4" long or so and weave in the ends well when you're finished. Another method is to knit with the old and the new yarn for 2-3 sts, then drop the old yarn. I usually use this method a few sts in from the edge. Another method you might want to try is called a Russian Join. See the link below for instructions. The reason why you don't tie a knot is because after a while it usually works itself to the public side of the knitting. The only time I'll consider tying a knot is when I'm using very slippery yarn.