Knitting 101: Mastering the Art of Joining Yarn at the Beginning of a Row

Are you a avid knitter looking to take your skills to the next level? Are you tired of having to tie knots and weave in ends every time you start a new row? Look no further! In this article, we will be exploring the technique of joining yarn at the beginning of a row in knitting. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, join us as we unravel the steps and tips for creating a seamless and professional finish to your knitting projects. So grab your needles and let’s dive into the world of joining yarn in knitting.

When starting a new row in knitting, it is common for knitters to need to join yarn. Whether this is because the previous yarn has run out or to add a new color or texture, knowing how to properly join yarn at the beginning of a row is essential for any knitter. In this article, we will guide you through the process of joining yarn at the beginning of a row in knitting.

What You Will Need

Before we dive into the steps of joining yarn at the beginning of a row, let’s go over what materials you will need:

1. New ball/skein of yarn: This can be either same color as your current project or a different one if you are adding a new color.
2. Your knitting needles: Make sure they are the correct size for your project.
3. Scissors: To cut the old and new yarn.
4. Tapestry needle: Optional but helpful for weaving in any loose ends.

Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have all your tools ready, let’s go through the steps for joining yarn at the beginning of a row.

Step 1: Finish Knitting Your Previous Row

Before you can join new yarn to your project, make sure to finish knitting your previous row and leave enough tail from your working yarn (the old one) to weave in later.

Step 2: Cut Old Yarn and Attach New Yarn

Cut your working yarn leaving around 6 inches tail. Take your new ball/skein of yarn and thread it through -just like threading up when you start – hold both pieces of working and new yarn together behind working stitches at their hanging position; be sure that tails’ positions are not overlapped under working pieces (at this time using pins from papercrafting) – tie them together creating slip knot however, choose which ones will end up seeing and trim away the short one, if you plan on working with two strands.

Step 3: Slip Stitch onto Needle

Once you have your new yarn in place, slip the first stitch of the row onto your needle. This will ensure that your first stitch is joined with the new yarn.

Step 4: Knit as Usual

Follow your knitting pattern as usual. The new yarn will now be integrated into your project and you can continue knitting.

Note: If you are joining a new color, make sure to knit a few stitches with both colors before dropping the old color and continuing with just the new one. This will help secure the join and prevent any gaps in your knitting.

Tips for a Smooth Join

Joining yarn at the beginning of a row can sometimes cause unevenness or bumps in your knitting. Here are some tips to help ensure a smooth join:

1. Make sure to leave enough tail from both old and new yarn to weave in later.
2. Tug gently on both yarn tails after joining them to tighten the join.
3. Alternatively, use a crochet hook in place of your working needle when joining the yarn to create a tighter join.
4. If you are using different colors, carry your old color along the edge of your work until it is needed again.
5. Practice makes perfect! Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts don’t result in a seamless join.

When To Join Yarn at The Beginning of A Row

Knowing when to join yarn at the beginning of a row will depend on what type of project you are working on. Here are some common instances where joining yarn may be necessary:

1. If you run out of yarn before reaching the end of a row or round.
2. When changing colors for stripes or adding design elements such as mosaic or fair isle knitting.
3. Adding a new skein or ball of yarn to prevent an obvious break in your knitting.
4. Starting a new section of a project such as a neckline or sleeve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Joining yarn at the beginning of a row may seem simple, but there are common mistakes that can occur. Here are some things to avoid:

1. Not leaving enough yarn tails to weave in later.
2. Joining the wrong end of the new yarn, resulting in a knot on the outside of your project.
3. Not securing the join tightly enough, causing gaps or bumps in your knitting.
4. Not carrying old yarn along the edge when changing colors, resulting in an uneven edge.

Joining yarn at the beginning of a row in knitting is a fundamental skill that all knitters should know how to do. With these easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips, you can now confidently join yarn at the beginning of any row in your knitting projects. Remember to practice and not get discouraged if it doesn’t look perfect on your first try. With time and experience, you will master this skill and be able to seamlessly join any yarn at the beginning of a row. Happy knitting!

Understanding the Basics of Knitting

Knitting is a popular craft that has been around for centuries, with evidence of it being practiced as early as the 11th century. It involves manipulating yarn or thread into a fabric using knitting needles or a machine. While there are many types of knitting techniques and projects, one basic skill that every knitter needs to know is how to join yarn at the beginning of a row.

Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Project

Before you begin knitting, it’s important to choose the right yarn for your project. Yarn can vary in weight, fiber content, and type of ply. The thickness or weight of the yarn is measured in grams or ounces and can range from lace weight (the thinnest) to jumbo (the thickest). Each type of yarn has recommended needle sizes that work best with it. For example, lace weight yarn typically requires smaller needles while jumbo weight yarn requires larger ones.

Fiber content also plays a role in choosing the right yarn for your project. Natural fibers like wool, cotton, and silk have different properties and characteristics that affect their behavior when knitted. For beginners, acrylic yarn is a great option as it’s easy to work with and affordable.

Lastly, pay attention to the ply of the yarn. This refers to the number of strands twisted together to make up a single strand of yarn. The higher the ply, the thicker and more stable the resulting fabric will be.

Gathering Your Supplies

To start knitting with a new ball or skein of yarn at the beginning of a row, you will need your chosen yarn, knitting needles in the appropriate size for your project, scissors, and a tapestry needle.

Preparing Your New Yarn

Once you have gathered all your supplies and are ready to begin knitting, the first step is to prepare your new yarn. If you are using a ball of yarn, you can simply start knitting with the end of the yarn that is on the outside. However, if you are using a skein of yarn, you will need to wind it into a ball first.

To do this, locate the end of the yarn within the center of the skein and carefully pull it out. Then, hold onto the end and begin wrapping the yarn around your fingers in a figure-eight motion. Once you have wrapped a few loops, gently remove them from your fingers and continue wrapping until all the skein has been wound into a ball. You can then use this newly formed ball to start knitting.

Joining Yarn at the Beginning of a Row

Now that your new yarn is ready, it’s time to join it at the beginning of a row. First, take your working needle with stitches on it and lay it down horizontally with your last stitch at the far right edge. Insert your empty needle from front to back through both legs of that stitch.

Next, take one strand from your old ball of yarn and one strand from your new ball or skein and hold them together in one hand. Using this double-stranded method will help secure and strengthen your join.

Then, wrap both strands around the empty needle just like you would if you were about to knit with them normally. This will create a new loop on your needle which will now have both strands attached to it.

If you were using single-stranded yarn before joining in this way, be prepared for a bit of extra bulk as two strands are now acting as one single strand on your needle. Don’t worry – this additional thickness will even out once you’ve worked several more rows.

Continuing Your Project

After successfully joining your new yarn at the beginning of a row, you can continue knitting as usual. As you work, make sure to keep your loose ends secured by weaving them into the stitches on the wrong side of your fabric using a tapestry needle. This will prevent them from unraveling and becoming tangled.

Repeat this joining process whenever you need to add a new ball or skein of yarn to your project. By following these simple steps, you can easily join yarn at the beginning of a row and create beautiful knitted pieces with no visible joins.

Troubleshooting Tips

If, after joining the new yarn, you find that there is a gap or hole in your work where the two strands meet, simply adjust your tension as you knit and tighten up the loop to close the gap. Sometimes adding an extra stitch in that area can also help close any holes.

In addition, if you are using variegated or self-striping yarn for your project and want to avoid any obvious color changes at the beginning of each row, try starting each new ball on different sides of your work for a seamless transition.

Learning how to join yarn at the beginning of a row is an essential skill for any knitter. With practice and patience, it will become second nature

1. What is the best method for joining yarn when starting a new row in knitting?
It is recommended to use the knitting in method, which involves overlapping the old and new yarns and knitting them together for a few stitches to secure them.

2. Can I just knot the old and new yarn together to join them?
Tying a knot can create bumps or knots in your work and may not provide a secure enough join. It is best to avoid knotting the yarn when joining it at the beginning of a row.

3. How many stitches should I knit with the two strands of yarn after joining them together?
It is generally advised to knit 3-4 stitches with both strands of yarn before continuing with just the new strand. This helps ensure a smooth and secure join.

4. Is there a specific technique I should use when knitting with multiple strands of yarn?
Yes, it is important to wrap the working yarn around your needle clockwise in order to prevent creating twisted or uneven stitches when working with multiple strands of yarn.

5. Can you join different colors or types of yarn at the beginning of a row?
Yes, you can join different colors or types of yarn when starting a new row in knitting. Just make sure that they are similar enough in weight and thickness to create an even fabric.

6. Should I weave in any loose ends from joined yarns immediately or wait until later?
It is recommended to weave in any loose ends from joined yarns as soon as possible, preferably after completing your current row. This helps prevent tangling and ensures neat edges on your work.

In conclusion, joining yarn at the beginning of a row in knitting may seem like a daunting task, but with the right technique and practice, it can become a seamless part of the knitting process. The key to successful yarn joining is to ensure that the stitches are secure and tidy, without adding bulk or causing tension issues.

Firstly, it is important to choose an appropriate method for joining yarn based on the type of stitch pattern and desired result. Three commonly used methods include the knot method, the spit splice method, and weaving in method. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, and knitters should experiment to find what works best for them.

Furthermore, taking the time to properly prepare both old and new yarn before joining can greatly improve the outcome. This includes winding both ends of yarn into small balls or using a center pull ball to avoid tangles during knitting.

In addition, tucking in loose ends correctly is crucial to prevent unraveling or knots from appearing in the finished project. This can be achieved by weaving in ends with a tapestry needle or using a crochet hook to interlock strands of yarn.

Finally, understanding tension and practicing proper tension while knitting will help create neat and even stitches when joining yarn at the beginning of rows.

By following these tips and techniques

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.