How to join yarn in crochet step by step

Written by: Jeff Tse

August 8, 2024

Time to read 6 min

Table of content

Introduction Common Methods to Join Yarn Step 1: Join Yarn with the Last Yarn Over of a Stitch Step 2: The Magic Knot Step 3: The Russian Join Step 4: The Traditional Method Tips on How to join yarn in crochet Step 1: Choose the Right Method Step 2: Choose Similar Yarns Step 3: Use the Same Color Step 4: Keep Tension Consistent Step 5: Weave in Ends Step 6: Practice on Scrap Yarn Step 7: Experiment with Different Methods

Introduction

Joining yarn in crochet is an essential skill that every crocheter should master, whether you're working on a large project like a blanket, a brightly colored flower, or intricate amigurumi animals. As you progress in your projects, you will inevitably need to switch to a new skein of yarn or change colors for aesthetic reasons. Understanding how to join yarn seamlessly allows you to continue your work without interruptions, maintaining the integrity and appearance of your crochet.

There are various methods for joining yarn, each with its advantages and ideal use cases. For beginners, the simplest method is to join yarn with the last yarn over of a stitch, which allows for a quick transition. More advanced techniques, such as the magic knot and the Russian join, provide secure connections without leaving ends to weave in. Each method has its nuances, and practicing these techniques will help you find the one that works best for your projects.

In this guide, we will explore several effective methods for joining yarn in crochet, complete with step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure a smooth transition. Whether you're changing colors or simply running out of yarn, mastering these techniques will enhance your crochet skills and allow you to create beautiful, uninterrupted pieces. Let’s dive into the various methods for joining yarn in crochet!

💡 Did you know why You Need to Join Yarn

As you work on your crochet projects, you may find that you run out of yarn or want to change colors for aesthetic reasons. Knowing how to join yarn effectively allows you to continue your project without interruptions. A good join will not only keep your work looking neat but also ensure that your stitches remain secure and durable.

Common Methods to Join Yarn

Learn how to join yarn in crochet with our simple guide. There are several methods to join yarn in crochet, each with its advantages and best use cases. Here, we’ll explore four popular techniques: joining with the last yarn over of a stitch, the magic knot, the Russian join, and the traditional method.

Step 1: Join Yarn with the Last Yarn Over of a Stitch

This method is one of the simplest and quickest ways to join yarn, especially when changing colors.

Instructions:

1. Crochet Until You Have a Few Inches Left: Work with your current yarn until you have about 4-6 inches remaining.

2. Begin Your Next Stitch: Start a new stitch (single crochet, half double crochet, etc.) but stop before completing the last yarn over.

For a single crochet: Insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop (you should have two loops on your hook), and stop here.
For a double crochet: Yarn over, insert your hook, pull up a loop (three loops on your hook), and stop here.

3. Introduce the New Yarn: Take your new yarn, yarn over with it, and pull through the remaining loops on your hook to complete the stitch.

4. Continue Crocheting: Proceed with your new yarn as you normally would.

5. Secure the Join: After a few stitches, gently tug on both yarn ends to ensure they are secure. Remember to weave in the ends later to prevent unraveling.

Step 2: The Magic Knot

The magic knot is a popular method for joining yarn that creates a secure connection without leaving ends to weave in.

Instructions:

Align the Yarns: Place the old yarn and new yarn parallel to each other, with the old yarn on top.
Create a Loop: Take the new yarn and pass it under the old yarn, then cross it over to form a loop.
Thread the End: Pass the end of the new yarn through the loop you just created and pull tight to form a knot.
Repeat for the Old Yarn: Now, take the old yarn and wrap it around the new yarn, creating a loop in the same way. Pass the end of the old yarn through this new loop and pull tight.
Pull to Tighten: Pull on both strands of yarn to bring the knots together tightly.
Trim the Ends: Carefully trim the ends close to the knots. The magic knot should hold securely without unraveling.

Step 3: The Russian Join

The Russian join is a method that creates a strong and nearly invisible join, making it ideal for projects where appearance matters.

Instructions:

Thread the Working Yarn: Take the working yarn and thread it through a needle.
Create a Loop: Insert the needle back through the yarn's plies for a few inches, creating a loop.
Thread the New Yarn: Take the new yarn and thread it through the loop you created with the working yarn.
Secure the Join: Pull both yarns to tighten the join. Then, thread the new yarn through its own plies for a few inches to secure it.
Trim Any Excess: Cut off any excess yarn ends, and your join should be smooth and secure.

Step 4: The Traditional Method

This classic method is often used for joining yarn, especially in larger projects.

Instructions:

Lay the New Yarn: Place the new yarn on top of the old yarn, making sure they overlap slightly.
Crochet Over the New Yarn: As you continue crocheting, work over the new yarn for the first few stitches. This helps secure it in place.
Weave in Ends: After a few stitches, you can either continue crocheting with the new yarn or cut the old yarn, leaving a tail to weave in later.
Secure the Join: Make sure to pull gently on both yarns to ensure the join is secure.

Tips on How to join yarn in crochet

Step 1: Choose the Right Method

There are several methods for joining yarn, including:

Last Yarn Over Method: This is one of the easiest and quickest ways to join yarn. Simply stop before completing your last stitch with the old yarn, then finish the stitch with the new yarn. This method is great for changing colors and is suitable for any yarn type.
Magic Knot: This method creates a strong, nearly invisible join. Lay the old and new yarn parallel, tie them together with a knot, and pull tight. This method works well with most yarn types but may not be suitable for very slippery yarns.
Russian Join: This technique involves threading the old yarn through itself and then attaching the new yarn. It creates a secure join without any ends to weave in, making it a great option for larger projects.

Step 2: Choose Similar Yarns

When joining yarn, try to use yarns of similar weight and fiber content to maintain consistency in your project.

Step 3: Use the Same Color

For a seamless look, use the same color yarn when joining. This is particularly important for larger projects where color changes may be noticeable.

Step 4: Keep Tension Consistent

When joining yarn, it's important to maintain consistent tension. Avoid pulling too tightly, as this can create uneven stitches. Instead, aim for a gentle pull to keep your work looking neat and uniform.

Step 5: Weave in Ends

After joining yarn, always remember to weave in the ends securely. This prevents unraveling and ensures a clean finish. Use a tapestry needle to thread the ends through several stitches in the same color to hide them effectively.

Step 6: Practice on Scrap Yarn

If you're new to joining yarn, practice on scrap yarn before working on your main project. This will help you become comfortable with the various techniques and find the one that works best for you.

Step 7: Experiment with Different Methods

Don't hesitate to try different joining methods to see which one you prefer. Each method has its advantages and may work better with specific yarn types or project styles.