How to Change Yarn

Last Updated: November 10, 2022 Tested

When you knit with a ball of yarn, it will eventually run out and you will need to start a new one. Here are two possible solutions to changing knitting yarn. This article discusses the exact stages needed to change knitting yarn.

Steps

1
Start at the beginning of a new row for either option. Avoid starting in the middle. This will prevent an ugly knot appearing in an obvious place, like in the centre of your scarf!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Option One

1
Cut the old yarn, leaving about a 6 inch (15.2 cm) end.^{[1]
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2
Hold the yarn end and the beginning 6 inches (15.2 cm) of the new yarn together with your left hand.
3
Start knitting with the yarn. The first stitch will be a bit loose but this can be fixed later.^{[2]
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4
Knit about 5 stitches then stop and tie the ends of the yarns together in a small knot.
5
Carry on knitting to the end of the row.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Option Two

1
To change yarn a different way, make a slipknot in the new yarn then pass the old yarn through it.^{[3]
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2
Slide the new yarn up to the base of the first stitch and tighten the slipknot. You are now ready to continue knitting with your new ball of yarn.^{[4]
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3
Weave in the yarn ends. When you've finished knitting, you will have a couple of yarn tails hanging along the side. To hide them it is easy to weave them in. Get a yarn needle and thread the yarn end through its eye. With the needle, weave the yarn in and out through the bumps at the side or the back of your piece.^{[5]
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4
Snip the yarn close to the end for a beautifully tidy finish.

Community Q&A

Question

When knitting in the round, how do I change yarn colors?

Eye of the liger

Community Answer

The same way you would with flat knitting. It's best to change between two needles, or best of all, at the end of a round. Make sure the end is on the outside, so you can easily find it later when you have to sew it in.
Question

I've knitted two pieces (lap blanket), and now I want to join them. Suggestions?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

Sewing the edges together with a ladder stitch is one method. Use a crochet hook to make a chain stitch pattern through both pieces and make it part of the design. Overlap the edges and crochet the edges together. You can make it close together of loose and lacy. Knit a joining strip by picking up and knitting through a stitch from each piece.
Question

How do I cast on to knit?

Community Answer

There are several different methods for casting on. The easiest is probably the backwards loop cast on, but the cable cast on is also a commonly used option. For more information, I suggest reading through wikiHow's article about casting on.