How to Join Yarn Ends: 4 Easy Ways

Learn how to join yarn ends in crochet when adding yarn or changing colors using simple methods like the Russian join and magic knot.

Close-up of pink and yellow yarn joined smoothly, showing how to join yarn ends in crochet.

How to Join Yarn Ends the Easy Way

Have you ever been working on a project, totally in the zone, and suddenly – uh-oh – you run out of yarn? Or maybe you’ve been itching to switch to a fun new color but aren’t sure how to make the change look good?

I’ve been there, and I know how frustrating it can feel.

The good news? Joining yarn ends doesn’t have to be tricky! I’m sharing a few simple methods to help you make smooth transitions in your projects.

And here’s a little secret – method 4 is my favorite! Stick around to see why.

Let’s get started!

A smooth color change from blue to pink yarn, showing how to join yarn ends.

Why It’s Important to Know How to Join Yarn Ends

Joining yarn ends the right way is very important in crochet. If we don’t do it properly, we might have loose ends or big knots in our work.

This can make our beautiful stitch patterns look messy. Also, the yarn could come undone, and we don’t want that to happen!

By learning the best ways to join yarn, we can avoid these problems. Our projects will look better, and we will feel more confident in our crochet skills.

Watch And Learn How to Join Yarn Ends

Want to see these techniques in action? Watch the video tutorial for a step-by-step guide to all 4 yarn-joining methods!

TIP: To view this video tutorial properly, please disable any ad-blocker you have running.

4 Easy Ways for How to Join Yarn Ends

There are many different ways to join yarn ends in crochet. Each method has its own advantages. You can choose the one that works best for you and your yarn type.

1. The Russian Join

The Russian join is a great way to join yarn without making any knots. It creates a seamless join, so you can’t see where the yarns were joined. This method works well with many types of yarn, like acrylic yarn, wool, or cotton.

Steps:

Take the yarn end from your existing yarn. Thread it onto a yarn needle or tapestry needle.

Threading pink yarn onto a needle, the first step in how to join yarn ends.

2. Insert the needle back into the yarn, going through the middle of the strands. This makes a loop.

A needle being inserted into pink yarn to create a secure connection for how to join yarn ends.

3. Pull the needle through about two inches of the yarn.

Pink yarn wrapped around a needle to form a loop, showing how to join yarn ends.

4. Do the same with the new yarn end.

A needle weaving through second yarn strands, a key step in how to join yarn ends.

5. Pull both yarn ends tight and cut any excess yarn.

A smooth and secure connection between pink and yellow yarn, showing how to join yarn ends.

This method is especially useful when you need to join yarn in the middle of a row. It’s an effective way to join yarn without leaving loose ends.

Need a closer look at this method? I’ve got a detailed tutorial HERE.

2. The Magic Knot Technique

The magic knot technique is another popular method. It’s one of the quickest ways to join yarn. This method makes a small double knot that is strong and secure.

Steps:

Take the yarn end from your existing yarn and the yarn end from the new yarn ball.

2. Tie the existing yarn around the new yarn with a simple knot.

Setting up the pink and yellow yarn loops to show how to join yarn ends.

3. Then, tie the new yarn around the existing yarn in the same way.

Tying the loops together for a secure yarn join.

4. Pull both yarns tight with a gentle tug. The knots will slide together.

Tightening the knots, showing how to join yarn ends smoothly.

5. Cut the extra yarn close to the knot.

The finished result, perfect for any project, demonstrating how to join yarn ends with ease.

Now you can continue crocheting without worrying about loose ends. This method works well with most types of yarn. Just be careful if you’re using very slippery yarn.

Curious to learn more? Take a look at my step-by-step guide HERE.

3. The Spit Splice (Felting Method)

The spit splice is a special way to join yarn ends. It works with wool yarn or yarn that can be felted.

It doesn’t work with acrylic yarn.

Steps:

Unravel a little bit of both yarn ends. About two inches is enough.

Two yarn ends unraveled and ready for the first step in how to join yarn ends.

2. Overlap the strands of yarn.

Orange and yellow yarn strands overlapped to begin how to join yarn ends.

3. Wet the yarn ends slightly. You can use water.

Spraying water on yarn ends to prepare them for rubbing together in how to join yarn ends.

4. Rub them together between your palms. Rub until the fibers stick together.

Hands rubbing wet yarn ends together to securely connect them, demonstrating how to join yarn ends.

5. Let it dry for a moment.

A smooth, seamless join between orange and yellow yarn, showing the result of how to join yarn ends.

Now you have a seamless join! This method is perfect for wool yarns.

It’s a great way to join yarn without knots or loose ends.

4. The Slip Stitch Join

The slip stitch join is useful when you want to change colors or start with a new yarn ball.

Steps:

Finish your last stitch with the existing yarn, but don’t complete the final yarn over.

Finishing a stitch with blue yarn, ready to join new yarn in how to join yarn ends.

2. Take the new color yarn and make a loop of new color and place it over your hook.

A pink yarn loop added to the crochet hook for how to join yarn ends.

3. Complete the last stitch with the new color.

Completing the stitch with pink yarn to show how to join yarn ends.

4. Continue crocheting with the new color.

Continuing crochet with pink yarn after joining, showing how to join yarn ends.

This method makes a smooth color change. It’s especially good for color changes at the end of your row or when starting the next row.

Tips for Smooth Yarn Changes

Leave a Long Tail: Always leave a long tail when you join yarn. This helps when weaving in the ends.
Match Yarn Types: Try to use the same type of yarn. Different yarn types might look different in your work.
Join at the Right Place: If possible, join yarn at the end of a row or the top of the row. This hides the yarn join better.
Be Careful with Knots: Don’t use too much yarn when making knots. Extra yarn can make a lump in your work.
Use the Right Method: Choose the joining method that works best for your yarn and your project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving Short Tails: Don’t leave short yarn tails. They can come undone easily.
Joining in Complex Stitches: Avoid joining yarn in complex stitch patterns. It’s better to join in simple stitches like single crochet.
Forgetting to Weave In Ends: Don’t forget to weave in the yarn tails. Loose ends can make your work look untidy.
Not Planning Yarn Changes: Be careful with yarn joins in the middle of a row. If possible, plan your yarn changes so you can join at a better spot.

Practice Makes Perfect

Learning how to join yarn ends takes practice. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect the first time. The more you do it, the better you’ll get.

If you have a quick question, don’t hesitate to ask a friend or look for a video tutorial online.

Conclusion

Joining yarn ends in crochet doesn’t have to be hard. With these easy methods, you can join yarn smoothly and keep your crochet projects looking great.

Whether you’re adding a new skein of yarn or changing colors, knowing how to join yarn ends is very helpful.

So next time you run out of yarn or want to change colors, try these techniques. Remember, practice makes perfect, and every crochet project is a chance to learn something new.

Happy crocheting!

I hope this helps you join yarn ends in your crochet projects. If you have any questions or tips of your own, feel free to share them. Let’s keep learning and creating together!

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Smooth transition between blue and pink yarn, illustrating how to join yarn ends during a crochet project.

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