Why join new yarn in the middle of knitting?
Knitting is a craft that requires attention to detail, including the way you join new yarn in the middle of your project. There are several reasons why you may need to do this. Perhaps you ran out of yarn and need to continue knitting with a new skein or maybe you want to change colors to create a color block effect. Whatever the reason, joining new yarn in the middle of knitting can be done seamlessly with a few simple techniques.
The Russian Join Method
The Russian Join is a popular method for joining new yarn in the middle of knitting. It is a technique that creates a secure and invisible join, perfect for projects where you want to avoid bulky knots or visible ends. To use the Russian Join method, start by threading a tapestry needle with the end of your old yarn. Then, thread the needle through the middle of the new yarn, creating a loop. Finally, thread the needle back through the old yarn, sandwiching the new yarn in between. Pull the yarn tight, and you have joined the new yarn seamlessly!
The Spit Splice Method
If you prefer a no-needle method for joining new yarn, consider the Spit Splice method. This technique works best for natural fibers like wool or cotton, as it relies on the fibers’ ability to felt together. To use the Spit Splice method, start by unravelling a few inches of the ends of your old and new yarns. Then, dampen your hands or simply lick the ends of the yarn to moisten them. Next, overlap the two strands and rub them vigorously between your palms until they felt together. Finally, give the yarn a gentle tug to test the strength of the splice. If it holds, you have successfully joined new yarn without using a needle or creating knots.
The Braided Join Method
The Braided Join method is another great technique for joining new yarn in the middle of your knitting project. This method creates a secure join and allows for a smooth transition between the old and new yarns. To use the Braided Join method, start by unraveling a few inches of the old and new yarns. Then, hold the two strands side by side and fold them in half to create a loop. Make sure the loops are facing in opposite directions. Next, carefully twist the loops around each other, creating a braided effect. Finally, gently pull the ends to tighten the join, and continue knitting with the new yarn.
The Overlap Join Method
The Overlap Join method is a simple and effective technique for joining new yarn in the middle of your knitting project. It creates a secure join and minimizes bulkiness. To use the Overlap Join method, start by knitting to the point where you need to join the new yarn. Then, leaving a few inches of the old yarn, simply start knitting with the new yarn, overlapping it with the old yarn for a few stitches. This will join the two yarns and create a secure join. Later, you can weave in the ends to further secure the join and give your project a professional finish.
