Learn the Trick of Joining Yarn
Can't figure out what to do when you run out of yarn in the middle of your project? Follow these easy steps
You're happily knitting along, all the while in the back of your mind; you know that eventually, you're going to run out of yarn. To seasoned knitters this may be no big deal, but if you're a newbie, it can be terrifying.
Wondering how to accomplish this feat of joining new yarn into your project? Put your fears to rest and follow these directions.
Joining yarn -- Not so tricky!
You know you can only knit so long with one ball of yarn. So, as a newbie, you're probably asking, "What happens when I run out?" I'll admit... it does seem a bit scary. After all, you don't want a big, ugly knot right smack in the middle of your beloved project.
First things first. Always join yarn on the edge of your project. How do you decide if you have enough yarn to finish a row so you can join your yarn on the edge? Look at your yarn. If it is three times the width of your piece, you can finish a row. If not, you need to start a new yarn ball.
To start a new ball of yarn, cut the old yarn leaving about 6 inches. With the old tail and 6 inches of the new yarn, hold them in your left hand and start knitting. The first stitches are going to be loose, but don't worry.
Knit about six stitches and stop. When you stop, tie the ends of the yarns together with a square knot. Later, you can un-tie the square knot and work the loose ends into the fabric.
That was simple, wasn't it? Not a thing to worry about. Use this technique to join in your new yarn and continue your project or join in a new yarn color. It works either way and you will never have to be scared of joining yarn again.