How to join yarn in knitting

A step-by-step (video) tutorial on how to make a magic knot in knitting for an invisible and super secure join.

Joining a new ball of yarn can be quite a chore. Because, let’s be honest, who really likes weaving in all those ends later on. But there is actually quite an easy way to avoid that. In knitting, you can also use a magic knot – also known as a fisherman’s knot – to join yarn.

This method is so easy and fast that I would almost call it foolproof. Basically, you are just tying two simple overhand knots close to each other. It works for almost every fiber and yarn – so it’s a very versatile method to join yarn (unlike the spit splice).

Still, you will end up with a little knot. This knot may be a bit visible in your final project. But if you are knitting with a slightly fuzzy yarn, a loose gauge, or a knitting stitch pattern (like garter stitch) that is a bit more variegated, then it’s a very lovely technique. Otherwise, do try the Russian join.

Let’s dive right into it, eh?

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Active Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Tools

• Any knitting needles work. I am using the Knitter's Pride Dreamz here
• A pair of scissors

Instructions

1. Place the two yarns you want to join in front of you so the tails point in opposite directions.
   
2. Pick up the left tail and place it over the other yarn.
   

3. Next, pull the tail under that yarn.
   
   
   
   
4. Bring the tail over the standing end to create a loop.
   

5. Pull the tail through that loop coming in from below.
   

6. Pull tight. You created your first overhand knot.
   

7. Pick up the remaining tail and place it over the other yarn.
   

8. Pull the tail under that yarn again.
   

9. Create another loop by placing the tail over the standing end.
   

10. Pull the tail through that loop coming from below and pull tight.
    

11. Next, pick up your join and pull on the standing ends (not the tails) until your two overhand knots meet in the middle.
    

12. Pull tight with a good tug, and then use a scissor to trim away the tails. And that's already it. You join in the new yarn and you can continue knitting.
    

Notes

A super-easy way to memorize these steps is: Go over and under. Over, and under. If you follow these instructions your overhand knots will always end up being parallel. If they face in opposite directions, the join will not be as secure and might actually come apart.

While the method is super simple, it sadly doesn’t really work for colorwork techniques where you need to join in a new color at a specific stitch as it’s quite difficult to tie the magic knot in a specific position (like intarsia or double knitting). Other than that, you can use it for pretty much every other project as long as you don’t mind the little knot.

Be aware that knots can come undone when they ease up. This may happen with super slippery yarns that do not felt at all. In these cases, I would recommend a more traditional way to join in a new yarn.

Anyway, that’s how to tie a magic knot in knitting. Comment below in case you have any questions.