How To Join Yarn When Knitting In The Round: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide

Knitting in the round produces seamless creations, but it requires joining new yarn at some point. If done incorrectly, the join can be bulky and unattractive, so it’s important to learn proper techniques.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover the best methods for joining yarn while knitting in the round.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: The invisible join is the best technique for seamlessly adding new yarn when knitting in the round. It hides the ends inside your work so the transition is smooth and virtually invisible.

Plan Ahead to Minimize Joins

Calculate how much yarn you’ll need for your project

One of the key factors in minimizing joins when knitting in the round is to accurately calculate how much yarn you’ll need for your project. This will help you avoid running out of yarn and having to join a new ball in the middle of your work.

To calculate the amount of yarn needed, you can refer to patterns or use a yarn calculator tool available online. By planning ahead and ensuring you have enough yarn to complete your project, you can minimize the need for joins.

Wind yarn into balls ahead of time before starting your project

Another way to minimize joins is to wind your yarn into balls ahead of time before starting your project. This allows you to easily pull from the center of the ball, reducing the likelihood of tangles or knots that may require joining a new ball.

Winding your yarn into balls also gives you a better sense of how much yarn you have and helps you plan accordingly. You can use a yarn swift and ball winder to efficiently wind your yarn, or you can wind it by hand.

Whichever method you choose, winding your yarn in advance can save you time and frustration during the knitting process.

For more information and tips on joining yarn when knitting in the round, you can visit KnittingHelp.com, a trusted resource for knitters of all skill levels. They provide step-by-step instructions, video tutorials, and a community forum where you can ask questions and get advice from fellow knitters.

With proper planning and preparation, you can successfully join yarn when knitting in the round and create beautiful, seamless projects.

5 Recommended Ways to Join Yarn When Knitting in the Round

Russian join (most invisible)

The Russian join is a popular method for joining yarn when knitting in the round because it creates a seamless and nearly invisible join. To use this technique, you will need to have two yarn ends that you want to join. Start by threading one yarn end through a tapestry needle.

Then, weave the needle through the plies of the yarn for a few inches. Repeat the process with the other yarn end, threading it through the plies of the first yarn. Finally, pull both ends tightly to secure the join. This method creates a strong and seamless join that won’t unravel during knitting.

Spit splice

The spit splice is a technique that involves using moisture to fuse two yarn ends together. While it may sound unappealing, it is actually an effective method for joining yarn when knitting in the round.

To use this technique, wet both yarn ends with water or saliva and rub them together vigorously to create friction. Then, allow the yarn to dry, and the fibers will fuse together. This method works well for natural fibers like wool and can create a strong and seamless join.

Back join

The back join is a simple method for joining yarn when knitting in the round. To use this technique, leave a long tail of the new yarn when joining it to the project. As you knit, hold the tail against the back of the work and knit it together with the working yarn for a few stitches.

This method creates a secure join and minimizes the need to weave in ends later.

Braided join

The braided join is a decorative method for joining yarn when knitting in the round. To use this technique, cut both yarn ends to be joined into equal lengths. Then, separate the plies of each yarn and braid them together.

Once the plies are braided, twist the ends back onto themselves to secure the join. This method creates a visually interesting join and adds a unique touch to your knitting project.

Knotted join (least preferred)

The knotted join is a simple but less preferred method for joining yarn when knitting in the round. To use this technique, tie a secure knot between the old and new yarn ends. However, it’s important to note that knots can create bulk and may be visible in your finished project.

Knots can also come undone over time, so it’s best to use this method sparingly and avoid it if possible.

How to Do the Invisible Russian Join

When knitting in the round, it’s important to have a clean and seamless join when joining yarn. One popular method for achieving this is the invisible Russian join. This join creates a smooth transition between yarns without leaving any knots or tails that need to be woven in later.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do the invisible Russian join:

Leave a 6″ tail when finishing first yarn ball

Before starting the join, make sure to leave a 6-inch tail when finishing the first yarn ball. This tail will be used later to complete the join.

Thread tail through tapestry needle and insert into live stitch

Take the tail of the first yarn ball and thread it through a tapestry needle. Then, insert the needle into a live stitch on the knitting needle, making sure to go from the front to the back of the work.

Pull tail through and leave an appropriate length loop

Gently pull the tail through the live stitch, leaving an appropriate length loop. This loop will be used to secure the join and ensure that it doesn’t come undone while knitting.

Trim excess tail

Once the loop is secured, trim any excess tail of the first yarn ball, making sure to leave a small tail for weaving in later.

Repeat process on second yarn ball, interlocking loops

Now, take the second yarn ball and repeat the same process. Thread the tail through a tapestry needle and insert it into a live stitch on the knitting needle. This time, make sure to interlock the loops created by the first yarn ball to ensure a secure join.

Gently snug up join and smooth stitches

After both yarn balls have been joined, gently snug up the join by pulling on the tails. This will help to conceal the join and create a seamless transition between the yarns. Finally, smooth out the stitches to ensure a neat and polished finish.

By following these steps, you can easily achieve an invisible Russian join when knitting in the round. This join not only creates a seamless transition between yarns but also eliminates the need for weaving in ends later on, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Tips for a Seamless Join

When joining yarn in knitting, it’s important to ensure a seamless finish. Here are some tips to help you achieve a smooth and inconspicuous join.

Join in an inconspicuous spot like underarm or side seam

One way to make your join less noticeable is to choose a spot where it will be hidden. For example, when knitting in the round, joining the yarn at the underarm or side seam can help disguise the join. This way, any slight differences in tension or appearance will be less noticeable.

Make join while knitting plain stockinette stitch

Another tip for a seamless join is to make it while you’re knitting plain stockinette stitch. This type of stitch has a smooth and even texture, making it easier to hide the join. Avoid making the join during a complex stitch pattern or lacework, as it may be more difficult to conceal.

Avoid changing colors on the same row as the join

When changing colors in your knitting project, it’s best to avoid doing it on the same row as the join. This can help prevent any color variations from being too obvious at the join. Instead, plan your color changes a few rows before or after the join, depending on the pattern and design.

Check gauge swatch with different yarns first

Before starting your project, it’s a good idea to create a gauge swatch using the different yarns you plan to join. This will help you determine if there are any noticeable differences in tension or appearance between the yarns.

By making adjustments or choosing different yarns if necessary, you can ensure a more seamless join.

Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to joining yarn in knitting. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t seamless – with some trial and error, you’ll soon be able to achieve a professional-looking join in your projects.

Conclusion

Joining new yarn is inevitable when knitting in the round, but with proper planning and technique, you can make the transition virtually invisible. The Russian join hides yarn ends inside your knitting for the smoothest effect. Just remember to be patient and take your time setting up the join.

With practice, you’ll be creating flawless joins that enhance your beautiful knitted creations.