How to Change Yarn

Co-authored by Sarah Stearns

Last Updated: October 8, 2024 Approved

When you knit with a ball of yarn, it will eventually run out and you will need to start a new one. If you're not sure how, don't worry! Here are two easy methods you can use to change knitting yarn so you can get back to working on your project.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

When to Change Yarn

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Avoid starting in the middle. This will prevent an ugly knot appearing in an obvious place, like in the centre of your scarf!

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Option One

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The first stitch will be a bit loose but this can be fixed later.^{[2]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Option Two

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You are now ready to continue knitting with your new ball of yarn.^{[4]
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When you've finished knitting, you will have a couple of yarn tails hanging along the side. To hide them it is easy to weave them in. Get a yarn needle and thread the yarn end through its eye. With the needle, weave the yarn in and out through the bumps at the side or the back of your piece.^{[5]
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When knitting in the round, how do I change yarn colors?

Eye of the liger

Community Answer

The same way you would with flat knitting. It's best to change between two needles, or best of all, at the end of a round. Make sure the end is on the outside, so you can easily find it later when you have to sew it in.

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I've knitted two pieces (lap blanket), and now I want to join them. Suggestions?

T. Chinsen

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Sewing the edges together with a ladder stitch is one method. Use a crochet hook to make a chain stitch pattern through both pieces and make it part of the design. Overlap the edges and crochet the edges together. You can make it close together of loose and lacy. Knit a joining strip by picking up and knitting through a stitch from each piece.

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How do I cast on to knit?

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There are several different methods for casting on. The easiest is probably the backwards loop cast on, but the cable cast on is also a commonly used option. For more information, I suggest reading through wikiHow's article about casting on.

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Tips

Keep small pieces of snipped off yarn for mending needs - just in case. The wool dye lot will match if you do this. It is a good idea to label such snipped pieces so that you know why you are keeping them and for which item.

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