There you are, crocheting along happily, when suddenly – oops, no more yarn! What do you do now, to avoid knots, lumps, bumps and tails?
There are several methods of joining a new ball of yarn which help you to avoid all these common pitfalls. Have a look at our round-up below and you’re sure to find one that will suit your own crocheting style and save you from glitches as you go.
1. Twist method
Many people swear by the twist method of joining new yarn when a ball runs out. A simple way of looping up the old with the new yarn, and crocheting a few stitches with double yarn, can mean you simply snip the ends away instead of having to weave them in with a needle. Watch the technique here:
Many people swear by the twist method of joining new yarn when a ball runs out. A simple way of looping up the old with the new yarn, and crocheting a few stitches with double yarn, can mean you simply snip the ends away instead of having to weave them in with a needle. Watch the technique here:
2. No knot join
No one likes to see an ugly knot marring the smooth lines of a well-crocheted scarf or sweater. Get rid of ugly lumps and bumps forever using this technique.
No one likes to see an ugly knot marring the smooth lines of a well-crocheted scarf or sweater. Get rid of ugly lumps and bumps forever using this technique.
FRESH STITCHES
3. Yarn over method
One of the simplest methods of joining a new ball is the yarn over method – simply crochet along until you have 6 inches or so of yarn left, then yarn over with the new yarn. This will not solve your ends problem but it does make for a seamless join. Follow the instructions here.
One of the simplest methods of joining a new ball is the yarn over method – simply crochet along until you have 6 inches or so of yarn left, then yarn over with the new yarn. This will not solve your ends problem but it does make for a seamless join. Follow the instructions here.
RED HEART
4. Text book join
This is a simple join which also binds in both old and new ends. Lay your new yarn on top of the row or round you are working, and work over for a few stitches. Pick up the new yarn at the bottom of your stitch and continue, working over the old yarn for a few stitches. See here for a full tutorial.
This is a simple join which also binds in both old and new ends. Lay your new yarn on top of the row or round you are working, and work over for a few stitches. Pick up the new yarn at the bottom of your stitch and continue, working over the old yarn for a few stitches. See here for a full tutorial.
CRYSTALS AND CROCHET
5. Slip stitch join
Joining your new yarn with a slip stitch has the advantage of being a secure and reliable method, though it does leave you with ends to deal with later. See more on this method here.
Joining your new yarn with a slip stitch has the advantage of being a secure and reliable method, though it does leave you with ends to deal with later. See more on this method here.
