3 Ways to Join Yarn – A Complete Guide for Crocheters

Welcome back to Crystals and Crochet! Whether you’re working on an ambitious blanket project or crafting a cozy sweater, there’s one moment every crocheter faces: running out of yarn. That sinking feeling when you realize your ball is nearly done can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Learning how to properly join a new ball of yarn is an essential skill that will transform your crochet experience from frustrating to effortless.

Today, I’m sharing three reliable techniques for joining yarn that will keep your projects looking professional and seamless. Each method has its own strengths, and by the end of this tutorial, you’ll know exactly which one works best for your specific project and yarn type.

Why Joining Yarn Matters: 3 Ways to Join Yarn Explained

Before we dive into the techniques, let’s talk about why this skill is so important. When you’re working on larger projects, you’ll inevitably need to add new yarn. The way you join that yarn can make the difference between a finished piece that looks handmade with love and one that looks homemade with obvious flaws.

The good news? When you’re working with the same color yarn, these joins can become virtually invisible. The key is choosing the right method for your yarn type and personal preference. Let’s explore your options.

Method One: The Text Book Join

I call this the Text Book Join because it’s exactly how I learned to crochet, and it’s the method taught in most traditional crochet classes. There’s something comforting about learning techniques that have been passed down through generations of crafters.

How It Works:

The process is surprisingly straightforward. When you’re getting close to the end of your yarn (leave yourself about six inches to work with), position your new yarn strand on top of the row or round you’re currently working. Here’s where it gets clever: instead of immediately switching to the new yarn, work your next few stitches right over that new strand, essentially trapping it in place with your existing yarn.

After you’ve secured the new yarn with three or four stitches, it’s time to make the switch. When you reach the base of your next stitch, pick up that new yarn and continue crocheting. Now you’ll be working over the old yarn tail for several stitches, securing it in the same way you secured the new yarn moments ago.

The Beauty of This Method:

What I love about the Text Book Join is its versatility. You can choose to work those tail ends in as you go, which saves time later, or you can leave them and weave them in with a yarn needle after you’ve finished your project. Either way works perfectly fine.

When you’re using the same color yarn, this join becomes practically invisible. I’ve had people examine my finished projects closely and never spot where I’ve joined new yarn. That’s the magic of this technique.

Why Choose This Method:

This approach works beautifully with absolutely any type of yarn you throw at it. Cotton, acrylic, wool, blends—you name it, the Text Book Join handles it. The security is unmatched, too. As long as you properly secure those ends (either by working over them or weaving them in), this join will never come apart. I’ve had blankets washed dozens of times, and the joins remain as solid as the day I made them.

Method Two: The Magic Knot

Now we’re getting into slightly controversial territory. The Magic Knot divides the crochet community, and I need to address this head-on: some people absolutely despise knots in their work. They believe it’s not the “proper” way to join yarn. But here’s my philosophy—there is no such thing as the wrong way when it comes to crafting! If a technique works for you and creates the result you want, then it’s the right technique for your project.

Creating the Magic Knot:

This method involves creating two small knots that slide together to form one secure join. Start by placing your old and new yarn strands parallel to each other, overlapping by several inches. Take your new yarn and pass it under the old yarn, then cross it back over the top. Pass the end through the loop you’ve created and pull it snug. You’ve just made your first knot.

Now repeat this exact process with your old yarn, creating a mirror image of what you just did. You’ll end up with two separate knots on the two different strands.

Here’s where the magic happens: gently pull on the working ends (not the tails) of both yarns. Those two knots will slide toward each other and nestle together, creating one small, tight join. Once they’re snug, trim those tail ends as close to the knot as you dare. Don’t worry—this knot isn’t going anywhere.

Best Uses for the Magic Knot:

This technique shines when you’re working with acrylic yarns or any yarn that has texture to it. The fibers grip each other beautifully, and the knot holds like it’s been welded together. I use this method constantly for my acrylic blanket projects because it’s fast and utterly reliable.

However, I must share an important caveat: very silky or slippery yarns can be problematic with this method. The smooth fibers don’t grip well, and your knot might slide apart. My advice? Always test it. After creating your Magic Knot with a new yarn type, give it a genuinely hard tug. I mean really pull on it. If it holds, you’re good to go. If it slips even slightly, choose a different joining method for that particular yarn.

If you’re interested in using this technique to change colors in your project, I’ve created a video tutorial that walks through that process step by step. It’s a game-changer for projects with multiple colors.

Method Three: The Russian Join

The Russian Join is my go-to method when I’m working with yarns that have a tight twist. There’s something deeply satisfying about this technique once you master it.

The Process:

You’ll need a yarn needle for this one. Thread the tail end of your old yarn onto the needle, then carefully make several small stitches through the plies of that same old yarn. Work your way along about two inches, and make sure you leave a small loop at the starting point—this is crucial.

Now thread your new yarn through that loop you left in the old yarn. Take your needle and make similar small stitches through the new yarn, again working along about two inches of length.

Pull on both tail ends to bring those loops together. The real magic happens next: pull on both the old and new working strands simultaneously. This action draws the tail ends into the body of the join, hiding them completely within the twisted fibers of the yarn itself.

Snip off any bits of tail that are still visible, and you’re done. The join is smooth, virtually invisible, and incredibly secure.

Practice Makes Perfect:

I won’t lie to you—the Russian Join takes practice. Your first few attempts might feel awkward or look lumpy. That’s completely normal. Keep at it, and soon you’ll be creating these joins smoothly and confidently.

It’s worth noting that this method isn’t suitable for every yarn type. Loosely twisted or ribbon yarns won’t work well with this technique. But for standard twisted yarns, especially those with a tight, firm twist, the Russian Join creates the most seamless connection you’ll ever see.

Finding Your Perfect Method

The beauty of knowing multiple joining techniques is that you can choose the best one for each situation. Working with slippery bamboo yarn? Skip the Magic Knot and use the Text Book Join. Using tightly twisted wool? The Russian Join will give you the most invisible result. Need something quick and reliable with acrylic? The Magic Knot is your friend.

I encourage you to practice all three methods and see which one feels most natural to you. Your hands will develop preferences, and certain techniques will simply click with your personal crochet style. That’s perfectly fine! Having options means you’re equipped to handle any project that comes your way.

Join Our Community

If you need help perfecting these techniques or want to share your projects with fellow crochet enthusiasts, I’d love to have you join Helen’s Hookaholics Facebook group. It’s a warm, supportive community where we help each other troubleshoot problems, share pattern recommendations, and celebrate our finished makes. The group members are always willing to answer questions and offer encouragement.

Not a Facebook user? No worries at all! You can reach out through the contact form on this website, and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible with any help or advice you need.

Remember, choice is what makes crafting beautiful. There’s no single “correct” way to join yarn—only the way that works best for you, your project, and the materials you’re using. Happy crocheting, and may all your joins be invisible!