4 Ways to Join New Yarn

When we first learn to knit, we learn how to join a new ball of yarn to our knitting, so we can keep knitting!. For a lot of us, the way we learned to join yarn is the way we always use, whether it's the best application or not. Below are a few of my favorite ways to join new yarn to my existing project. These are methods I've tried and used in various projects. I've included a link to a video for each method, and what I think are the advantages and disadvantages of using each method.

Do you have a favorite way of joining new yarn?
 

Overlap

Advantages: quick, easy and simple

Disadvantages: may show slightly, there are ends to weave in

Stitch a few stitches with the old yarn and the new yarn held together. Drop the old yarn, and continue knitting with the new yarn. This video gives a clear description.

Russian join

Advantages: No ends to weave in, practically invisible, very secure

Disadvantages: Takes a little practice and a tapestry needle

Join the ends of your working yarn and new yarn with this knot-less and almost invisible join. This video shows you how.

Magic Knot

Advantages: Easy once you know how, no ends to weave in, secure

Disadvantages: Not great for plain stockinette

Join new and old yarn with an actual knot! This straightforward video shows how to do it.

Splice

Advantages: practically invisible, no ends to weave in

Disadvantages: can be a little tricky and messy, not suitable for superwash yarns

Basically, you felt your yarn ends together and keep on knitting! This videogives a good look.