How to join in a new ball of wool?

Joining a new ball of wool or yarn can be done simply by working stitches using both the old and new strands together for a short section.

A Simple Method for Joining Yarn

One straightforward way to join a new ball of yarn is to overlap the end of the old yarn with the beginning of the new yarn for a few stitches. This method creates a secure join without needing knots, which can sometimes be bulky or come undone.

Based on techniques described in resources like instructional videos, this approach involves:

1. Leaving a short tail of the new yarn.
2. Using both the old yarn strand and the new yarn strand together.
3. Working one or more stitches with these two strands held parallel.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how to execute this joining method:

1. As you near the end of your current ball of yarn, have your new ball ready.
2. When you are ready to join, take the end of the new yarn and hold it parallel to the old yarn you are currently working with.
3. Leave a tail of the new yarn. The reference suggests a "short tail of a new yarn, about like this" (implying a manageable length, typically a few inches).
4. Insert your needle or hook into the next stitch as usual.
5. Work the stitch using both the old yarn and the new yarn strands held together as if they were a single strand.
6. Repeat step 5 for one or more stitches.
7. After working the required stitches with both strands, drop the end of the old yarn (you can trim it later, leaving a short tail to weave in) and continue working with only the new yarn.

Tips for a Smooth Join

• Minimize Bulk: If you want to minimize the bulk created by working with two strands, work only one stitch using both strands before dropping the old yarn and continuing with the new.
• Secure the Ends: Once your project is finished, you should weave in the tails of both the old and new yarn ends securely into the fabric. This further reinforces the join and hides the loose ends.
• Practice: Experiment with working one, two, or three stitches with both strands to see what works best for your yarn and project type.

This method creates a slightly thicker point in your fabric where the join occurs, but it is often less noticeable than a knot and provides a strong connection between the two yarn balls.