How to Join Yarn Seamlessly: Russian Join, Magic Knot & More

Why Seamless Joins Matter in Yarn Projects

Joining yarn happens in almost every project—when you run out of yarn, change colors, or start a new skein. How you make that join affects:

• Durability – weak joins can pull apart with wear.

• Appearance – seamless joins keep stitches smooth.

• Comfort – bulky knots can rub inside socks, hats, or sweaters.

That’s why knowing different joining methods is essential for every crafter.

👉 Related reading: How to Choose the Perfect Heel for Your Hand-Knitted Socks

Top Yarn Joining Techniques (with Pros & Cons)

There’s no single “best” method—it depends on your yarn and project. Here are the most common ways to join yarn:

Russian Join

• Creates an almost invisible, knot-free join.

• Works best with smooth yarns.

• Strong and ideal for garments or items with lots of wear.

Magic Knot

• Quick and very secure.

• Leaves a tiny knot that some knitters find noticeable.

• Great for acrylic and cotton yarns.

Spit Splice (Felted Join)

• Uses moisture and friction to felt fibers together.

• Works only with animal fibers like wool, alpaca, or yak.

• Invisible once worked into stitches.

Braided Join / Ply Interlacing

• Involves unplying yarn ends and twisting them together.

• Strong and smooth, especially with plied yarns.

• Good for projects where strength matters.

Simple Knot or Overlap

• Fastest method, but least invisible.

• Best reserved for projects where the join won’t show (like blankets).

Yarn Join Comparison Chart

Step-by-Step: How to Do Each Join

This technique creates a seamless and almost invisible join, perfect for when you're using yarns of the same color. Here's how it works:

1. Thread a yarn needle with the tail end of the old yarn.
2. Weave the needle back into the yarn itself for about two inches, then pull it through.
3. Do the same with the new yarn. Now, you should have two yarn loops.
4. Thread the tail end of the new yarn through the old yarn loop and vice versa.
5. Pull both ends tightly to bring the loops together. You'll have a sturdy, knot-free join.

The Russian join is perfect for most types of yarn, but it might be a bit tricky for very bulky or fuzzy ones.

The Magic Knot

The magic knot technique is another popular method. It's extremely secure and leaves little to no ends to weave in, but it does create a small knot.

1. Overlap the ends of the old and new yarn.
2. Make a loop with the new yarn around the old one, then thread the end through the loop to create a loose knot.
3. Repeat the process with the old yarn around the new one. You should now have two loose knots.
4. Pull the yarn strands in opposite directions to secure the knots together.
5. Cut the ends close to the knot.

This technique is great for most types of yarn, but the small knot might be noticeable in fine, delicate projects.

The Spit Splicing

Yes, it sounds a bit odd, but this method is great for wool and other animal fibers. It uses the natural properties of the yarn to felt the ends together.

1. Split the ends of your two pieces of yarn and fray them out.
2. Moisten the ends with a little water or spit (hence the name), then overlap them.
3. Rub the overlapped section between your palms. The friction and moisture will felt the fibers together.

This join is virtually invisible, but keep in mind it only works with yarns that can be felted.

The Simple Knot

If you're working with slippery or synthetic yarns, sometimes the simplest solution is the best. A simple knot can be a lifesaver, as long as it's done carefully.

1. Line up the end of your old yarn with the start of your new yarn.
2. Simply tie a knot, leaving a small tail of yarn.
3. Continue working your pattern, being careful to treat the knot and its tails as a single strand of yarn.

Although the knot may be slightly visible, it's a quick and easy method that works with almost any yarn.

The Braided Join

This technique works well with plied yarn (yarn made from multiple strands). It creates a seamless join but takes a bit of practice.

1. Unravel the plies of your old and new yarn ends for an inch or two.
2. Interlace the plies to join the two ends together.
3. Twist each set of combined plies back on themselves and continue with your project.

When to Use Each Method

• Wool yarns → Try spit splice for seamless joins.

• Acrylic or cotton yarns → Use Russian join or magic knot.

• Bulky yarns like Chenillique XL → Braided join is strong and less noticeable.

• Quick projects → A simple knot may be enough.

👉 For soft and durable yarns perfect for seamless joins, explore KnitPal favorites like Cotton to the Core, Woolen Delights, or Chenillique.

FAQs about Joining Yarn

Q1: How do I join yarn without leaving a knot?
Use methods like the Russian join or spit splice for invisible results.

Q2: Which join works best for acrylic yarn?
The magic knot or Russian join are most secure with acrylic.

Q3: Does joining yarn weaken my project?
Not if done properly. In fact, many joins are as strong as the yarn itself.

Q4: Can I join fuzzy or chenille yarn?
Yes—try the braided join or overlap, since splicing won’t work with chenille fibers.

Final Thoughts

Joining yarn doesn’t have to leave lumps or weaken your project. With methods like the Russian join, magic knot, or spit splice, you can make smooth, seamless connections that keep your knitting and crochet looking professional.

Next time you add a new skein, try one of these techniques—and don’t forget to match them with high-quality yarns like KnitPal’s Chenillique, Cotton to the Core, or Woolen Delights for the best results.