How to do the looped join

A super invisible way to join in a new color at the beginning of a row

There are probably a thousand different ways to join in a new yarn in knitting. A lot of them require weaving in the ends later on using a tapestry needle. When you are knitting a striped scarf, this can be very visible, while the floats of Fair Isle patterns might prevent you from doing that altogether. That’s where a super invisible and easy method I call “Looped Join” comes in.

Essentially, it’s a bit of a mixture between a Russian Join and a Spit Splice and it’s perfect for all patterns where you need to start a row with a new color. The basic version requires a tapestry needle but if your yarn is feltable, it’s even easier (see below).

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Instructions: How to start a row with a new color using the looped join

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This method is perfect for stripped patterns or Fair Isle patterns where you need to start a row with a new color. It works best when you want to continue using the old color. I would not use it in the middle of a row because then it will create a visible hole in your knitting.

Active Time 2 minutes

Total Time 2 minutes

Materials

• [Any yarn works.]

Tools

• Any type of knitting needle. I am using the Knitter's Pride Dreamz here
• Sharp tapestry needle
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Start by splitting the yarn. Simply pull the plies apart for around 4 inches or 10 cm.
   
2. Thin out one half with your scissors.
   
3. Thread the remaining side of the tail on a sharp tapestry needle.
   
   
4. Fold the yarn over to create a loop and use the tapestry needle to pierce right through the center of your yarn. Cover around 3 inches or 6-7 cm in this manner.
   
5. Secure the little loop at the beginning of your tail with your knitting needle and then pull the tapestry needle all the way through. This may require a bit of force. Don't worry if the result will look a bit scrambled.
   
6. Straighten the resulting join out using your fingers.
   
7. Trim away any excess that might still be sticking out. You could also do this later on and after you've knitted a couple of rows. Or even after blocking.
   
8. Pick up your new yarn/color with the loop at the very end the normal way.
   
9. Next, pull the loop right through the first stitch the way you would knit a normal knit stitch.
   
10. From here, continue working in pattern.
    

Notes

If you are working with a fine gauge (say DK yarn and below), I recommend skipping the first two steps. Instead, start with step 3. This will leave behind a section in your fabric that is slightly thicker but splitting the yarn often is just not feasible if the yarn is too thin.

How to start a row in a new color with a feltable fiber

A lot of fibers can be felted. Sheep wool, alpaca yarn, camel hair, and even cashmere come to mind. As long as it doesn’t say superwash on the label or there is a notable nylon or acrylic content, you don’t even need a tapestry needle for the looped join.

Step 1: Split the yarn as before and trim away half of it.

Step 2: Fold the tail over so the end and the spot where you cut away the other half meet to create a little loop.

Step 3: Use some water (or spit; works often better) to wet the loop but keep the very end dry.

Step 4: Place the loop in between the palms of your hands and rub them together vigorously for 5-10 seconds. Make sure that the very end still sticks out.

The result should be a felted tail with a little loop at the very end you can use to knit your first stitch at the beginning of a row.

Please note that this method doesn’t work very well whenever you need to join in a new color in the middle of a row. Intarsia projects come to mind or any project knit in the round. That’s because this join does not create a connection to the previous stitch and you would thus end up with a big hole.

But of course, a lot of people don’t like to weave in ends regardless and, if you ask me, this leaves you with the following options:

A) You want to switch colors:

If you don’t need the old color anymore, you could use the back join. You could even combine that general technique with the “Trim, overlap, and felt” join for a similarly invisible transition.

B) You still need the old color:

For all instances where you only want to join in an additional color in the middle of a row or round, my go-to method is Weave in and Twist. This will leave behind a tail, but you can easily weave that in as you go.

Anyway, that’s how to join in a new color at the beginning of a row the easy way. Comment below if you still have any questions.