A step-by-step (video) tutorial on how to make a magic knot in knitting for an invisible and super secure join.
Joining a new ball of yarn can be quite a chore. Because, let’s be honest, who really likes weaving in all those ends later on? But there is actually quite an easy way to avoid that. In knitting, you can also use a magic knot – also known as a fisherman’s knot – to join yarn.
This method is so easy and fast that I would almost call it foolproof. Basically, you are just tying two simple overhand knots close to each other. It works for almost every fiber and yarn – so it’s a very versatile method to join yarn (unlike the spit splice).
Still, you will end up with a little knot. This knot may be a bit visible in your final project. But if you are knitting with a slightly fuzzy yarn, a loose gauge, or a knitting stitch pattern (like garter stitch) that is a bit more variegated, then it’s a very lovely technique. Otherwise, do try the Russian join.
Let’s dive right into it, eh?
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How to tie a magic knot in knitting
You will need a tail of around 5 inches for this joining method. So, best stop a bit before your yarn runs out. And then you just have to tie an overhand knot around the other either end using the opposite tail.
Instructions
- Place the two yarns you want to join in front of you so the tails point in opposite directions.
- Pick up the right tail and place it over the other yarn.
- Next, pull the tail under that yarn.
- Bring the tail over the standing end to create a loop.
- Pull the tail through that loop coming in from below.
- Pull tight. You created your first overhand knot.
- Pick up the remaining tail and place it over the other yarn.
- Pull the tail under that yarn again.
- Create another loop by placing the tail over the standing end.
- Pull the tail through that loop coming from below and pull tight.
- Next, pick up your join and pull on the standing ends (not the tails) until your two overhand knots meet in the middle.
- Pull tight with a good tug, and then use scissors to trim away the tails. And that's already it. You joined in the new yarn and you can continue knitting.
Notes
A super-easy way to memorize these steps is: Go over and under. Over, and under. If you follow these instructions your overhand knots will always end up being parallel. If they face in opposite directions, the join will not be as secure and might actually come apart.
While the method is super simple, it sadly doesn’t really work for colorwork techniques where you need to join in a new color at a specific stitch as it’s quite difficult to tie the magic knot in a specific position (like intarsia or double knitting). Other than that, you can use it for pretty much every other project as long as you don’t mind the little knot.
Be aware that knots can come undone when they ease up. This may happen with super slippery yarns that do not felt at all. In these cases, I would recommend a more traditional way to join in a new yarn.
Anyway, that’s how to tie a magic knot in knitting. Comment below in case you have any questions.
I am just making a hat, the sideways-knit “Ruschia” hat in garter stitch, one color, so weaving in ends is no big deal; and for some reason decided I wanted to join the new yarn with a secure knot. Is there any argument against using the magic knot, but leaving tails to weave in so it will be extra secure?
well, sure, you can do that. But the problem is that it will be kind of hard to determine where in your knitting that knot, and by extension, the tail, will end up. And you need them to be on the backside.
Thanks. This knot worked out great. Can’t see the join after I knitted in the new yarn. Your tutorials are so helpful.
Thanks again for a helpful tutorial!
Thanks so much! I have had such a hard time trying to follow videos for making the magic knot. You have an excellent step-by-step guide. The photos are so helpful, and your directions are so clear. I appreciate it!
Great tutorial, thanks, so clear. It’s the perfect method for cotton double knit, just about invisible.
excellent written and audio of this technique. best i seen and i have looked at a lot
Thanks
Love it. Thank you
Can you use this knot in crocheting?
nothing speaks against it, if you ask me!
I have successfully used the Magic Knot for colourwork. It requires a little bit more care than the single colour join, but the knot comes out in exactly the right spot.
First knit the working colour yarn up to the point where you want to change colour. Put a small safety pin or stitch marker into the yarn just after the last stitch. Unknit enough stitches to give you some length to work with. Follow the instructions above starting with your working colour. As you tighten the knot make sure that your marker is inside the knot. Remove the marker and continue with next colour. When you knit the previous (unknit) stitches your colour change should be right where you want it.
yes, you can do that. But in this case, you can also do the overlap join or a russian join. Will be more secure, if you ask me, than the magic knot. The principle with the pin remains the same.
Still glad it works out for you!
Yes, I generally use the russian join whenever there will be some stress on the fabric (like a sweater) and the magic knot for things like scarves and shawls.
It’s always good to have extra tools in your toolkit 🙂
Thank you so much for the clear instructions with the pictures! You make it so easy to do and not scary🤣
I’d love to give you a great review on this blog and the weaving in your ends but I cannot find the thumb up. I have gone back on both and cannot find it anywhere. I just thought I’d let you know as I’m sure I’m not the only one on Pinterest that can’t find it. Love your videos, very informative and easy to follow!
I’ve always just made a regular knot in my yarn with long tails on either side and woven the tails in. Seems to work okay so far.
Thank you! The pictures made this so easy! I can’t figure out why it doesn’t come apart after snipping the tails!
My only concern is that either my eyes are deceiving me, or when you said, “Pick up the *left* tail and place it *over* the other yarn,” it’s actually *under* the other yarn (or it’s the *right* tail you’re supposed to pick up). Am I looking at something wrong?
that’S just my left- right weakness at play here. i corrected it. needs to say “the right tail”.