Unless you are knitting a 1 skein wonder, you will need more than 1 ball of yarn to complete your project. Whether you are working in a new color, or just adding a new ball, the method for joining is the same.
Join a new ball at the beginning of a row or somewhere inconspicuous (like under the arm if you are knitting a sweater) where possible. Always try to leave a 4 or 5 inch tail of the old ball.
- Insert your needle ready to work the next stitch (or the first stitch of the row as the case may be).
- Instead of wrapping your right needle with the old yarn, place a loop of the new yarn around the needle. Make sure to leave a 4 or 5 inch tail of yarn (if it’s too short it may come out or it will be difficult to weave in)
- While holding both the tail and the working yarn of the new ball, pull the stitch through.
- Work a few more stitches with the new yarn (they may feel a little looser than usual)
- Pull the tail from the old yarn and the tail from the new yarn to tighten up the loose first stitches.





I sometimes tie the two tails together in a loose knot so they won’t unravel or get in my way. When I am finished with the item I can undo this knot to weave in the ends.
Are there other parts of learning to knit that you are unsure about? It is our goal to inspire and educate – so stay in touch! We love to hear your questions and comments – ask and we will do our best to point you in the right direction.
New Summery projects by Tin Can Knits:
July 3, 2021 @ 5:25 am
What if you are working with two colours, how do you join the new one.
July 4, 2021 @ 10:47 pm
Hi Teresa – It’s just like starting a new ball, you throw a loop over and knit it through.
Let’s knit a scarf | Tin Can Knits
August 3, 2017 @ 9:37 am
[…] garter stitch everywhere else. Unless you have an unusually large ball of yarn, you will need to start a new ball of yarn at some point in your scarf, at least […]
March 6, 2015 @ 10:57 am
“I sometimes tie the two tails together in a loose knot so they won’t unravel or get in my way. When I am finished with the item I can undo this knot to weave in the ends.”
Did you mean to put a link in there?
Either way thanks for the tutorial. :)