Let’s talk about something kind of gross but completely genius for a second: the spit join. What is it? Why would I do it? And how am I just now hearing about this awesome technique?!
What is a spit join?
One common way to join in a new ball of yarn is to leave a tail, start working with your new ball, and then weave in the ends later. This is fine. It works. BUT, if you aren’t a fan of weaving in ends (I know I’m not), you might want to try a spit join instead.
Note: this will only work if you are using an animal fiber (wool, alpaca, etc.) and a non-superwash yarn. If you aren’t sure if your yarn will work…try it! If you follow all of the steps, give your yarn a tug. If it comes apart, it’s not meant to be.
How do I join two yarns together with a spit join?
- Get the two ends you are joining wet – this is where the spit comes in.
- Overlap the two ends a bit (1/2″-1″ will do it).
- Rub the two damp, overlapping strands vigorously together between your hands. Really give ’em a go, like you’re trying to start a fire.
- Check it. Once you’ve given them a good rub, take a look. Does it look like the two ends are felted together? If not, keep rubbing, if so, you’re good to go!
December 27, 2021 @ 4:34 pm
This is amazing!!!
December 11, 2021 @ 9:59 am
I learned this one years ago from Paula of the The Prairie Piper. She did change it to a “hot water join” to make it a bit more sanitary but I still use spit when I am not in the mood to boil the kettle! It is brilliant for feltable yarns and I use it all the time. Tidy, no ends and super strong when done well.
December 10, 2021 @ 2:53 pm
My mum taught me this one, well over 50 years ago! She used to unravel both ends, cut half of the strands from both the “old” and the “new” yarn, then overlap them. The yarn then retained the same thickness. It’s the way I still do it!
December 13, 2021 @ 1:35 pm
So smart!
December 9, 2021 @ 5:36 pm
I’ve used this FOR YEARS!!! You literally cannot tell where the join is , and it has never come apart in the 40 years I’ve been using this method !
December 9, 2021 @ 1:02 pm
I use Koigu in most of my weaving and overlap a single ply from each end over the other strand, 3″, winding it around the two plys of the other strand in each direction. The yarn really does not want to actually felt, but the join is long enough to hold in weft or when knitting.