14 comments on “Three Options for Joining a New Ball of Yarn”

1. I watched the spit splicing a while ago and it so cool and really works. I can join wool where ever the ball ends and you can not see it. Thanks I am a long time knitter and I love this technique. Ruth

2. Stacy, love, love, love your videos. I know you have made some major changes to your set recently and I want to let you know that there might be a problem with the lighting. Your skin and hair have a very purple/pink cast compared to your old set. I am not be critical just wanted to give you some feedback. Best wishes for your contiuned success!

3. Staci- what is the best method to use for super wash wool? I’ve tried spit splicing but it doesn’t seem to work (duh super wash doesn’t felt- obviously didn’t think that through)

4. I plan to use the Russian join for linen yarn. In the video you emphasized using a sharp needle but did not specifically recommend one type. What needle do you recommend that I use?
   Thank you very much.
   Blessings!

5. Sorry – I know a lot about knitting needles, but not much about sewing needles! I don’t know the name of the needle I use for Russian Join. It is long and sharp, with an eye big enough for yarn.

   S t a c i

6. Thanks for your videos. LOVE.THEM. So, if you are knitting stripes in the round, you probably have to resort to the last option, assuming you had to switch colors at a certain spot?

   Your Russian join video of several weeks (month) ago has changed the look of my knitting in such a good way. I really should examine spit splicing as well.

7. Hi Patti – yes, to work stripes, you can only really cut the yarn and tie a knot. When working stripes in-the-round, you probably want to use this technique as well:
   https://verypink.com/2010/03/15/correcting-color-change-jog/

   S t a c i

8. Hi Staci, I working on my first shawl pattern called Zuzu’s Petals on circular needles. I’m using Malabrigo Rios yarn which is Pure Merino superwash. I’m going to have to start a new ball at some point during the lace portion and thinking ahead was wondering if you could tell me which would be the best way to join the new ball. I don’t want it to come apart after I’m done since it is looking so good right now and it’s my first real pattern with a good quality yarn.
   Thanks for any advice you could offer me.

9. Linda – your best bet is to try them out…I’m not familiar with that yarn, so I can’t offer you advice to which method will work best.

   S t a c i

10. Hi Staci-
    Can you tell me what the difference is between Aran and worsted and are they interchangeable?
    Thank you.

11. Jill – here is a yarn weights chart that explains it: http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/weight.html

    Aran is usually a bit heavier than worsted, but if you can get gauge with either yarn for any given pattern, then they are interchangeable.

    S t a c i

12. Hi Staci,
    As always, this video was well done and very informative, thank you! I noticed, however, that the first two joins–spit splicing and the Russian join–only work for plied yarns. Do you have any suggestions for joins for single-ply or roving-type yarns? Thanks!

    • Adrianne,

      I used the spit splice on Blue Sky’s Suri Merino, a single ply alpaca/merino blend, and it worked like a charm.

      The trick is to kind of gather the fibers into their own little “plies”, twist them around each whole fiber, and then spit and splice. Also, I did _not_ trim out an inch of ply from either end. And I did about an inch and a half splice.

      I was shocked at how strong the splice

      Just looking at the join, I could easily tell where the join was because the “floofiness” of the yarn was kind of matted down, but after I actually knit with it, I couldn’t tell at all.

      A really amazing trick.

13. What is the best join for cotton yarn in the round?

Comments are closed.