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Finding a knot in the middle of a skein can be frustrating, especially when you’re already well into a crochet project. Fortunately, a knot in your yarn doesn’t necessarily mean you need to start over. Depending on the yarn fiber, the location of the knot, and how secure it is, there are several easy ways to fix the problem and keep crocheting.
What to Do About Knots in the Middle of Your Skein
What Should You Do When You Find a Knot in Your Yarn?
The first thing to do when you discover a knot in your yarn is determine whether it’s secure enough to continue crocheting.
If the knot is strong and doesn’t appear likely to unravel, you may decide to keep crocheting. However, if the knot seems loose or unreliable, it’s better to deal with it before continuing.
Depending on where you discover the knot, you have several options:
- Continue crocheting if the knot is secure and you’re comfortable leaving it in the project.
- Break the yarn, remove the existing knot, make a more secure join, and continue crocheting.
- Rip back to a convenient point in the row, cut out the knot, rejoin the yarn, and continue working in pattern.
Taking a few extra minutes to deal with the knot now can help prevent an unwanted weak spot in your finished crochet project.
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How to Join Wool Yarn with a Spit Splice
While unexpected yarn knots can be irritating, there are several quick ways to work around them. The best method often depends on the fiber you’re using.
For yarn made from suitable animal fibers that will felt, you may be able to create an almost invisible join using the spit splice method, also known as a felted join.
To make a spit splice:
- Break or cut the yarn to remove the unwanted knot.
- Dampen the two yarn ends.
- Overlap the ends.
- Rub the overlapped yarn vigorously between your fingers or palms.
- Continue rubbing until the fibers begin to felt together and form a secure join.
The combination of moisture, friction, and feltable fibers helps the two yarn ends bond into one continuous strand.
Keep in mind that the joined area may feel slightly thicker or stiffer than the surrounding yarn because the fibers have been felted together.
Can You Spit Splice Acrylic or Cotton Yarn?
Generally, the traditional spit splice method won’t work with acrylic, cotton, linen, and other non-felting yarns because these fibers don’t felt together in the same way suitable animal fibers do.
If you’re working with one of these yarns, you’ll need to use another joining technique.
Crochet Over the Yarn Ends
One simple option is to remove the knot and crochet over the new yarn ends.
Break or cut the yarn to remove the knot, then overlap approximately 4–6 inches of the old and new yarn along your work. Crochet over the yarn tails as you continue working the pattern.
This is a quick solution, although the effectiveness of crocheting over yarn tails can vary depending on the yarn, stitch pattern, and finished project. For extra security, you may choose to weave the remaining ends into the fabric afterward.
Use a Russian Join for a Seamless Yarn Connection
Another option is the Russian Join.
A Russian Join connects two yarn ends by weaving each end back through the strands of the yarn itself rather than weaving the tails into the finished crochet fabric. This creates a smooth connection without tying a traditional knot.
How to Make a Russian Join
- Break or cut the yarn to remove the unwanted knot.
- Thread the end of the yarn onto a sharp yarn or tapestry needle.
- With a generous yarn tail remaining, run the needle back through the center of the yarn for approximately 3–4 inches, leaving a loop at the end.
- Thread the end of the new yarn through the loop.
- Thread the new yarn onto the needle and weave it back through the center of itself.
- Remove the needle and gently pull the short ends to close the loops.
- Trim the excess short ends as needed.
The finished Russian Join may be slightly thicker than the original strand of yarn, but it creates a smooth and flexible connection that can blend nicely into many crochet projects.
Should You Cut Factory Knots Out of Yarn?
There’s no single solution that’s right for every project. Some crocheters are comfortable leaving a secure factory knot in place, while others prefer to remove every knot and make their own join.
Consider the type of project you’re making, the yarn you’re using, and where the knot will appear. For example, you may be more willing to leave a secure knot hidden inside a dense stitch pattern than in an open lace design where it could be visible.
If you have any doubts about the strength of the knot, removing it and making a join you trust may give you greater confidence in the finished project.
Choosing the Best Way to Handle a Knot in Your Yarn
Knots happen from time to time, even when you’re working with beautiful yarn. Fortunately, discovering one doesn’t have to derail your crochet project.
Your options include:
- Leaving a secure knot in place
- Cutting out the knot and rejoining the yarn
- Using a felted or spit splice with suitable fibers
- Crocheting over overlapping yarn ends
- Making a Russian Join
There isn’t one perfect method for every yarn or every crochet project. Choose the technique that works best for your fiber, stitch pattern, and personal preference, then keep your project moving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Knots in Yarn
Why are there knots in the middle of a skein of yarn?
Knots can occur during yarn manufacturing when separate lengths of yarn need to be joined. Finding an occasional knot in a skein doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with the yarn.
Should I cut a knot out of my yarn?
If the knot looks loose, bulky, or unreliable, cutting it out and making your own secure join is often a good option. Some crocheters also prefer to remove factory knots regardless of how secure they appear.
Can I crochet over a knot in yarn?
You can continue crocheting with a secure knot, but consider whether it will be visible or create an uncomfortable bump in the finished project. If you’re concerned about appearance or durability, remove the knot and rejoin the yarn instead.
What is the best way to join yarn without a knot?
The best method depends on the fiber. A felted or spit splice can work well with suitable animal fibers, while a Russian Join is another option for creating a connection without a traditional knot.
Does a spit splice work with acrylic yarn?
No. Traditional spit splicing relies on fibers felting together, so it doesn’t work with acrylic and many plant-based fibers such as cotton or linen. Use another joining technique, such as a Russian Join or securely weaving in the yarn ends.
Does a Russian Join leave a bump in crochet?
A Russian Join can create a section that’s slightly thicker than the original yarn because the yarn is woven back through itself. However, the join is generally smooth and flexible and can blend into many crochet stitch patterns.
How much yarn should I leave when rejoining yarn?
The amount depends on the joining method. If you plan to weave in the ends or crochet over them, leaving several inches of yarn gives you enough length to secure the tails properly.
I’ve been crocheting over 50 years. I hated the knots and cut the yarn. I used a very small but secure knot to tie the ends together. Then I realized how do you change colors? You pull the new color through the last two loops of your stitch. You don’t tie a knot! You do sew the ends in securely. No more knot tying for me!
Thank all of you for your comments. I have the same problems with not and I get frustrated especially when i get to the glob in the middle of a skin.
Need clarification regarding how to end each row of the blanket that I am crocheting ?????
Hi Evelyn, happy to help, what pattern are you working on? – Nicola, Editor
I am much less frustrated by the knots in the skeins – do not recall last skein purchased with fewer than 3 knots in it. What frustrates me most is the 2 to 3 6″ to 10″ pieces of yard simply stuck into the wrapper to bring the skein up to the bring the skein up to weight. That is just not right.
I’ve never had that happen where pieces of yarn are stuck into the wrapper to bring the skein up to weight. I agree, that is not right.
My only issue are knots in long change colour yarn where a completely different colour of the sequence has been randomly knotted in. Can require removing quite a lot of yarn to get back into sequence.
I prefer the Russian join as well. I don’t feel as secure with the magic knot.
I actually like the Russian join. I have never had any trouble with it coming apart.
With me, I just work through the knots as they come, getting them out, even if it requires having to put whatever project in through the middle of the knots to work them out.
I also just cut where the knot is and then join like I would at a color change at the end of the row. Then weave in the ends. I don’t like how knots sometimes look in the middle of a project, no matter how small or “invisible” they may seem.
Agreed. I do this same thing.
What is the magic knot?
Search YouTube and you should find several videos. I watched several different one to understand it.
I do a version of the Weavers Knot; it’s smaller and more secure than the Magic Knot. Also can be found on YouTube.
Thank you! I had never heard of the Weaver’s knot. I’m going to look it up on YouTube.
I use the magic knot all the time. It’s quick and easy. And very strong
I cut the knot our, then , I join the yarn back as if I’m adding another color.
I cut the knot out, use the magic knot and keep going. The Russian join sucks. I tried it and hated it. Laying 4-6” and crocheting over it is not long enough especially if you’re doing a dc stitch. You need at least 12” to work with, otherwise your item will come apart. I make nylon scrubbies that don’t come apart. I have a friend that bought one at a craft show and it came apart.
I make scrubbies and after 2 years they could fall apart from all the wear and tear that they have gone through. The sude with the most use will wear over time.
I also wash these in my washing machine.
Front lode washer, toss in as normal and it will be washed.
Top loader, put in a linen bag or lingerie bag and then wash it.
Allow it to air dry.