Crochet Class 15: How to Join a New Ball of Yarn!

Ever been working on a crochet project, totally in the zone, and then BAM! You run out of yarn? It's the worst, right? But don't worry, I'm here to show you a super easy way to join a new ball of yarn so you can keep on hooking without any ugly knots or interruptions. I'm going to walk you through Christa's method from The Secret Yarnery, and trust me, it's so simple, even if you're just getting started with crochet, you'll nail it. Plus, this trick isn't just for joining yarn – you can use it for seamless color changes too!

Let's face it, running out of yarn mid-project is basically a universal crocheter experience. That's why knowing a good, clean way to join a new ball is essential. It keeps your projects looking neat and professional, and it saves you from having a bunch of bulky knots to deal with later.

But here's a little secret: this technique isn't just for when you run out of yarn! It's also fantastic for changing colors in your projects. Want to add stripes to a scarf or create a colorful pattern in a blanket? This method makes it super easy to switch colors without any awkward transitions.

Why is this method so great? It's simple, it's secure, and it's practically invisible. What's not to love?

The method I'm about to share comes from Christa at The Secret Yarnery. Krista is amazing at breaking down crochet techniques into easy-to-understand steps, especially for beginners. If you're looking for clear, concise, and friendly crochet tutorials, I highly recommend checking out her YouTube channel. She's got tons of great videos to help you build your crochet skills.

Before we dive in, let's gather our supplies. You probably already have everything you need:

• Yarn: The yarn you're using for your project.
• Crochet Hook: The hook size that works with your yarn.
• Scissors: For cutting the yarn (when we're done, not yet!).
• Darning Needle: For weaving in those ends nice and securely. You can find some great sharp tip needles online.

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here's how to join a new ball of yarn using Krista's simple method:

1. Getting Started: Begin your next stitch as you normally would with your old yarn. But here's the key: don't finish it!
2. Leaving Loops on the Hook: For a double crochet, you'll want to leave the last two loops on your hook. If you're doing a half double crochet, leave the last three loops. This is where the magic happens, so pay close attention.
3. Dropping the Old Tail: Gently drop the tail of your old yarn, letting it hang on the back of your work. Don't cut it yet! We'll take care of it later when we weave in the ends.
4. Grab Your New Yarn: Pick up your new ball of yarn and get ready to bring it into the mix.
5. Creating a Loop with the New Yarn: Place the new yarn on your hook, just like you normally do when starting a new stitch.
6. Tail Length: Make sure you leave a tail of about four or five inches on your new yarn. This gives you enough to weave in later.
7. Pulling Through: Now, pull the new yarn through all the loops that are on your hook. This completes the stitch and joins the new yarn to your project.
8. Finishing the Stitch: You've now finished that double crochet (or half double crochet) with the new yarn!
9. Securing the Tails: Hold both tails – the one from the old yarn and the one from the new yarn – against the back of your work. This will keep them out of the way while you crochet the next stitch.
10. Continuing to Crochet: Make your next stitch as usual, holding those tails in place along the back of your work.
11. Observing the Join: Crocheting that next stitch will let you see how the join looks. It should be nice and smooth.
12. The Finished Join: Ta-da! Your new ball of yarn is now joined to your project. Not too shabby, right?
13. Weaving in the Ends: Before you get too carried away, take a moment to weave in those ends. This will secure your join and prevent it from unraveling later on.
14. Ready to Go: And that's it! You're now ready to keep on crocheting with your new ball of yarn.

While I've given you a detailed step-by-step guide, sometimes it helps to see it in action. That's why I highly recommend checking out the video on YouTube. It's always easier to learn something new when you have visuals to guide you!

Want to make your yarn joins even better? Here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:

• Tail Length Matters: While I recommended a tail length of four or five inches, you can adjust this depending on the yarn you're using. If you're working with a super bulky yarn, you might want a slightly longer tail. For finer yarns, you can get away with a shorter tail.
• Tension Control: Maintaining even tension is key to a seamless join. If your tension is too tight, the join will be bulky. If it's too loose, the join will be weak. Try to keep your tension consistent throughout the joining process.
• Yarn Weight Considerations: This technique works well for most yarn weights, but you might need to make slight adjustments for super bulky or very fine yarns. With bulky yarns, be extra careful not to create a bulky join. With fine yarns, make sure you leave enough of a tail to weave in securely.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Don't be afraid to practice this technique on scrap yarn before using it on your project. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with it.
• When to Join: Think strategically about where you join your yarn. If possible, try to join in a less visible area, such as a side seam or within a color change.

I know, I know, weaving in ends is nobody's favorite part of crocheting. But trust me, it's an essential step for securing your joins and preventing your projects from unraveling.

• Why Weaving Matters: Weaving in ends is like the insurance policy for your crochet project. It ensures that your hard work stays intact for years to come.
• Tools for Weaving: The best tool for weaving in ends is a yarn needle, also called a tapestry needle or darning needle. These needles have large eyes that are easy to thread with yarn.
• The Weaving Technique: To weave in the ends, thread the yarn needle with the yarn tail and weave the tail back and forth through several stitches on the wrong side of your work.
• Hiding the Ends: Try to hide the ends within the yarn strands of the stitches. This will make them even less visible.
• Cutting Excess Yarn: Once you've woven in the ends securely, trim the excess yarn close to the work. Be careful not to cut any of the surrounding stitches!

Even with the best instructions, sometimes things don't go quite as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter when joining yarn, and how to fix them:

• Bulky Join: A bulky join is usually caused by having too much yarn in one spot or by crocheting too tightly. To avoid a bulky join, make sure you're not overlapping the yarn tails too much, and try to maintain even tension.
• Loose Join: A loose join can happen if you don't pull the new yarn through tightly enough or if you don't secure the tails properly. To fix a loose join, try redoing the join with a bit more tension. And be sure to weave in the ends securely!
• Join Unraveling: If your join starts to unravel, it's usually because the ends weren't woven in properly. To prevent this, take your time and weave in the ends thoroughly.
• Visible Join: Sometimes, even with the best technique, the join is still a little visible. To minimize the visibility of the join, try to place it in a less noticeable area, such as a side seam. You can also try choosing colors that blend well together.

While the method I've shown you is great for beginners, there are lots of other ways to join yarn in crochet. Here are a few alternative methods you might want to explore:

• Magic Knot: The magic knot is a popular method for joining yarn that creates a very secure knot. However, it can be a bit bulky, and some people find it tricky to master.
• Russian Join: The Russian join involves threading the yarn back through itself to create a seamless join. It's a strong and invisible join, but it can be a bit time-consuming.
• Standing Stitch Join: The standing stitch join involves creating a new stitch with the new yarn directly onto the fabric. It's a great way to start a new row or round with a different color.

The best joining method depends on the project, the type of yarn you're using, and your personal preference. I encourage you to research and experiment with different methods to find the ones you like best.

Remember how I mentioned that this technique isn't just for joining yarn? It's also fantastic for creating seamless color changes in your crochet projects.

By using this method, you can switch colors without any abrupt transitions or messy knots. It's perfect for creating stripes, color blocks, and other fun designs.

When planning color changes, think strategically about where you want the colors to change. You can create all sorts of cool effects by changing colors at different points in your project.

This technique is great for carrying yarn!

Whether you're making stripes, color blocks, or something more complex like intarsia, this technique will help you create clean and professional-looking color changes. So go ahead and experiment with different color combinations and techniques!

Now that you know how to join a new ball of yarn (and change colors!), it's time to put your new skills to practice. Here are a few project ideas to get you started:

• Simple Stripes: A simple striped scarf or blanket is a great beginner-friendly project for practicing yarn joins and color changes.
• Color Block Coasters: Making color block coasters is a fun way to practice changing colors in small increments.
• Granny Squares: A granny square project is a versatile way to practice joining yarn and experimenting with different color combinations. Plus, Christa has a free pattern you can use!
• Amigurumi: Amigurumi projects are great, because you can hide the yarn, so it doesn't have to be perfect.

Want to learn even more crochet techniques? The Secret Yarnery offers a whole bunch of free online crochet classes designed for beginners.

Taking structured crochet classes is a great way to build your skills and learn new techniques. And with The Secret Yarnery's beginner-friendly focus, you're sure to feel comfortable and confident every step of the way.

From basic stitches to more advanced techniques, The Secret Yarnery's classes cover a wide range of crochet topics. So why not check them out and see what you can learn?

One of the best things about crochet is the sense of community that comes with it. And The Secret Yarnery has a fantastic Facebook group where you can connect with other crocheters from all over the world.

By joining the community, you can share your projects, ask questions, get inspiration, and connect with other people who love crochet as much as you do. It's a great place to find support, encouragement, and new friends. It's a positive and supportive environment, so you'll always feel welcome and encouraged.

Don't forget to follow along on social media: Instagram and Facebook

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at The Secret Yarnery? Well, you can get a sneak peek by checking out Krista's "Behind the Scenes" playlist on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3FM2QkX

In these videos, you'll get a glimpse into Christa's creative process, her studio setup, and her personal life. It's a fun way to connect with her on a more personal level and see what inspires her to create her amazing crochet tutorials.

Behind-the-scenes content helps build a stronger connection with the audience, so you'll feel like you're part of the Secret Yarnery family.

If you're looking to stock up on some essential crochet tools and materials, here are a few of Krista's recommendations:

• Crochet Hooks: https://amzn.to/2p5etkC
• Yarn: http://bit.ly/39EZwZX
• Scissors: https://amzn.to/3EC1CHy
• Sharp Tip Needles: https://amzn.to/3Rdq2ja
• Blunt Tip Needles: https://amzn.to/2MRffKP
• Stitch Markers: https://amzn.to/3GdGCYg
• Tape Measure: https://amzn.to/3JviyD8

And here are some items that promote comfort and organization while you're crocheting:

• WIP Baskets: https://amzn.to/3tQK9te
• Neck Light: https://amzn.to/2UYNrW4
• Foot Warmer: https://amzn.to/3RaMtn0
• Accessory Tins: https://amzn.to/3EN6nxT

Want to show your support for The Secret Yarnery? Check out the merch store: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNkcP7KsCSlkcQ8pAkDKRQ/store

You can find all sorts of cool merchandise, like t-shirts, mugs, bags, and more. By purchasing merch, you're not only getting yourself something awesome, but you're also helping to support Krista and The Secret Yarnery.

Ready to take your crochet skills to the next level? Here are a few of The Secret Yarnery's most popular tutorials:

• Drunken Granny Blanket: https://youtu.be/mGqpNufvjr4
• The Sober Granny Baby Blanket: https://youtu.be/nKOL0jhQdLI
• The Speedy Granny Ruth Bedspread: https://youtu.be/M81RItCM5LE
• Gingham C2C Blanket: https://youtu.be/mL_zZrgFD_Y
• Huge Crochet Ball: https://youtu.be/lwd3H_I8vfY

These tutorials cover a wide range of projects, from blankets and bedspreads to fun and quirky creations like a giant crochet ball. So no matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something that inspires you.

If you're looking for even more crochet content, be sure to check out The Secret Yarnery's popular playlists:

• Secret Stitches CAL 2021: https://bit.ly/35dCdrL
• Shopping 💎 https://secretyarnery.com/blogs/blog/how-to-crochet-for-beginners: https://bit.ly/341gMcV
• Easy Crochet Blankets: https://bit.ly/3IiXFKa
• Live Chats: https://bit.ly/3KBZwfc
• Crochet Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3qSfo5q
• Crochet Classes: https://bit.ly/3rIhlQL
• Easy Crochet Tutorials: https://bit.ly/3nKbk5e

Playlists are a great way to organize content by theme or topic. So if you're interested in a particular type of project or technique, you can easily find a playlist that's dedicated to it.

Want to show your support for Krista and The Secret Yarnery in a more tangible way? Consider becoming a channel member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNkcP7KsCSlkcQ8pAkDKRQ/join

As a channel member, you'll get access to exclusive content, early access to new videos, loyalty badges, and other perks. Plus, you'll be directly supporting Krista and helping her to continue creating amazing crochet tutorials.

Of course, the easiest way to stay up-to-date on all the latest crochet tutorials from The Secret Yarnery is to subscribe to the channel: https://bit.ly/2opYkWB

By subscribing, you'll be notified whenever a new video is uploaded. And if you click the notification bell, you'll receive alerts right away so you never miss a stitch!

Are you a crochet enthusiast looking for ways to stay organized and plan your projects effectively? The Secret Yarnery offers crochet planners in both A4 and Letter sizes to help you do just that!

• A4 Planner: https://bit.ly/3NVRsaE
• Letter Size Planner: https://bit.ly/35Q8aXF

These planners are packed with features like project trackers, stitch guides, yarn inventory pages, and more. By using a planner, you can stay on top of your projects, track your progress, and plan your future creations with ease.

Last but not least, be sure to connect with The Secret Yarnery on social media! You can find Krista on:

• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/secretyarnery/_saved/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/TYarnery

Following The Secret Yarnery on social media is a great way to stay connected and get updates on new videos, projects, and other exciting news.

So, there you have it – a simple and effective way to join a new ball of yarn in crochet. With Christa's easy-to-follow method, you'll be able to keep your projects flowing smoothly, without any unsightly knots or interruptions. Remember, this technique is also perfect for creating seamless color changes. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! Now that you know how to crochet, it's time to get to your first Crochet for Beginners: Your Step-by-Step Guide and expand your knowledge of this fun hobby! I encourage you to explore all the other amazing Crochet Classes and tips that The Secret Yarnery has to offer.

Joining a new ball of yarn is an important skill for every crocheter, whether you’re a beginner or already comfortable with the basics. Using Christa’s simple method from The Secret Yarnery, you can connect new yarn or change colors smoothly—without bulky knots or visible joins. Remember to leave proper tails, keep your tension even, and always weave in your ends for the best results.

Practicing this technique will make your projects neater, stronger, and more fun to work on. Don’t hesitate to try out new color combos or explore other joining methods as you gain confidence. For step-by-step videos, fresh ideas, and community support, keep following Christa and The Secret Yarnery. Happy crocheting!