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Need help joining skeins of yarn
I've gone back to knitting after a long hiatus and am currently knitting a scarf in the fishtail pattern. Obviously I have needed to use more than one skein of yarn. Since either side of the scarf may be visible when it is worn I would like to make the join in an unobtrusive way. Can any of you knitters suggest how this can be done? TIA
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(post #29358, reply #1 of 21)
The simple answer is to make the joining at the end of a row then it will not be visible from either side. Happy knitting.
(post #29358, reply #2 of 21)
Sewelegant, thank you for your reply; I have done this when I have knitted garments, but on a scarf, which is a single layer how do I disguise the tails at the edge?
(post #29358, reply #3 of 21)
Hello Brine
Is your yarn wool? Some joins work better than others on wool. The Russian join is one I like very much. There are many links to this, also videos - just Google for them. Here's a good one:
http://www.knittinganyway.com/freethings/russianjoin.htm
Splicing works very well - again, Google; here's a link:
http://morcatknits.typepad.com/spitsplicing/2005/03/or_how_to_join_.html
Another method I use, very simple, is to knit until a few inches remain, then knit one stitch with the TWO ends together, drop the old yarn end and continue with the new. The join is very secure; darn the ends in later. Works very well on textured yarns, thick and thin yarns, and the like in particular.
I very seldom join yarns at the edges any more - keeps my selvedges neat - much preferring to join invisibly somewhere in a row. Different yarns lend themselves to different methods of joining. I'm sure you'll soon have a whole repertoire of joining techniques.
Good luck - Katina
(post #29358, reply #4 of 21)
THANKS! I like both methods much better than my current one, which isn't bad, but does result in a bit of bulk at the join.
Annie in Wisconsin, USA
~~Doodlestein Designs Quilt Patterns
~~Finely Finished: Machine quilting worked on a treadle sewing machine.
See patterns, quilting, and National sewing machines at: http://community.webshots.com/user/damascusannie
(post #29358, reply #8 of 21)
Hello Annie
I'm glad you found this helpful.
Katina
(post #29358, reply #5 of 21)
Katina, I have used splicing for years and love it for natural yarns, but synthetics not so much. The Russian join would be perfect for those. I had never seen that before. Thank you for showing the technique. My something new learned today. Cathy
(post #29358, reply #9 of 21)
Hello Cathy
There's something just so satisfying about the Russian join - I'm very glad you like it.
Katina
(post #29358, reply #7 of 21)
Thank you, Katina! I will experiment with both methods to see which works best with my 2 ply wool.
(post #29358, reply #10 of 21)
You're most welcome; thanks for asking the question.
Katina
(post #29358, reply #11 of 21)
Hi Katina: I printed out both methods for future reference. You are a wealth of knittiong information. Knit on ladies, knit on.
Oh, yesterday I saw this great book called "Simply Knit Jackets" didn't get the author. I couldn't purchase it yesterday, so I will be getting it over the holiday weekend when I get paid. I loved it. I have lots of yarn at home and want to knit a jacket or two this season.
Rodezzy, Fiber Artist
Rodezzy, Fiber Artist
(post #29358, reply #12 of 21)
Hi there, Rodezzy
Knitting's an ongoing activity for me - you can knit virtually anywhere, but you can't easily haul a sewing machine about.
Katina
(post #29358, reply #13 of 21)
Ditto to that. Sometimes I just don't want to be chained to the table the machine is on. giggle. Or in the room. I can't readily watch the TV while sewing, so when I am in this kind of mood, I do turn to my hand work.
Rodezzy, Fiber Artist
Rodezzy, Fiber Artist
(post #29358, reply #14 of 21)
Is this the jacket book? Looks interesting
http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Simple-Jackets-Beautiful-Designs/dp/1579908578/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1219413309&sr=1-2
(post #29358, reply #15 of 21)
Yes, that's the book. I'm going to get that book next weekend.
Rodezzy, Fiber Artist
Rodezzy, Fiber Artist
(post #29358, reply #18 of 21)
It would be exceedingly helpful if the date of publication was shown. I didn't see it anywhere in this case. Out-of-date styles in knitting books can continue to useful in a library for stitch patterns and ideas but style shapes change and a sweater from the 1980s will have very deep armcyes, be overly large and require shoulder pads and seldom have set-in fitted sleeves.
Often knitting magazine publishers put their past patterns into books and sell them and you can't blame them for wanting to prolong the life of their products, but if you are interested in knitting current shapes and trends, take a good hard look at the book before buying it. Vintage is something else altogether.
(post #29358, reply #19 of 21)
If you scroll down on the Amazon page you will find this information. I hope that helps. I like the styles in this book. Nothing is out-of-style if you personally like it.
Product Details
ISBN-13: 978-1579908577
Rodezzy, Fiber ArtistEdited 8/22/2008 12:04 pm ET by rodezzy
Edited 8/22/2008 12:05 pm ET by rodezzy
Edited 8/22/2008 12:07 pm ET by rodezzy
Rodezzy, Fiber Artist
(post #29358, reply #21 of 21)
OK, thanks, missed that.
(post #29358, reply #20 of 21)
Hi Starzoe
I think you may have meant this for Rodezzy. Yes, you're right about knitting styles and fashion, and as you say, always lots of ideas even if the design's dated.
Katina
(post #29358, reply #16 of 21)
Thank You Katina - never seen the join u mention here - looks great - when i actually get back to knitting a bit more - i have saved your recommendations - Thank you for your practical input! Jan
(post #29358, reply #17 of 21)
I'm really pleased to have helped.
Katina
(post #29358, reply #6 of 21)
I like knitting scarves and I usually do what Katina does. I'll join the old and new ends just before the end of the row so I will have very little darning to do as the ends are co-mingled. I have always thought that doing this at the end of the row made it less noticeable, but I suppose it would all depend on the yarn you are using. I like that splicing technique and hadn't known of it, but it may be a little tricky until one gets used to it. By the way, I always transfer the first stitch of every row to the new needle without knitting or pearling it and that may cut down on the bulk.