When you are knitting, do you hate it when you run out of yarn and have to start a new ball? I hate joining a new ball. Changing yarn can be irritating. And when you are done with your project, you have a bunch of ends to weave in. If you know the magic knot knitting technique, you can save yourself a lot of aggravation. Continue reading below to learn more about making the magic knot.
What Is the Magic Knot?
The magic knot knitting technique is an easy way to join two separate pieces of yarn. This technique can be used when you finish one ball and need to start another, or when making colour changes.
You will find that many knitters hate the magic knot knitting technique because they cannot get a tight, secure knot. However, when executed correctly, the knot is strong, small, and almost invisible.
Facts About the Magic Knot Knitting Technique
Even though the magic knot knitting technique is a wonderful method, there are some things you will want to consider before using the knot.
- The yarn you are using needs to be strong. You will need to be able to tug on the yarn without it breaking.
- It is not the best choice for precise colour changes.
- Since the magic knot technique does create a knot, you do not want to use it on the bottom of socks or anywhere the knot will be uncomfortable.
- Magic knots tend to work themselves to the right side of the fabric.
- It is not a great choice when using the stockinette stitch.
When is the Magic Knot Used?
The magic knot can be the ideal choice when working on heavily patterned projects that have a lot of texture. The pattern and texture will help hide the knot.
The magic knot can be used in:
- Knitting
- Crochet
- String Art
- …and more
How to Make the Magic Knot
Easy Step-by-Step Magic Knot Knitting Instructions
Follow the step-by-step instructions below to learn how to make the magic knot yarn join:
1. Take the ends of the yarn attached to your project (old yarn) and the new yarn and lay them parallel to each other. They should sit about 1 inch (2.54 cm) apart and be about 8 inches (20.32 cm) long. The one attached to your work should be at the top, coming from the left. The new yarn should be at the bottom, coming in from the right.
2. Take the end of the bottom yarn and fold it upwards and lay it crossing the top yarn, making an X.
3. Take the end of the top yarn and fold it downwards and lay it under the bottom yarn, making an X. Now the new yarn will cross the old yarn in 2 places.
4. Fold the tip of the new yarn under the old yarn between the pieces of yarn. Fold the yarn back over the new yarn and make a knot. Tug it to make it tight.
5. Fold the tip of the old yarn over the new yarn between the pieces of yarn. Fold the yarn back over the new yarn and make a knot. Tug it to make it tight. Now you have 2 knots with an O between them.
6. Pull on both ends of the yarn until the 2 knots come together. Tug on the ends to get a tight knot.
7. Trim off the ends close to the magic knot.
I hope you had fun learning the magic knot knitting technique
Whether you need to change your yarn colour or have come to the end of a ball, you need to secure the old and new yarn together. There are a few different ways you can do it.
If you want to learn more about knitting, check out the articles below:
- Knitting for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Knitting Loom Guide
- Knitting with Acrylic Yarn
- Easy Knitting Patterns – Perfect For Beginners
- Rib Knit Stitch Tutorial
When I am working on a project that has lots of texture, I find the magic knot knitting technique is a wonderful choice.