How to Manage Knots in Yarn
You've bought a cone of precious yarn — cashmere, eco-cashmere or cashmere blend — and you're knitting a beautiful sweater.
At some point, right in the middle of your work… you find a knot.
Yes, it can happen, it's normal for the yarn to break during the production process. But what should you do?
Exactly what you would do when working with balls of yarn: like when one ball runs out and you need to continue with another.
These small knots, called weaver's knots, are considered secure by many people. However, having taught knitting for over 20 years, I don't consider them reliable. Neither the ones found in cones, nor those in balls.
And that's why I always give my students this advice:
👉 take scissors and cut the yarn, removing the knot.
Yes, I know: the yarn will split into two.
Changing the yarn at the edge will keep your work "cleaner" and it's much easier to hide the ends, especially in edges that will be sewn.
Yes, it can happen, it's normal for the yarn to break during the production process. But what should you do?
Exactly what you would do when working with balls of yarn: like when one ball runs out and you need to continue with another.
These small knots, called weaver's knots, are considered secure by many people. However, having taught knitting for over 20 years, I don't consider them reliable. Neither the ones found in cones, nor those in balls.
And that's why I always give my students this advice:
👉 take scissors and cut the yarn, removing the knot.
Yes, I know: the yarn will split into two.
Why is it better to eliminate the knot?
There are two reasons:- The small knot is difficult to manage. Being very small, it might remain on the right side of the work, even if you try to move it to the wrong side.
- The knot might open over time. Perhaps after the garment is finished and worn. The result? A hole that tends to widen, because the stitches start to unravel.
Some useful tips for changing yarn
If your work is linear, always change the yarn at the edge, never in the middle. I know, it can be annoying. Maybe you've reached the middle of the row — or worse, almost the end — and you have to undo it to go back to the edge. But it's worth it.
Changing the yarn at the edge will keep your work "cleaner" and it's much easier to hide the ends, especially in edges that will be sewn.
When to change the yarn within the fabric?
There are two main cases:- When working on accessories like scarves, headbands, or other pieces without subsequently finished edges (e.g., crocheted). This way, the edges remain clean. If, however, you plan a crocheted finish, it's better to change the yarn at the edge and hide the ends within the finish itself.
- When knitting in the round, with circular needles. In this case, there are no edges. However, be careful to place the yarn change in the least visible spot, such as on the side, avoiding the center front or back.