How to Manage Knots in Yarn
You've bought a cone of precious yarn — cashmere, ecocashmere 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 thread to break during the production process. But what should you do?
Exactly what you would do when working with skeins: like when one skein 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 those found in cones nor those in skeins.
And that's why I always give this advice to my students:
👉 take your scissors and cut the yarn, eliminating the knot.
Yes, I know: the yarn will split in 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 come undone over time. Perhaps after the garment is finished and worn. The result? A hole that tends to widen, because the stitches start to unravel.
Once the knot is eliminated, simply proceed as you usually do when changing yarn.
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 stitches to go back to the edge. But it's worth it.
By changing the yarn at the edge, you will keep the work "cleaner" and it is much easier to hide the ends, especially in edges that will be sewn.
When to change yarn within the knitting?
There are two main cases:
-
When working accessories such as scarves, headbands or other pieces without subsequently finished edges (e.g., with crochet). This way the edges remain clean.
If, on the other hand, you plan a crochet finish, it is better to change the yarn at the edge and hide the ends within the finish itself. - When working 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, for example on the side, avoiding the center front or back.
There are several methods for changing yarn. Below you will find some video tutorials that I consider useful: watch them and choose the one you like best and find most comfortable for your way of working. 🧶
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ur2Cbu_Lk-g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0xlabj4UvA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4p1axmJ_Ic
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC8x0H7h8hM
Happy yarn changing and remember: the small details make all the difference!
for Hircus Filati
