How to Do a Russian Join in Crocheting

Use a darning needle for very fine yarn.

In crochet, a Russian join attaches the end of one piece of yarn to the beginning of another piece of yarn. This is helpful when you run out of one ball of yarn and need to start working with another ball. The Russian join is especially useful if you are joining a fine-weight yarn, or simply want to conserve yarn. There are no visible ends left over that you would need to weave into the work to hide, as there are with other methods of starting a new ball of yarn.

Things You'll Need

• Tapestry needle

Instructions

1. Thread the first strand of yarn that you are already working with onto a tapestry needle. Bend the yarn behind the needle and weave the needle in and out of the yarn about an inch from the bend, then pull the yarn through. You now have a small loop near the end of the yarn, which is facing back toward your work.

2. Take the beginning of the new strand of yarn and thread the end through the small loop that you made in the old yarn.

3. Repeat Step 1 with the new yarn, and pull about 1 inch through the yarn.

4. Pull gently on both pieces of yarn behind the loops. Stop pulling when the loops close. The yarn will lay flat and the join will be seamless.

5. Trim the loose ends of yarn close to the spot where they are joined.

Tips & Warnings

• Pull the yarn slowly and gently so it doesn't break or bunch up.

References

• Knit Picks: Russian Join
• Twist: Russian Join

Resources

• Crochet Guild of America: Crochet Lessons for Right-Handers