How to Add Yarn in Crocheting

You’re zipping along nicely on your first big crocheting project, when you realize that you’re running out of the first skein of yarn. It’s time to add yarn, but you’re not sure how or when to do it. Adding yarn in crocheting really isn’t as hard as some think. Follow these steps and soon you’ll be back to working on your project.

Things You'll Need

• Extra skein of yarn
• Crochet hook
• Large-eye tapestry needle
• Scissors

Instructions

How to Add Yarn in Crocheting

1. Determine where you want to add the new yarn before you get to the end of the old yarn. If you are changing yarn because the pattern you are using has more than one color of yarn, add the new yarn at the end of a row. If the pattern has areas where the crochet is thinner and heavier, add the yarn to the heavier section where it won’t be noticed.

2. Add the new skein of yarn by tying a knot. Don’t overdo it by making several knots; that will create unnecessary bulk. Just one simple knot will do. Be sure to leave several inches on the end of the yarn on the project and on the end of the yarn that you are adding.

3. Weave these ‘ends’ into the pattern in one of three ways. Method One: catch the yarn with the crochet hook and weave it into the pattern as you continue to crochet. This works with heavier patterns, as the excess will not necessarily be noticed. Trim any excess.

4. Weaving Method Two: finish the entire crochet project first. Thread a tapestry needle with one strand of the ends. Use a running stitch to weave the extra yarn along the edge of the project. This method works very well if you are going to add a fringe or crochet an edging to the project. The fringe or edging will help cover the knot and woven yarn. Work around the project until all extra ends are woven in and trimmed. Add the fringe or edging.

5. Weaving Method Three: finish the entire crochet project first. Thread a tapestry needle with one of the strands of the end of the yarn. Use a running stitch to weave the extra yarn into the pattern of the project. This works well if the pattern is heavier around the area where the yarn has been added. Trim any excess.