In this knitting tutorial, learn to weave in ends as you work. This method is perfect for weaving in new colours as you work.
The Russian Join can be used on all sorts of yarn, animal and plant based. However if the yarn splits easily it won't work very well.
Here's both a video and photo tutorial of the process:
Thread the end of the working yarn through a tapestry needle and work the tail down onto itself in the working yarn. Try to keep it towards the center of the yarn and work for around 2 inches.
Before you pull the needle through pull the start of the new yarn through the loop created.
Now pull the needle all the way through and straighten out the double yarn strand.
Now do the same with the new yarn.
Pull the yarn flat, trim any loose ends and keep knitting. If the yarn you are using is very thick you may find that the Russian Join creates too big a lump in your knitting. In this case you can try splitting each end of yarn in half and cutting half of the yarn. This means that there is less bulk being woven through.
Why not give this technique a try in the following patterns:
When joining new yarn if you are using an felt-able yarn (animal based and not super-wash) then this is a very effective join.
Separate out the plies at the end of the old and new yarn.
Break half of each (if 2 plies, break 1 of them). Uneven breaks are better as they will felt together more effectively.
Layer the old and new yarn together.
Dampen the palm of your hand and the yarn (sometimes people use spit - so this is also known as spit splicing!).
Roll the palms of you hand together with the ends between them until they have felted together and the join is secure. Finally, give the join a twist to imitate the natural twist of the original plied yarn.
Why not give this technique a try in the following patterns:
