Running out of yarn in the middle of a crochet project can be a frustrating experience. However, it’s a common occurrence, especially for beginners. The good news is that adding yarn to crochet is relatively easy, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to do it quickly and seamlessly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to add yarn to crochet, whether you’re working with a new skein or joining a new color. We’ll also offer tips on how to minimize knots and ensure a smooth transition between yarn ends.
Before you start, gather your materials. You’ll need the yarn you’re currently using, a new skein or ball of yarn, a yarn needle, and a pair of scissors. If you’re working with a new color, you may also want to use a stitch marker to keep track of the color change. Once you have your materials, you’re ready to begin. The first step is to find the end of the yarn you’re currently using. This can be a little tricky if you’ve been crocheting for a while, but there are a few ways to do it. One way is to look for a small loop at the end of the yarn. This loop is usually created when you finish a row or round of crochet.
Another way to find the end of the yarn is to gently pull on the yarn. If you see a small knot or a piece of yarn that’s not attached to anything, that’s probably the end. Once you’ve found the end of the yarn, you can start adding the new yarn. The most common way to do this is to use a yarn needle. A yarn needle is a small, blunt needle that’s designed to thread yarn through fabric. To use a yarn needle, simply thread the end of the new yarn onto the needle, then insert the needle into the last stitch you crocheted. Pull the new yarn through the stitch, then pull the needle and the new yarn through the next stitch. Repeat this process until you’ve joined the two ends of yarn.
Forming the Foundation Chain
The foundation chain is the initial set of stitches that you crochet to create the base of your project. It serves as the anchor for all subsequent rows.
Step 1: Select Yarn and Hook
Choose a yarn suitable for your project and a hook that is the recommended size for the yarn.
Step 2: Make a Slip Knot
Form a slip knot on the working end of the yarn. Loop the yarn onto the hook and pull the hook through the loop to create a closed loop.
Step 3: Insert Hook into Chain
Insert the hook into the first loop of the chain. This loop is the slip knot.
Step 4: Yarn Over (YO) and Draw Through the Loop
Loop the yarn over the hook (YO) and draw the yarn through the loop on the hook. This forms the first chain stitch.
Repeat Steps 3-4 for each additional chain stitch desired. The number of chain stitches needed for the foundation chain depends on the pattern you are following.
| Number of Chain Stitches | Description |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | Small embellishments, edgings |
| 3-4 | Small doilies, coasters |
| 5-6 | Medium-sized blankets, scarves |
| 7-8 | Large blankets, afghans |
| 9+ | Complex projects, garments |
Step 5: Close the Chain
To close the chain, insert the hook into the last chain stitch and draw the yarn through both loops on the hook. This will connect the chain into a circular shape.
Double Crochet (dc) Stitch
The double crochet stitch (dc) is a taller stitch than the single crochet and creates a fabric with more texture. It’s a versatile stitch that can be used for a variety of projects, including blankets, scarves, and amigurumi.
Materials
- Yarn
- Crochet hook
### Tutorial
Step 1: Make a Slip Knot
Start by making a slip knot. Wrap the yarn around your left index finger, then bring the tail of the yarn over the loop and pull it through.
Step 2: Chain 1
Next, chain 1. To chain 1, simply hook the yarn over the hook and pull it through the loop on the hook.
Step 3: Yarn Over (YO)
Now, yarn over the hook. To yarn over, simply wrap the yarn around the hook from back to front.
Step 4: Insert Hook
Insert the hook into the next stitch on the row. If you’re starting a new row, insert the hook into the second chain from the hook.
Step 5: YO and Pull Up a Loop
Yarn over the hook again and pull up a loop. You should now have two loops on your hook.
Step 6: YO and Pull Through Both Loops
This is where the process differs from other stitches. Yarn over the hook again and pull through both loops on the hook. This completes the double crochet stitch.
| Stitch | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Slip Knot | Start of all crochet projects |
| Chain 1 | First stitch in each row |
| Yarn Over (YO) | Wraps yarn around the hook |
| Insert Hook | Puts the hook into the next stitch |
| Pull Up a Loop | Creates a new loop on the hook |
| Pull Through Both Loops | Completes the stitch |
Half Double Crochet (hdc) Stitch
To add yarn to a half double crochet (hdc) stitch, follow these steps:
1. Hold the hook in your right hand with the yarn tail coming from the back.
2. Insert the hook into the next stitch from back to front.
3. Hook the yarn and pull it through the stitch to create a loop on the hook.
4. Yarn over (YO) and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.
5. YO and pull the yarn through the remaining two loops on the hook, completing the hdc.
Step 7: Completing the Hdc Stitch
The final step of the hdc stitch is to complete the stitch by drawing the yarn through the remaining two loops on the hook. To do this:
1. Hold the hook in your right hand with the yarn tail coming from the back.
2. YO and insert the hook into the next stitch from back to front.
3. Hook the yarn and pull it through the stitch to create a loop on the hook.
4. YO and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.
5. YO and pull the yarn through the remaining two loops on the hook, completing the hdc.
The yarn will now be drawn through all four loops on the hook, completing the hdc stitch.
Joining Yarn
When you run out of yarn or change colors, you’ll need to join a new skein. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps:
1. Leave a Tail
Leave a tail of about 6 inches when you finish the last stitch with the old yarn.
2. Cut the Old Yarn
Cut the old yarn close to the last stitch.
3. Thread the New Yarn Through the Hook
Thread the new yarn through the head of the crochet hook.
4. Insert the Hook into the Next Stitch
Insert the hook into the next stitch on the row.
5. Hook the Yarn
Hook the yarn from behind and pull it through the stitch.
6. Yarn Over
Yarn over the hook.
7. Complete the Stitch
Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook to complete the stitch.
8. Tighten the Knot
Gently pull on the tail of the old yarn to tighten the knot.
9. Weave in the Ends
Weave in the tails of both the old and new yarns to secure them. To do this, use a yarn needle to pass the tails through the back loops of several stitches on the row. Then, trim the ends close to the fabric.
| Joining Method | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| Slip Knot | Invisible join, strong and secure |
| Magic Ring | Creating a circle, seamless join |
| Chain Join | Quick and easy, not as strong as slip knot |
Finishing the Crochet Project
Once you have completed the final row of your crochet project, it’s time to finish it off. Here’s how:
1. Insert the Hook into the Last Stitch.
Insert the hook into the last stitch of the final row.
2. Yarn Over and Pull Through the Stitch.
Yarn over the hook and pull the yarn through the stitch to form a loop on the hook.
3. Insert the Hook into the Next Stitch.
Insert the hook into the next stitch of the final row.
4. Yarn Over and Pull Through Both Stitches on the Hook.
Yarn over the hook again and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook. This will create a slip stitch.
5. Repeat Steps 3-4.
Continue repeating steps 3-4 until you reach the end of the row.
6. Cut the Yarn and Pull Through the Last Loop.
Once you reach the end of the row, cut the yarn, leaving a few inches of tail. Pull the tail through the last loop on the hook to secure the yarn.
7. Weave in the Ends.
Use a yarn needle to weave in any loose ends of yarn to prevent unraveling.
8. Wash and Block the Project.
To give your finished crochet project a professional-looking finish, wash and block it. Blocking will help the project to keep its shape and size.
9. Add Embellishments.
If desired, you can add embellishments such as buttons, beads, or tassels to your finished project to give it a unique touch.
10. Enjoy Your Creation!
Once you have completed all of the finishing steps, your crochet project is complete! Take pride in your accomplishment and enjoy your new creation.
| Finishing Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Insert the Hook into the Last Stitch | Insert the hook into the last stitch of the final row. |
| Yarn Over and Pull Through the Stitch | Yarn over the hook and pull the yarn through the stitch to form a loop on the hook. |
| Insert the Hook into the Next Stitch | Insert the hook into the next stitch of the final row. |
| Yarn Over and Pull Through Both Stitches on the Hook | Yarn over the hook again and pull the yarn through both loops on the hook. This will create a slip stitch. |
| Cut the Yarn and Pull Through the Last Loop | Once you reach the end of the row, cut the yarn, leaving a few inches of tail. Pull the tail through the last loop on the hook to secure the yarn. |
| Weave in the Ends | Use a yarn needle to weave in any loose ends of yarn to prevent unraveling. |
| Wash and Block the Project | To give your finished crochet project a professional-looking finish, wash and block it. Blocking will help the project to keep its shape and size. |
| Add Embellishments | If desired, you can add embellishments such as buttons, beads, or tassels to your finished project to give it a unique touch. |
How to Add Yarn to Crochet
Adding yarn to crochet is a simple process that can be done in a few steps. First, you will need to choose the yarn you want to add. You can use any type of yarn, but it is important to make sure that it is the same weight as the yarn you are already using.
Next, you will need to find the end of the yarn that you are currently using. This can be done by pulling on the yarn until you feel a knot or a loop. Once you have found the end of the yarn, you will need to tie it to the end of the new yarn.
To tie the yarn, you will need to make a knot or a loop in the end of each yarn. Then, you will need to cross the yarns over and pull them tight. This will create a secure knot that will hold the two yarns together.
Once you have tied the yarns together, you will need to start crocheting. You can use the same pattern that you were using before, or you can start a new one. When you are crocheting with two yarns, you will need to hold both yarns together and crochet with them at the same time.
Adding yarn to crochet is a simple process that can be used to create a variety of different effects. You can use different colors of yarn to create stripes or patterns, or you can use different weights of yarn to create different textures. Experiment with different yarns and techniques to create your own unique crochet projects.
People Also Ask
How do I add yarn to crochet in the middle of a row?
To add yarn in the middle of a row when crocheting, simply tie the new yarn to the end of the old yarn and continue crocheting. You can use a slip knot or a simple knot to join the yarns together.
Can I add yarn to crochet without knots?
Yes, you can add yarn to crochet without knots by using a Russian join. To do a Russian join, simply overlap the ends of the two yarns and crochet over them with a slip stitch. This will create a secure join that is invisible when crocheted over.
How do I add yarn to crochet for a granny square?
To add yarn to crochet for a granny square, simply tie the new yarn to the corner of the square and continue crocheting. You can use a slip knot or a simple knot to join the yarns together.
