How To Join New Yarn With A Slip Stitch - Oombawka Design Crochet

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Joining new yarn is something every crocheter needs to do at some point, especially when working with multiple colors or finishing a skein. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to join new yarn with a slip stitch so your join looks neat and secure. This method works for both rows and rounds and blends smoothly into your stitches without adding bulk.

This tutorial is in US Crochet Terms.

Table of Contents

• Materials & Supplies
• Step-by-Step Instructions
• Tips to Keep Your Joins Clean
• FAQS
• How to Join New Yarn with a Slip Stitch | Video Tutorial
• Related Tutorials You Might Enjoy

Materials & Supplies

• Your project – ready to add new yarn (e.g., at color change, start of a new round or strip)
• Hook size as specified in your pattern (for example 5 mm (H) was used in my demo)
• New yarn strand (I used beginner yarn: Bernat Maker Home Dec Yarn from Yarnspirations)
• Scissors and yarn needle to weave in ends (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Insert your hook into the stitch or space where the join is required.
2. Place a slip-knot of the new yarn on the hook and draw it through the stitch.
3. Chain 1 (or the number of chains your pattern specifies) to secure the join.
4. Continue crocheting according to your pattern. Unless the pattern says otherwise, work the first stitch into the same stitch as the join.

Tips to Keep Your Joins Clean

• Ensure your tension when chaining/generating the first loop matches your working tension so the join doesn’t stand out.
• Weave the tail of the old yarn and the new yarn ends into your work before you proceed for best finish.
• If you are working stripes or granny-style pieces that finish and restart each color, the slip-stitch join gives a neat, low-bulk start.
• Practice the join a few times on scrap to get comfortable before using it in a visible part of a project.

If you’d like to explore other ways to start or change yarn, take a look at my tutorials for How to Add a New Ball of Yarn, How to Join with a Double Crochet, and Double Magic Ring Tutorial.

FAQS

Can I use a slip-stitch join in rows and rounds?

Yes — it works well in both contexts. In rounds you’ll generally make the join in the same stitch you worked before ending the round, then continue with the new yarn as instructed.

How do I hide the tail after the join?

After making the join, lay the yarn tail along the back edge of your work and crochet the next few stitches over it to secure it in place. Weave in the remaining tail at the end to finish neatly.

Will a slip-stitch join add bulk to my work?

No — when done correctly the join is minimal and blends in with your stitches. Ensuring your chain/gauge matches your working tension helps maintain a subtle join.

What yarns are best for this join method?

You can use any yarn that your project specifies — worsted/aran, dk, etc. The key is matching yarn weight and hook size so the join remains consistent in appearance and tension.

How to Join New Yarn with a Slip Stitch | Video Tutorial

Watch the video on YouTube here.

This join is perfect for projects with frequent color changes. You can practice it on patterns like the Pumpkin Hat Easy Crochet Pattern or the Mandala Coaster Crochet Pattern.

Related Tutorials You Might Enjoy

• Slip Stitch Crochet Square Tutorial
• Invisible Join Tutorial
• Changing Yarn Colors Crochet Tutorial
• Learn How to Crochet: Beginner Level Videos
• 20 Ways to Join Crochet Granny Squares

If you’ve used this method, I’d love to see your work! Drop a photo in the Oombawka Design Crochet Facebook Group and share how your join turned out.

Joining new yarn with a slip stitch is a quick and easy way to keep your work looking neat and professional. Once you’ve practiced this technique, try using it in projects that include stripes, motifs, or frequent color changes. You’ll find plenty of inspiration in my Free Crochet Patterns collection to help you put this method to use.

Happy crocheting!

Join the Oombawka Design Crochet Facebook Group!Share your project photos, ask questions, and connect with other crocheters using Oombawka Design Crochet patterns and tutorials. We’d love to see your progress and finished makes! Join us here.

Thank you for reading! I’d love to feature your work—share your finished projects and testimonials!

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