Knitting Help - Russian Join

You're knitting along, and you run out of yarn. There are a few ways to attach a new ball - you can spit splice, just tie a knot, or try this technique - the Russian Join. The Russian Join is ideal when you're working with a cotton or acrylic yarn that will not felt (for spit splicing).
Information on things you'll see in this video:
The poncho on the mannequin is my Rodeo Drive Poncho, pattern + video tutorial:
verypink.com/20...
The scarf I'm wearing is called Hitchhiker, knit with Hazel Knits DK Lively:
www.ravelry.com...
The yarn I use for demonstration is Malabrigo Chunky.
The nail color I'm wearing is CND Shellac polish, in color "Asphalt".

[@kilimanjarno]

you're an excellent teacher, and excellent videographer. No excess, great clarity, good angles, just perfect. thanks.

[@michelemcgowan1409]

Ditto to above compliment💓

[@lucilletammaro3743]

❤

[@Yanahamm2012]

I am Russian , but I have never heard of this joint! Thank you Staci. Now I am a little more Russian ))))

[@daniellesnyder1244]

Whoa! That is so cool. I feel like I just entered some secret society of knitting that I knew nothing about! 😱😍 Thank you for taking the time to put these tutorials out!

[@amyf1383]

Anytime I need to learn a new knitting technique I search it in KZbin and your videos are always the first to come up and I am glad about that! Because they are so good, clear, and to the point

[@pamelarodman7470]

Best knitting instruction available anywhere. Clear, concise and well curated - you consistently deliver the many subtle keys to successful knitting. Thank you for sharing your obsession.

[@yweasie]

Just under 60 years knitting, and the first time I've ever seen that. Awesome, Thanks!

[@143sheri]

I just LOVE watching your tutorials! You make knitting and crocheting more fun and give beginners the confidence to jump right in. They know that whatever problem they come across, they're sure to find the solution from your channel and or your website or blog!!!! Thanks for being you!!

[@brandycewonderland1497]

Wow, mind blown! I cannot wait to try this way of joining colors. I think this will probably be one of my favorites bc it's such a clean color switch.

[@cynthias.5813]

I have watched several videos on the Russian join, but yours was the best by far! Thank you so very much! I am a crocheter not a knitter, but I will check you out periodically!!!

[@htukram]

This is brilliant! You're brilliant. I can't knit anything without your teaching videos to fall back on. By the time I need the new technique again, I've totally forgotten it. Thanks for being here!

[@cookiesmith8545]

I LOVE this method. I used it for a shawl I'm making with some no name acrylic yarn someone gave me. Great join! Thank you!

[@squidzle]

Just wanted to say thanks for making this video. It was super helpful. This is the first place I come when I’m trying to learn a new technique and I like that your videos are easy to follow but also very quick and to the point.

[@jacquiehoulder6024]

Just done my first Russian join and I love it! I threaded a cable needle through the loop to make sure that I did not lose it. Thank you

[@carolinecrosby564]

I absolutely LOVE your videos! Your directions and comments are so clear and easy to understand. Also, your hands are very pleasing to watch! I use your videos almost exclusively, and highly recommend your channel to everyone I know!!!! THANK YOU!

[@LovePikaMusic]

after a long pause in knitting i had to look up some techniques again and i'd just like to say thank you for those tutorials. Your channel was one of the most helpful when I was just learning to knit (i believe the first tutorial of yours i've used was for magic loop), and is also just very relaxing to listen to.

[@TxPotter1]

This may be the most helpful technique you've ever shown me. Because of allergies, synthetics are my stock in trade. You constantly amaze me. And thank you for listening to your readers' suggestions.

[@stephaniekowals5154]

I just tried this for the first time after knitting all my life. It works wonderfully! Thank you!

[@janm2473]

Thank you so much for this. As a new knitter, I find your tutorials simply excellent. You are a natural born teacher. I'm ready to change skeins of very heavy alpaca and another wool (the name escapes me), and I will use this method on my scarf. ;)

[@rachelpollock8863]

Thanks for the video! I always come back to your Russian Join. I remember it is the "pink one" and the video is professional, concise, is expertly demonstrated and produced.

[@terajjin]

Yay! Since I learned this method, I have used it for everything! It works so very well. However, as with every video, you've given me tips that will make it that much easier.

[@lisabetholson]

I am more amazed than you would know with the things I learn from you. This WILL HELP lots because I HATE knots or huge splices. THANK YOU

[@elisakuratli1213]

I know this video is like 5 years old but I'm so glad you uploaded it! I made my first baby blanket with cotton and joined the new yarn in a simple way, but having to weave in the ends there is a really bulky part in the middle of the blanket that I really don't like (good thing that was a blanket I made mostly to train myself into using your technique on how to hold yarn (which I now finally get, so thank you so much for that too!). I'm now making a second blanket with cotton and I was searching up a way to join the new yarn, and this video came up. I'm so so so happy that I found your channel, and can't wait to try this method! It really looks like magic!!

[@trisha4542]

Thanks for this technique. Been knitting and crocheting about 50 years and never heard of it.

[@mariepark4250]

This works so well, I cannot even see the join in my work... thank you!

[@carynritosa6239]

I have been working on a blanket on and off for years now and have yarn ends just hanging about everywhere and watching your videos for a few years. I can't believe I just saw this video today! Thanks, I love all your tips and suggestions. Keep them coming!

[@cynthiaboldt8214]

love this technique....i found in order not to "lose the loop" i thread a second needle with the new yarn and thread it into to loop as the loop is created

[@Catra7]

I haven't tried this Russian join yet, but can already imagine your tip will be very useful. Thx.

[@peggyday9390]

New to knitting and I found your video very easy to understand and great technique.

[@kateri17]

I've been knitting for over 30 years how did I not know about this join??🤯 I feel cheated! lol. All those knotty joins... I'm at grateful for this and I love your videos.

[@sucathwa8000]

Thankyou. I have spent hours learning all these small and invisible knots and have found the 'magic knots' unreliable in that they tend to unravel when using animal fibre with a bit of pressure applied. I have found that this Russian knot to be the most effective, reliable and strong method for joining yarns rather than tying a knot at the end and then weaving in the ends. Still my preferred method.

[@Flylikea]

Many thanks for this tutorial! I am knitting a long scarf and want to add different yarn colours. Unfortunately, this sometimes means different qualities... for a beginner such as myself changing/adding yarn videos like yours make all the difference!

[@jaydee7471]

Thank you for the excellent video. I am knitting a cotton tee in the round and was at a loss for a secure invisible join, this worked perfectly.

[@littlelulu620]

Thank you for that excellent tutorial. As usual, you are clear, concise and the videos are also pertinent to every project.

[@joanmariepat4221]

You are my absolute go to site for knitting techniques. I think that you're wonderful. Thank you.

[@curtriceennis2924]

Just tried it using nylon cord scraps, and, it works! It looks a whole lot better than having the burnt ends "fused" together. Only thing is that you have to use a very large - eye needle and probably a pair of pliers to get the thread to pull through itself. I do have a suggestion, though ... When you make that first loop, place a long writing pen (capped, of course) or pencil, or, a small dowel through the loop to keep from pulling it all the way into the cord. That way it's easier to get the other end through there to join it. Thank you for sharing your methods - I really like this joining method best for nylon cords!!! 😁😁😁

[@sonerila6987]

It's magic! It took 3 times & some re-watching, but I got it. Thx, Staci!

[@anthonybutto1925]

I'm a beginner in knitting- thank you for this, I was inspired.

[@roseannww5623]

Great video! I will try this today on my current project! Thanks for all your great instructions!

[@marilynsears7611]

My grandmother used this join but she went back over in with one strand regular sewing thread. Literally sew it in place.

[@Kittehfuzz]

Super helpful video as always thank you. Can hardly see the join and it's perfect for working with mini skeins. No waste and no having to weaving in millions of ends

[@docchigahikaru]

Thank you for making this video! I got spit splicing down and thought I was set for life, then andean mist came along... The poncho in the back is gorgeous as well, thanks for providing the link. Back down the rabbit hole I go, then :D

[@ogalep]

a few weeks ago, I posted a comment on FaceBook @ Very Pink Knits Wednesday videos. I was awake early and watching the clock waiting for you, Staci, to post a video because I needed some inspiration and didn't know where to start. You posted a give away video AND a video on making a slip knot to begin casting on. HA!!! Oh, THAT is where one gets started. Still laughing, and knitting, here, haven't come up for air since. If that post was a coincidence, that is hysterical. If it was intentional, it was hysterical. Thanks, Staci!!

[@maribethbuczacki7230]

Thank you so much! I was able to follow along easily and managed a successful join on the first go.

[@jasang38]

Being someone who typically works with plant fibres (I live in a tropical country where it's too warm for animal fibres) this just saved me the pain of multiple weaving-ins at finishing, which I detest. Thanks for sharing! (Loved the lighting & how well the video was shot too, btw.) Cheers!

[@nancygarcia558]

Thank you so much for showing us this. I will be using it from now on.

[@maryloubradley6317]

THANK YOU for this incredibly useful and beautiful join.

[@cherylmalcolm1539]

You should be a hand model! Your nails and hands are so beautiful !

[@gloriajohnson5749]

Wow! I can't wait to try this. Your video is awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@susancadawas9806]

This is the most useful trick I've learned in a long time!

[@oscara8454]

I had to cut some manufacturer's knots from my yarn. I def need more practice in joining yarn while knitting. This helped keep everything in one ball.

[@gwenhastings6160]

Thank you for these tutorials; I know when I view very pink knits I can trust your advice.

[@patriciagarner8943]

I just love that...turns out looking beautiful....love learning a new technique!! Thanks so much!!

[@kathymackie7326]

Thanks for sharing this technique, finally I could understand it through your video compared to several others.

[@michellegeorges8560]

This was great after years of knots! But now I need to learn to use a threader!

[@Neequu78]

Totally not about knitting, but I always love your nail polish! :)

[@CharmedCreations]

Thank you. This is the best video I've watched. Now, I understand why I was unable to accomplish before.

[@connieohara6529]

Thank you! I've struggled with this in the past. Your demonstration is easy to follow!

[@trekfrantti6739]

Had absolutely no idea this was possible. I'll never use a knot again! Thanks!!

[@MstrssKat]

Had no idea this was possible! I'm so saving this to my faves and trying this on my next project, thank you so much for making this tutorial!

[@livetwice7702]

That is completely amazing , I will be using that from now on

[@millsgirl2]

That is just fantastic! I love learning new things like this. Thank you!

[@slaskin7000]

That's a great way to join the yarns. I never heard of this one before. I am a big fan of the spit splice, which I learned from you as well (of course :).

[@chavak3497]

Thanks for making these videos... this method is a great one for joining. Unless you want to pierce through one of the strands that make up the yarn, it is better to use a dull needle....which will run through the center of the yarn twist. A sharp needle will want to catch and go through some/one of the strands ....making it impossible to pull through.

[@danusmum]

Amazing technic.... Never heard it before. Thx for sharing.

[@ohsocoordinated]

Yet another one for the How To Knit playlist. Thank you so much for this video. I'm hoping to do a Doctor Who scarf soon, so it ought to come in handy with all the colour changes then.

[@asecondisahiccup]

You are so great at explaining, and photography is good. too. I had never heard of a Russian join. The project I am working on would be better using this technique. Thank you.

[@vrindakapoor60]

Excellent demonstration

[@TracieFrank]

I like the new look to the video, including the brown surface. Really sharp and pretty!

[@katibere1966]

Wow...thank you for this awesome technique!!

[@virginiasalcido7792]

Wow! Thank You! Works like gem.

[@LadyMamaKat76]

That looked so easy. It also looks really nice. Thank you for posting.

[@rachelcunningham2498]

Thank you, my grandma died before she taught me this! This is really helpful!

[@vapinggaming]

It's a super old video, but a widely used technique. A tip? I cross over the two yarns BEFORE I start the join. Meaning the first join (bringing the yarn back over on itself) will wrap around a piece of the other yarn. This will help to not have to worry about finding that loop on the end. You can tighten the loop to that piece of yarn once you are done, start the second one, and tighten that one.

[@metanoia1122]

Wonderful tutorial. You are an excellent teacher. Also, you have the most beautiful hands and manicure. Ordinarily, I don't even like dark grey/black nail polish but the color looks gorgeous on you. Thank you so much!

[@j.s.1816]

Nice demonstration. That nail color is gorgeous!!

[@meggateley6677]

Thank you so much what a great way to join yarn. I am learning so much from watching your videos

[@LibbyRoseEmbroidery]

Cool, thanks! I did along with you and it worked! For reference - using something like a no. 18 chwnille needle will help with threading bulky yarns. Almost anything will get through the eye on those. :)

[@MadameFlutterbi]

great video I am using the Russian join whenever I can from now on, so much neater, and great for joining odds of wool and getting a home made self striping yarn.

[@annayates2291]

Your youtube lessons have taught me more than I have learned from all other sources combined!!! Thank you for your endless teachings ~ what can I do to reciprocate ? Do you have a favorite charity???

[@verypinkknits]

So nice of you to ask! No need to donate to a charity on my behalf...just keep watching my videos (I'll keep making new ones!), and if you see a pattern that likes your fancy, you can throw a few bucks my way. :)

[@cati092969]

Can't wait to use this on my next project, thank you Staci!

[@glyndaolive9434]

Omgosh - what a great tip! Will definitely be using this in the future. Thanks, Staci!

[@katticus28]

This video just changed my life!

[@AmyKnits]

This is excellent! And now, I also know how to use a threader as well! Thank you, Staci!

[@carriemclaren-jones159]

Thanks for this great easy to follow tutorial. I usually do spit splicing but the yarn I'm using at the moment is a Merino super wash and it won't spit splice, so this technique should do beautifully instead!

[@curtriceennis2924]

Thank you for showing us this method. I'm working on a macrame pattern, and, hope this will work when I need to join more cord to my working cords. Regardless, this is a wonderful method to use when crocheting!!! Thank you again.

[@KnitAdjacent-ln2rx]

That is such a great technique for a join! I will use that in a project! Thank you, Staci!

[@lndsyvghnbubert]

This is exactly what I was trying to recall - THANK YOU! Also, I love your nail color. Your nails always look so beautiful 👌🏻

[@Iredd25]

Brilliant! Thank you for showing how to do that,now I won't have knots in my work! Yay!

[@MizAngelWolf]

Nice. Love your polish too!

[@crochetgottaloveit]

Many thanks for making this Russian Join video! :)

[@knittingknut]

I unravel the ends so that they are only half the thickness then when I double back the yarn it’s the correct thickness. Also I don’t bother to thread the yarn back into itself I just hold it double and knit for 5-6 stitches. I unravel the new yarn and thread half the thickness through the loop of the original yarn and knot another 5-6 stitches then continue on with the full thickness yarn. Later I go back and weave in any hanging yarn ends for added security.

[@meganmills6545]

This is made even better if, after you first pull a tail through, you pull it through quite a bit more so you can grade the plies by cutting each ply at a different length. Then when you bury tail the splice is not as bulky and has a smoother transition overall. :-)

[@marp795]

Thank you i didnt have enough yarn to finish my scarf and you have helped me out so much🙏🏻

[@Nancytoday]

Wow, I never thought about doing something like that! Thanks!

[@JanetLanier]

Funny, I tried this Russian Join and the Spit Splicing but both came apart for me on a wool blend yarn. But I tried doing the Russian Join again and then spitting on it and rubbing it like the spit method and it worked. What would you call that? Spitting Russian? Russian Spit?

[@j.s.1816]

😂

[@BroncosFan_]

Thank you! Such a great explanation I get it now!!

[@chrisxolotl2520]

I will try this! It looks great!

[@maryb7197]

Fantastic thank you for sharing. I think this is gonna be my favorite 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@dulceesquibel7043]

Thanks is fantastic how easy you make it look , Ill try one of this days.God Bless

[@sonianelidanarbonarios5608]

me gusta ese método para unir dos lanas,no se nota en absoluto al tejer!!

[@Gurianthe]

I love you, this is going to save me a lot of weaving ends