How to change colors in knitting using the twist and weave method

Step-by-step instructions on joining a new color using the twist & weave method.
►►► READ THE FULL TUTORIAL HERE: nimble-needles...
My knitting needles: amzn.to/3pHJ69c
My yarn: bit.ly/354ESkw
My scissors: amzn.to/3dxYZga
*Note: As an Etsy & Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Twist and Weave is a super smart and ingenious way to change colors in knitting. It's super invisible on the right side, while it does require you to weave in the tails later on. It's a very nice way to join yarn when knitting intarsia or other colorwork projects. You can use it a the beginning or the end of a row and even if you are working in the same color.
Subscribe to my main youtube channel: / nimbleneedles
►Visit my blog for a free knitting school: nimble-needles...
►Subscribe to my newsletter for free patterns: nimble-needles...
► View my projects on Instagram / nimbleneedlez
#knitting #howtoknit #knittingstitches

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

For those looking for the instructions for the purl side: nimble-needles.com/stitches/how-to-change-colors-on-a-purl-row-or-round/

[@LauraValerie1902]

Do you have this on your channel so I can slow it down?

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@LauraValerie1902 sorry, no :(

[@sylviemimichevol3567]

Thanks so much. I couldn’t figure out how to make the twist and weave on the purl side, so I checked your channel, and of course you have the solution! Thank you! ❤

[@chlo2903]

Btw, the link to the purl method on your knit method article leads back to the same article instead of the link you have here. This is a life saver tho, thx

[@NimbleNeedles]

@@chlo2903 thx!

[@Turnperpage]

As a newbie, I was super intimidated to change colors in the middle of the pattern but this video was just the perfect help for a smooth transition. Many many thanks Norman for the help as always!

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

You are so welcome!

[@caregiverentrepreurreimagined]

I love how this method allows you make cleaner transitions between new balls of yarn or stripes of different colors in your projects.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

it's one of my personal favorites!

[@fenrisnihilus3675]

every time i watch one of your videos i cant help but give massive props to the people who came up with this. its amazing.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

yeah, it's amazing what the knitting community came up with over the centuries and I am very happy to be able to make my own additions :)

[@Rachel-cd7mi]

Had to try it twice to get it right but you made it so clear and easy to follow! I’ll definitely pull this video up again next time and probably the next few times until I can do it by memory 😊

[@AmyBlack1206]

I’m in the process of making a triangle shape shawl. I have color changing. I’m here to maybe find a cleaner way of doing this. Right now I’m looping the new yarn around needle (on wrong side) then tying off old color. Now I have all these bows going down the side of the shawl. Love to see something new. ( I don’t know if I made that clear. I’m so new to knitting. lol)

[@hpl4096]

It feels like the person who invented this method was just trying a bunch of random loops and knot like shapes until something worked lol

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

haha...well, actually it kinda makes sense but I can well understand how this feels so random. At least, I felt the same when I first saw it all those years ago.

[@kellyinva9965]

Thank you so much. Not knowing how to this has limited my projects, but now I have the confidence to do a border. All the best, Kelly in Virginia. USA

[@Terri-SavedByTheTruth]

Fantastic! Instead of being anxious about holes or gaps, now I'm actually looking forward to my next project where I can use this technique. Thank you.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

ha! fantastic. Glad you found it helpful!

[@rockstardolly]

I’m a beginner to knitting and your explanation is on point. Wow you are amazing! I have been crocheting 12 years and never thought I would be able to pick up knitting. Thank you for sharing and I enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work. ❤❤❤❤❤🧶🧶🧶🧶🧶

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

You are so welcome!

[@ms_islandgirlxo]

I have just used this method for the first time and I love it! I had to think of the reverse positions since I am left handed but it still worked out perfectly! Thank you very much..

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

awesome! glad it worked out for you even if you had to translate everthing in your mind :)

[@timbuhite3688]

Norman, I do believe you are a genius!! Thank you for the thought and time you put into making these videos.

[@kellymousley]

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise. You are an excellent teacher!! I purchased the recommended Knitter’s Pride dpn -love them.

[@amandabarnett6286]

THANK YOU so much for this I never did it before and knitted since I was 5 years old and now I am giggling how easy twist weave is and yet watching is much easier than written instruction . Awesome now my children can have many jumpers 😊

[@juls1092]

Was a bit of a struggle since i am left handed and had to mirror each step in my head but i finally did it! :D (I know i could have mirrored the video but i couldn’t be bothered hehe) Watching the slow motion part over and over and over again eventually did the trick!!

[@SR949900]

This method is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing it! I hope you share how to trap floats or lift the yarn as you continue to knit when doing strips without having to cut the yarn each time. 🙂 Thank you again!

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

maybe this video will help :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqbYkJ-mr9ZmqKs

[@birdobserver7543]

Thank you Mr. Norman! This was helpful. ❤

[@nwilson7930]

Thank you! I have been searching for this but wasn't sure how to search because I didn't know what it was called. Great video! I can't wait to give it a try!

[@mercyonus5292]

Ty! I’m a new knitter. You explained it and showed it very well! Subscribed

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

welcome to my second channel here :)

[@alexandriasimms4842]

This is a game changer! So much neater! Thank you. As an English thrower can I suggest that you show it that way also. I really struggle to follow along. I got it eventually.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

hm..well i don't really do english throwing here on my channel. sorry :(

[@clairesayegh3450]

Great technique so clean

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

Glad you like it!

[@clearwater7000]

Thank you! You are born to be teacher...Amazing video. Your explanation is sooo helpfull...I'm better knitter because of this channel!❤

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

Wow, thank you!

[@Soffity]

I’m knitting a sock on 5 double ended needles and this is just what I was after. The yarn and needles are small so no where to hide. Thanks.

[@theastewart6721]

Great technique Norman! I’ll definitely be practicing this one! Thanks for sharing!😊🤗

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

you are very welcome Thea!

[@julesgray810]

Thank you for such a clear explanation, I am trying to make a different colored border and this is the only video that shows the very first stitch of the new color, how to join the yarn. Although my first attempt did not go well - I somehow wrapped the yarn around the bottom of my work and didn't notice for 2 rows... lol but I will practice again until I have it down!

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

happy to be of help. but make sure to comment again if you need help :)

[@GrannyReplica]

I can't wait to practise this technique and see if I can work it. It seems too good to be true, but I've loved it ever since I've seen it in one of your videos.

[@lenaraullo5263]

Technik is very good. I did not learn it this way. Have to practice it. Thank you very much.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

yeah, it takes a bit of time to get used to it, but then it's golden!

[@peepers4763]

This is a new one to me. Looking forward to giving it a try. Thanks Norman

[@MesEmissions]

Hi Norman, I’ve jus tried the knit and weave method to add a new colour to my So Faded jumper and it has worked a treat, completely seamless. Mind you, I’ll probably have to watch the video every time I do it 😹. Thank you.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

haha...well..it does take some time to get the hang of it..but once you do, you won't look back! at least I never did!

[@LucyLvgd]

Thank you so much, this is gonna be super useful

[@asiyekazeroonian5762]

was amazing. a bit difficult to understand in the beginning but a great way of joining without troubles

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

yeah, it takes a while cuz it's motions you typically don't do in knitting but after 3 times it feels totally natural in my opinion.

[@yozi_fee]

Thank you for the simple tutorial and the enthusiasm you put into this work :)

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

You're very welcome!

[@christielamb2894]

Norman, I believe I can do this! With practice I believe I could even do it as nicely as you do. 😉 Thank you so very much for demonstrating this technique. 💜✌️🧶

[@flourchylde]

WOW! This is a game changer. Thank you, Norman.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

my pleasure!

[@dorthyhalstead2136]

I can't wait to give this a try. Thank you so much.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

hope all went well :)

[@Pastriesm]

Thank you! This way is so neat and the color stitches match!

[@ieval.3407]

I tried this method in the beginning of a new row and ended up with an extra loop :D :D No idea what I'm doing wrong, tried 3 times already haha

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

probably caught the tail of the old yarn

[@karenarnott387]

Thank you. I shall definitely be using this method.

[@Barons.knitting]

Thank you so much for this video it has been a great help to me!!

[@katemanning8705]

Incredible method! Thank you so much!

[@margitschendel1605]

Superb method. Thank you sooo much for sharing! 😊

[@juneknitsville9549]

Life changing! Thank you so much. Wonderful tutorial.

[@samanthaedwards4640]

I’ve just discovered your channel! Your are fantastic! And so so helpful! Have subscribed. Thank you! 😘

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

Thanks for subbing!

[@Padmav-xv7yk]

Very nice explanation, simply superb, thankyou very much

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

you are very welcome, Padma!

[@lesliebaken9378]

Thank you, your instructions were so concise and discernible. I got it!

[@robing8407]

Norman your tutorials are fabulous, so clear, calm and enjoyable; I am able to transpose them for left handed knitting. This twist and WEAVE has me stumped 45 minutes of trying and still not getting a proper join. Could you possible do a left handed instruction. Many thanks.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

heh...well sorry no. I am not a left-hander and I don't think I actually do that! But why not use one of the many programms that mirrors youtube videos?

[@robing8407]

@@nimbleneedlestwo Thank you for your response and the idea of a mirroring program. I didn't even know this existed.

[@Skyleraby]

This video is really helpful, thank you. Please how do you tie off the tails?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

you can combine this method with any other method to weave in tails. YOu can weave them in as you go..or use a tapestry needle the traditional way. This decision will depend on the fiber you are using.

[@leilabennett1582]

Thats brilliant. Thank you Norman.

[@eevierussell]

this tutorial is amazing thank you so so much!

[@doodlenoodle3774]

Thank you so much for clear instruction! I am a beginner, so could you let me know how I can finish/hide the remain strings? I think knots will going to loose if I just simply cut it off.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

there you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5KYaqCDp8ygebM

[@cassandrabeysingleton3793]

Your a knitting saver thank you so much

[@cassandrabeysingleton3793]

I wish I could add a picture so I could show you what you helped me. With I created an eagle double knitted headband And the color change between green black white Gray yellow and blue was driving me crazy. Cause it left gaps and between my project

[@BriteBlaze]

you are the GOAT 🙌🏾

[@mygorgeouslife9279]

Thank you for this tutorial 🙏🙏🙏

[@monikaweld5567]

I can see that being a game changer 👍

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

it really is...it's just an ingenious techique!

[@2._Double_Trouble_.1]

This was so helpful!!! thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!

[@or8174]

Wow -!!! Thank u for clear instruction

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

Any time!

[@mayakubi9072]

I love your Video. It explains it sooo good. Thank you 😍 but how so you use it If your at the row Back ?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

nimble-needles.com/stitches/how-to-change-colors-on-a-purl-row-or-round/

[@lamzydivey]

How are the ends woven so nothing shows of different colors? This is a beautiful video thank you.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

maybe this helps: nimble-needles.com/tutorials/how-to-weave-in-ends-10-essential-knitting-techniques/

[@everydaywithcat]

Terima kasih😊

[@mhwelsh3551]

slow motion timestamp: 2:57

[@SR949900]

Can this be done on the purl side? A future video on adding yarn on the purl side using this method would be much appreciated 🙏🙏😁😁

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

sure: nimble-needles.com/stitches/how-to-change-colors-on-a-purl-row-or-round/

[@puppydood]

Any chance you could show this when holding the yarn in the right hand. I use the throw style of knitting and I can’t work this out!!😊

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

my channel focuses on continental knitting, sorry.

[@janastecher6969]

Great tutorial ☺️ is there a way to also do it while knitting the ‚backside/left‘ ?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

yes there is. I should record a video how to do that one of these days.

[@milkyway-sw2sf]

thank you so much

[@elizastrong7184]

Thank you Norman! Does anyone know how to do this while purling?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

nimble-needles.com/stitches/how-to-change-colors-on-a-purl-row-or-round/

[@vault7137]

Brilliant!

[@antoniomatthew2234]

Wasn't sure if you had any videos for Fair Isle color changing designs and how much slack yarn you are supposed to leave when knitting with two colors. Scrolled through all of your primary and second channels and not sure if I missed it.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

no, i don't have a dedicated video on Fair Isle yet. It's definitely on my list, tho!

[@deniseharris5233]

Brilliant 💕

[@LauraValerie1902]

I love it but how do have the old colour yarn come with me so it doesn't stay at the bottom of my work

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

depends. either you don't but for small distances you simply weave them through the edge.

[@finngirl56]

Hi Norman. Thank you for all of your very informative and helpful tutorials! I have been doing the twist and weave method, following your instructions now for a while, but I’ve realized that repeatedly I am ending up with two stitches instead of one (which I just keep fixing on the next round by doing a K2tog). But I would really like to figure out what I’m doing wrong. I am following your instructions to the letter - as far as I can see - and I still end up with two stitches. Do you have any suggestions for me to correct this?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

hm...i doubt you are following it to the letter. I'd probably guess you are not bringing the old tail to the back or something.

[@finngirl56]

Hi Norman. Thank you for your response. In fact, I was bringing the old tail to the back, so that wasn’t it. But I finally figured out what the problem was. I knew from your videos that you knit continental style - while I knit English style - but I didn’t realize that this would make a difference in how you do the twist and weave for colour change. So that is what the problem was, I don’t knit in the continental style. I had to look around for a bit online, but have found instructions that specify “the right handed” method, involving placing your new colour in the opposite direction between the needles. I tried that and it worked for me - live and learn, lol! Anyway, thank you again for your wonderful video tutorials. 😊

[@effienovac4895]

Is there a video on this method if you hold your working yarn with the other hand?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

no, there isn't :( Just hold it in the left hand for this one part only and then switch over to the right.

[@kidou343]

Hi Norman, I am having trouble figuring out how to combine this method of changing colors with slipping the first stitch of the garter stitch to get a nicer selvage edge. Any tips or maybe I missed a video?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

if you want to slip stitches, than you have to use a different method. This is not going to look nice. Slipped stitch selvages won't look nice with color changes regardless, tho.

[@kidou343]

​@@nimbleneedlestwoGot it. Well darn, oh well. Thank you for the help!

[@mayitaochagavia9910]

Thanks a lot! Does this changing colors work the same when knitting in the round.?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

Yes it does!

[@aspenjohnson1891]

Yo we have the same needles

[@MindfulCraftsMore]

I’m definitely going to try this with my next colorwork project. It looks beautiful. Are there any changes for English style or Portuguese style knitters?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

hm...so far I haven't planned branching out. I still have so much to show for continental knitting :)

[@pamfreel8983]

Thank you 😊

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

You're welcome, Pam! 😊

[@user-ic9wb9hd9i]

Say for instance I added red in the middle of the row . Now on the pearl side I want to make the red thicker (2 rows) how do I join the red now?? Please help

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

sounds like you want to knit intarsia. That's a separate technique and I do have a video over on my main channel.

[@danaleonie7844]

Thank you!!!!!!!

[@randomname4726]

What about changing colours after you have both already going, because you won't have a tail?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

not sure I understand that question. You mean like in stripes?

[@debbylovesyarn5148]

awesome- thank you

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

you are very welcome debby!

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

Lovely tuto, does it work also with cotton or bamboo yarn ? Have you tried ? Thanks.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

It really works with every yarn. Though you will have to take special care when weaving in those tails. But i'd say for these yarns this is particularly well suited as things like "weave in as you go" or duplicate stitch don't work

[@elenaoakes8494]

Thanks so much! This was so helpful!! The pattern I am knitting has a row with 12 red 3 blue and another 12 red. Do you have to do these steps every time the colour changes?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

yes...:) (but only when you join them in..later on you just need to twist the yarns)

[@sarabrett2119]

Does this work with floats? It's lovely.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

i am not exactly sure what oyu mean. but yeah you can definitely use this for stranded knitting

[@susan6565]

If I’m knitting a hat in the round, will this cause lumps on the inside?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

well... a tiny little pseudo knot, yeah. But that's more or less unavaidoable.

[@ginnyblackmore575]

How would you do this if the first stitch is a slipped stitch? Hope I'm not being daft😬.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

well, the method really requires a stitch. But mostly, I would just skip the selvage for that row. But you can also do it into the second stitch. You were not going to knit the first stitch anyway.

[@ginnyblackmore575]

@@nimbleneedlestwo thank you, Norman! I am adding color in double stockinette. It was a bit tricky, and I had to knit stitches together, but it looks great.

[@ladyseshiiria]

Do you have to use dpn? My pattern just specified us 6 and us 8 needles.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

no..i just use dpns as they are easiest to record with :)

[@LauraValerie1902]

So your cutting off the end of yarn when you've done each section??

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

well...you would have to weave the tails in before you cut them, but yes.

[@jessicavsbridget]

does this work when purling? if so, how?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

it does work...but uh...I don't have a tutorial for that yet and it would be a bit too difficult to explain here as a comment alas. maybe i should record a video in the future.

[@jessicavsbridget]

@@nimbleneedlestwo That would be wonderful!! I tried figuring it out own my own based on your video, but I just couldn't get it. Would love to see a video :)

[@celesteang7733]

Hello Norman, can this method be applied when knitting in the round when doing 2 rounds stripes? Thank you. Celeste

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

sure..but when you knit 2 round stripes, why not carry the yarn across the gap?

[@evehunter4130]

Can this technique be done when throwing?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

Well, your knitting style has little to do with it. You are not knitting this way. So simply follow these steps and then, when it comes to knitting your first stitch, you pick up the yarn like you usually would.

[@doyouzgot2knw]

Can this be done with right handed knitting?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

sure. there is exactly no difference because you have to do it the exact same way ;-) this is not knitting. just hold the yarn the way I show you and then continue holding the yarn any way you like

[@colonelcandoo]

Could you show this technique with English knitting as well?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

no, i am not an English knitter. But the technique is exactly the same - no matter which style you are knitting. After you did this, you can easily continue english style, portugese or what not :)

[@jennypockets]

I try and try and I just can't get it, Is there any way to reverse the picture so I can see it left handed? I would use a mirror but I haven't got one that stands up.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

there are actually programms out there that do that for you. Just google convert youtube video for left-handed and I'm sure you'll be able to find something that works for you.

[@jennypockets]

@@nimbleneedlestwo Thank you so much, you're a lifesaver.

[@ilsesmit2002]

How do you do this in the purl stitches

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mp6phmhverF8osk

[@clairesayegh3450]

How to weave the yarn left in the middle of a project

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

is that a question? ;-)

[@knitcrochettiger361]

thank you, Norman, thank you thank you thank you.....in the 6 years i've been knitting, changing color in mid row has always been tricky, even though i like fair isle and intarsia color work...thank you for making this easy ❤❤❤❤(❁´◡`❁)😁😁😁😁

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

always happy to assit! It's really great technique

[@debricci8533]

What do you do in the back then?

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

I am not sure I understand the question, Deb?

[@pattywheat6568]

I just can’t get it to work 😢

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

:(

[@Bomber411]

Omg I'm so frustrated. I can't get this.

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

oh no... if you head over to my main channel, i have a video with quite a lot of other options as well that are maybe a bit easier.

[@Bomber411]

@@nimbleneedlestwo I'm going to try again when I'm feeling better. I'm really sick, but I was at the river trying to knit daisy knit stitch for the first time, struggling with that then struggling with this lol a stranger came by and I asked if she knew how to switch colours and she said just knit in the next colour, so that is what I did. The edges don't look as clean as I'd like at all, I'm switching every 2 rows, and just bringing it along by letting it sit out for 2 rows and knitting it back in on the 3rd so there's no ends to weave in... I love the challenge of learning all this, as frustrating as it is. Next one I'll try this again.

[@shahilagh]

Left handed please

[@nimbleneedlestwo]

i am not left-handed. sorry.