Secrets to Why Knots are in Yarn Balls | The Crochet Crowd

Despite our belief in magic fairies that make yarn, on the industrial side of making yarn, there is always a stop and start to yarn. Most knots in a yarn ball come from the jumping of an industrial cone. If the yarn does break during spinning, there could be more than 1 knot in a ball.
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This video is closed-captioned for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. The captioning is also available in multiple languages such as Spanish, French, German, Italian and Portuguese. The written pattern is only available in English. . *** .
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[@narianthebear8854]

This was so passive aggressive, I love it

[@Becky61636]

I don’t mind the knots, i do mind the “yarn vomit” in the middle of the skein. And I leave the knots in my projects, i tell whomever i give it to that when ever they feel one that it’s a blessing bump. Thank you for the vid’s.

[@loristrout4741]

Pull the yarn from the center. I hate a rolling ball so I always pull from the center.

[@savannamm]

@@loristrout4741 that's where the yarn vomit comes from is pulling from the center

[@soniasinclair1903]

I don't like knots either, but I found away around them.

[@SpiralBreeze]

Blessed Bump! Love it!

[@soniasinclair1903]

@@SpiralBreeze no I interwind the yarn. no bump.

[@kiwicrocheter]

Knots are fine but when there are multiple knots it then becomes a nuisance.

[@Bastardtookmyname]

Agreed! I don’t ever fuss about a knot or two, but I had a ball with five knots, and that’s pushing it for me.

[@DivineInspirationsClothing]

I agree 💯% - was working with a fairly expensive yarn today & in "unconvenient places" I had one knot after another & was extremely annoying & hindering the project design. PRETTY tolerant about slubs & knots, but it gets crazy to contend with @ the prices we pay for yarn 😰

[@samanthawho4471]

Exactly!! I just finished one that had no joke 7…. Currently working a blanket so was a tad annoying

[@cindynotaro4174]

Thank you for the knot in the yarn video I never knew how they make it I just love shopping and experiencing lol and thank you for being a little funny as well lol

[@susanhicks770]

Thank you for saying this. It needed to be said!

[@charlottemarti8639]

You are just too funny Mikey you always make me laugh when you say mmmmhmmm lol. Thank you for that tip. I am always learning something new....🤣🙂

[@megantousignant18]

Oh my goodness, The snark! I love it! You tell 'em!! 🫂❤️

[@Frostedminifirecracker]

Loving the short videos Mikey Splains It All 👏👏👏👏❤️

[@AnishNorge]

Thanks Mikey for the very "knotty information", always fun :)

[@debwinans9712]

I love seeing your yarn wall--this really cracked me up cause it's so true. Lots of complaining on social media!

[@renatahenderson8270]

The answer is, ahhhh, scissors. Love your sense of humor! 🤣🤣🤣 As someone else already commented, unless the yarn is full of knots I don't have an issue with snipping the knot out & rejoining the yarn where I had to stop to deal with the knot. I don't ever crochet a knot into a project either.

[@kennethmullen7183]

Thank you Mikey. Another very informative video. My mom always said never knit or crochet with a knot, to cut it like you explained. She told me all the hours spend on a project and most the time that knot will come loose and then the project may not be repairable. Thank you for clarifying again. Great video.

[@nancyarnold2363]

🤣 you are so cute! Love how you explain things. You are so right. That is just how it is! Chill out and relax people!

[@mishellekochel4510]

Never saw a big deal with the knots and most were better and smaller than I could do myself. 🙃

[@lydiaberg5392]

Yeah I personally don't go on social media and say there's a knot in my yarn I fix it cuz it's just how life works and I'm happy that the guy who's making the knot in the yarn made it I just want to tell you thank you for explaining it to me cuz that's what I thought and I'm glad I was right. And just in case no one's told you today you're channel is amazing

[@Desaundrea]

I always tell the “Internet Bangers” that if you love yarn then you love knots 🪢 It is a part of the milling process, so why complain? And yes sometimes we get multiple knots, that happens when a yarn gets stuck and is pulled and torn. The people who work at the mills aren’t monsters out to destroy our yarn lives 😂 They are doing their job and tying a knot so we get a full skein. And if not HEY MILL ENDS EXIST! 😂 Love your video sir and I love that I’m not the only one saying this. 🥰🧶👌🏽👏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@vickyshoemaker9702]

I learned that in 1974 as an interior design student. Field trip to a yarn manufacturer in Bay Area outside San Francisco. We learned how acrylic yarn was made also, now that was interesting.

[@christinewenrich369]

I love you Mikey!! Thanks for keeping it real!!!

[@denisecookson900]

Mikey you make me smile, thank you!🤗

[@lisasnider8342]

I love this video! You give it straight n no sugarcoating things! Its all common sense

[@crochetwithcindy]

Mikey, you are too funny! 🤣🤣 My sentiments exactly. Knots you just have to deal with sometimes.

[@ArtofNaomi]

Love the flare and the content is AbFab! You're amazing! "It's called scissors...killin me! 🤗💯🌞

[@nancyhildreth8582]

Thanks Mikey. There will always be knots. I've learned to live with them.

[@dianepicard6198]

That’s what I do when I get a knot I just cut them. Thanks for sharing the info especially the part how they make yarn .

[@nanakathleen541]

Learned to live with knots in yarn. As you said "it is what it is".

[@sparkle4051]

Thank you for the explanation about a knot or two in a skein of yarn. The video was very cool. Thank goodness, I have not encountered many knots in my yarn through the years. Yes, I also cut them off and do not crochet them into my work. When one looks at the scheme of life, a knot or two in a skein of yarn is a very minor bump in the road.

[@stephaniestone5133]

Oh my word, thank you for the morning chuckle!! knots can be annoying, but yes, part of the process.

[@MsAngelBlue42]

OMG Mikey for this video. I have tried and tried to explain this to others who freak out over these knots..thank you so much... you are awesome. Knots happen and its all a part of a crocheters life.

[@kiwicrocheter]

I actually found it to be very condescending. Normally like Mikey’s videos but the delivery was all wrong. Made me feel like I was stupid!!!

[@rhondaikenberry4155]

When I am having a stressful day....I watch you, cause you make me laugh.......and I always learn something.

[@trishmason6672]

Bravo Mikey! There are knots, deal with it.

[@petosjr]

You make me laugh so much when I watch your videos, I love it 🤣

[@ChristinaCrochets]

I've only been irked once with knots in my handicrafter yarn. there were 6 knots I had to deal with before I finished making a dishcloth. first and only time that has ever happened. I didn't post on social media about it though LOL! the yarn was limited in quantity, and I really liked it, so I dealt with it :P

[@Whistlebritches1]

GREAT VIDEO MIKEY!!! Knots knots and more knots. You know what......... I have been crocheting for a few years now, about 4,. I can honestly say that I have never complained about knots, In fact I am one of those people that put knots in the yarn. .......When I have to add a new ball/skein I will tie it in a knot and cross my fingers it stays in!!!

[@marshanotmarcia7433]

I Love This!!! Thank You!

[@lorik.4141]

😂😆😂😆 Love it!!!! (In my most dramatic tone of voice.) The humanity! Lol

[@AuntiesCrochetCloset]

You are too funny. Love watching your videos.

[@michellelareau5023]

Very informative… yes knots can be annoying…but go with the flow. It’s not a deal breaker. Thanks for the info-it’s interesting.

[@lyndaperky4687]

Wonderful and hysterical answer.

[@denniskaminski7006]

After 45 years of knitting and crocheting, I've had many a knot in the yarn. I just rip out back to the beginning of the row, cut out the knot and rejoin the yarn. I met a lady at a yarn festival. She was demonstrating how to use a spinning wheel. I brought up the yarn knot thing and she showed me how to join the to ends together without tying them. She untwisted both ends several inches, overlapped the fibers and then twisted them back. She had me try to pull the rejoined yarn apart and I could not do it. I've tried to do it myself, but never had the success she had. So now, I just continue to use the magic apparatus called scissors and rejoin at the beginning of a new ro.

[@janetfry5412]

OMG you are so right one of my Facebook crochet groups blew up because 1 lady had a join in the yarn, was actually pretty funny all the negative comments. There there was my comment 'just cut and join, no big deal' lol

[@tammyabel2737]

Your sence of humor is on point .What's a knot.

[@TheCrochetCrowd]

hehe.

[@janettaylor9058]

Thanks for the video. It was very informative, just deal with them I haven't had many of them just lucky.

[@LisatheGrammyScattered]

Lolololol 🤗😂🤣the truth hurts some people, but oh well. Loved the snarkyness. 💝

[@sissyc1913]

I'm really enjoying the tibbets your showing

[@wandataylor6266]

Look at all that luscious yarn😍 I use to work in textiles many years ago so I understand some of the process, stuff happens even though we don’t like them knots, especially in the middle of the work. I’ll have to look at that fix on you tube. I usually rip it out and cut that out so my start is at the end of the row. No problem except a few extra tails to tuck😂 unless the yarn has a pattern. Thanks for the info 😁

[@bellnorton1691]

Nice to see the process.

[@Tinasknittingneedle]

Thank you just thank you

[@teresafreeman2203]

Awesome job Mikey

[@jeannineballman7390]

I am new to your channel and I just say that your videos are very informative and always fun. Although I have crocheted since I was young I only knew simple stitches. I have been enjoying learning so many new things from your videos. Thank you so much for taking the time to share the joy of crocheting. As for the knots..they can be bothersome yet I suppose that it is part of the fun 😊

[@roseydiva1183]

omgOSH I watched this right after work and gave me the laugh I needed! I don't mind knots so much if they color doesn't jump.

[@neverlearnitall]

Thank you for sharing this! I honestly never thought about yarn having an end! It makes perfect sense! Lol! I've been annoyed with knots in the middle of a skein before but as you demonstrated, a pair of scissors takes care of that!❤

[@wandachadwick843]

I worked in the textile industry and have tied many a weaver's knot. Before I left to go to college, they gave use automatic hand-held splicers. I hated them and felt the knot held better than the splice. I generally do not complain about knots unless I have paid a premium price for yarn that is full of knots.

[@survivrs]

I learned something new! I just came across one of those knots the other day and I was worried about it being noticeable, but it wasn't. Thanks Mikey!

[@Hat_mad_human]

I appreciate the sarcasm in this soooo much 😂😂😂

[@bethburge6403]

I mostly make afghans/blankets so I just trim the ends really close to knot, and pull the yarn to make sure it won't pull out, then go on with the project.

[@heidigeib2660]

That is what my mom taught me.

[@crochet_renee_8128]

I never did understand why people post about knots in yarn on social media. I always assumed it ran out and they where hooking new to it. just like you said. It does upset me when i have a ball that is messed up. not sure how to explain but i'll try. Its like not twisted right winded right a section not formed correctly. still don't post on social media about it. Just irritated when it happens over 10 times in a 7 ounce ball.

[@bascia3125]

Thanks Mikey, I ve learnt alot today, some I knew and most I didnt.. thank you again, your a great instructor!

[@christinesizemore3]

I've come to understand the occasional knot, but I just started a giant skein yesterday that had 3 ends! Turns out there was a loose length of yarn somehow wound together with the rest of the skein - a healthy 9g ball (20yds)! I also found a heap of "yarn barf" near the outside of the same skein. I managed to detangle it but what remains is horribly twisted and all heading back in the same direction so I've had to bundle and knot the mass and let it flop around until I've unwound to that spot. One of those would suck, but both in the same skein, and I find myself feeling apprehensive in starting to use it, expecting to find some other problem. I just hope its differently colored sibling doesn't present with any similarly bizarre or problematic quirks.

[@DivineInspirationsClothing]

☹ Had that happen today...just all of a sudden had a loose end & slub to the yarn & the original skein was just sitting there...unattached to the project...think these issues are getting more frequent & worse instead of better...WHERE is any "quality control"??? 😳

[@georgiacorey954]

Lol, love ur commentary

[@camillegee9430]

You crack me up Mikey! Once a yarn store owner told me that two knots per skein is considered acceptable by manufacturers, if I found more than two I could bring it back and she'd replace it for me. It may be annoying but anyone that wants to become a skilled yarn artist needs to know how to handle ends, what about if you finish a skein and need to switch to a new one? It's just a part of the craft!

[@nancymacdonald2395]

LOL 🤣 you crack me up ..😘 Thank you for the info 🎉🎉🕊🕊

[@kimshearer6464]

Knots can be worked around, but it is aggravating when you get a foot down the strand and another knot appears. And then to have that happen 3 or 4 times in a skein.

[@FreehandlyMadeAuCrochet]

LOL ! I loved this video!

[@jeannieteaallaboutyarnknit3564]

Lol. Knots are no biggy to me. Tasks make people more expierenced. 👍😊❤

[@patriciatramposch5300]

Thanks for the info!

[@frokenteddy89]

I couldnt care less about knots in general, and I understand the process and that there needs to be knots here and there as you explained. Do you know how or why there is sometimes multiple knots in one skein? Ive had some once in a while that have had upwards of 7-8 knots while other in the same batch would have none. As i said, i dont mind them, its a chore but not impossible to get rid off as you stated. Simply curious. Thanks for amazing content! ❤️

[@loristrout4741]

Some times they are winding and the machine that picks up the yarn strand does not take up right. It will tear the yarn. They cut and tie the yarn instead of having to rethread the system so it may be a fault of the machinery.

[@TheCrochetCrowd]

I filmed that topic yesterday.

[@amandah4834]

😂great explanation mikey you’re my best friend every day lol 😊Amanda xx💕

[@Twinkley1981]

This video cracked me up Mikey. 😂 I don’t get all the fuss people make over knots either, Or people who fuss over “yarn barf” when they’re the people who are trying to the make a yarn ball into a centre pull, when the yarn wasn’t wound to be used that way in the first place. Then they kick off and make a fuss that they have pulled out half of their yarn from the ball and ended up with a barfing yarny mess 🤭

[@retagorman4351]

What a nut! Wouldn't have u any other way. Thank you for the smile.

[@brendamcchristy6044]

Interesting information. Thank you

[@kyuutatsu]

I never gave it a second thought, I just thought it was common knowledge that yarn might end in the middle of a ball and have to be tied, usually i cut out the knot and make my own more streamlined knot and go about my day!

[@janehynes8319]

Laughing out loud! You ate the best!!!

[@TheBeeLadyApiary9992]

I always wondered about this. Thanks for explaining it ❤

[@BellaDonna.58]

Always wondered what the manufacturer was doing and intended for me to do with it. Lol thank you.

[@ramseysachs5726]

It does seem that some yarns tend to have more than others.😁

[@45beetle]

thanks

[@jwo1923]

Yup, there'll always be knots. It's how you handle them that counts. 😉

[@stephaniecanales1148]

There is always that one..that says exactly what I am thinking. Lol

[@diana4353]

Thank you for showing us how the yarn factory does the spools. Can you show us how the skeins are wound ? While balling up my red heart yarn for a big blanket project I found a lot of torn strands and stuck together portions of the skein. Looked like it was torn apart and stuck together. The outside of the skein was perfect and had no problems till I was half way into it. Could it have gotten hot and melted?

[@lindastout452]

I've found that Red Heart has more knots than some other brands, and it is ANNOYING AS ALL GET OUT to have to stop what I'm doing to fix THEIR MISTAKES!😡

[@TheCrochetCrowd]

Hopefully you took a photo of that and contacted Yarnspirations. The yarn much have slipped during the balling process which created friction on the roller to heat it up to melt. Take a photo of it and contact Yarnspirations.

[@diana4353]

Thank you for the reply. I thought that was what happened. I did check other skeins. They were fine. I did email company, sent pictures and they were very nice and fast to help. Made my day!

[@heidigeib2660]

Thanks for the laugh. Wonder how people survived with knots before social media? Hahaha

[@dragonkat1868]

I don't trust the knots in a skein of yarn, I always cut it out and redo it myself. I had one skein that had 4 or 5 knots in about 10-15 yards of yarn 🙃 just about made me 🤪. I was glad to get through that section.

[@aquawoelfly]

People who complain about one knot in their skin. .... 🙄 they have switch the huge cones at some point. People who complain about several knots in one skien.... YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO TO COMPLAIN!

[@JsMomma7]

It would be cool if you did a video about how yarn is made...

[@TheCrochetCrowd]

We have one. It’s on the channel. It’s fascinating.

[@stellamata8770]

What I also don't like is when down the yarn and it gets thicker for a bit.

[@dracofirex]

I had a ball with five knots, and it was color transitioning yarn. The color transitions were swapped twice in the same ball, going in the reverse direction BOTH TIMES. That was a little ridiculous but I'll deal.

[@susangieski5381]

Well Lion Brand Mandala Ombré has had no less than 3 knots in each of the last 5 cakes of yarn I have had. I will not be buying again. I don’t mind a knot or two. I understand what you say. But this has been crazy knotty ( naughty) experience. 😂

[@lessons9745]

A knot every once in a while is to be expected, but I once had a skein with 4 knots. It was so damn frustrating!

[@preciousbeautyj1043]

Exactly. Mikey can say all that bcuz ….

[@erikagholston6610]

I’ve learned it is easier to cut the yarn where it is convenient for me and keep moving on.

[@sarahshack4459]

Omg you're hilarious! 🤣

[@moniquecaton3285]

I'm curious to know why it was rare to find knots in your yarn in the 60s and 70s. We were actually taught that it was a flaw.

[@loristrout4741]

That was probably because they never got the real answer. I have watched many how it's made videos this excerpt is actually on the how it's made yarn one.

[@crocusconnections8202]

I remember the 60’s and 70’s yarn . Bought yarn from Zellers, Woolco and even Eatons. I must have been more knotty because I had a lot of knots in my yarn.

[@doltonmurray1625]

In the past yarn skeins were much smaller and therefore rarely did we come across a knot. In my 50+ years of crocheting I never found knots in my wool til recent years when I started buying jumbo skeins of yarn.

[@crocusconnections8202]

Hi Mikey . I worked for a lifetime at a craft store called --(rhymes with your name) oh if only we could have referred customers to this video. If I had a dime for every customer complaining about knots in their balls I would be rich rich rich. I once had a manager that went into the yarn department and never came out. He just stood and listened to little

[@crocusconnections8202]

old ladies complaining about knots in their balls. When we finally found him he said “no no knots in my balls “and he left and never returned . True story!!

[@kellyfazekas7831]

For the life of me, I don't ever understand why people go nuts about knots in their yarn balls. I do what you suggested, cut the knot and make my own (never trust a knot you didn't make yourself!) and carry on. Now if a ball 9f yarn has loads, that's a different thing but an occasional one just isn't worth the stress!

[@angelinacrafts5385]

Knots do not bother me unusually. Last month out of three balls two were knot free and the third I stopped counting when I hit 12 as it was working my nerves. No idea what occurred on that yarn line. Another project I was laughing as every ball had a knot and color sequence change at the same spot. At least they were consistent. 😁

[@redraven_y2k]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣I just ❤ you Mikey

[@RARenni62]

If you are getting a knot or 2 per skein, not a big deal for me. I once paid for (not a mill end) but a cake of yarn that had 10 knots, yes, I counted...lol very annoyed!

[@glennagifford1770]

I don’t mind one knot but working on one that I’m up to my 4th not and I’m not even 1/4 through the ball

[@vickihalbeisen9513]

When I come to one I try to pull it apart if it does not move I crochet it in and keep going if it looks like it moves cut and work in

[@TarasSimpleCrochet]

The yarn knot nooooo lol. I do the same I just cut it out and start a new one and hope when it’s when I am color changing :)

[@bbsamazon]

OMG! Who goes on social media and complains about the knots? I mean, seriously? It happens all the time. I cut the knot out, too. Just a part of fiber arts life, LOL 😝

[@JsMomma7]

I don't mind the knots... I do HATE huge knots of yarn barf. I can even handle a little but I'm talking about when it's line 1/2 the skein.