Hi Crochet Friends! This is a quick tutorial to demonstrate how easy it is to join with a slip stitch in crochet. You can use this to change your yarn colors, or sometimes when you are following a pattern you will need to add yarn after you've already finished off (like an edging, or if you are working an granny square and you are finishing off after every round and need to join a new yarn for the next part of your square).

How to Join New Yarn with a Slip Stitch (Crochet Tutorial)

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

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.

join new yarn with slip stitch – step 1

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.

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.

Join New Yarn with a Slip Stitch ➡️ Step-by-Step Tutorial

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!

Rhondda Signature

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!

Get Free Crochet Patterns & Tutorials
Subscribe to my newsletter and receive free patterns and tutorials straight to your inbox.

Connect with Me
Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for the latest updates.

Curated Crochet Essentials
Visit my Amazon shop for a handpicked selection of crochet tools, books, and kits.

Love Furls Crochet?
Use my discount code OOMBAWKA2025 to receive 15% off the Furls Crochet Collection. Limit 1 use per customer. Expires December 31, 2025.

Love Shady Lane Original Crochet Designs?
Use code OOMB for 15% off any pattern on the Shady Lane website, or code OOMBAWKA in her Etsy Shop. Expires December 31, 2026.

Rhondda Mol - Oombawka Design Crochet and Free Crochet Tutorials Designer and Blogger

About the Author

Rhondda Mol is the crochet designer and blogger behind Oombawka Design Crochet. Since 2012, she has been sharing free crochet patterns, tutorials, and expert tips to help crocheters of all levels succeed. With more than 600 published patterns, Rhondda focuses on creating clear instructions and resources to inspire creativity and confidence in the crochet community.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

12 Comments

  1. Hi Judy, When I finish off one color I weave it into itself in multiple directions. I try to make sure I don’t weave it into a different color. Is this what you mean? If it isn’t please let me know so I can try to help 🙂 thanks, Rhondda

  2. How do you end with one color? I’m having problems with tying the yarn without it showing

  4. Thank you for the Happy Scarf Pattern! I can’t wait to make it! Sincere Affection, Lizzie

  9. This is helpful, thank you! Changing to another color has always intimidated me but this makes it sound fairly simple. I can’t wait to try it!

  12. Changing colour & bringing in new yarn – ‘To knot or not to knot?’ Personally I don’t like knots, they produce weak areas, can unravel and have the most annoying habit of moving to the front & spoiling your beautiful work that has taken you hours to create – the following are a few examples to help you eliminate the need to use them.