How to change yarn colours

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During a row

It is important when changing colours to twist the yarns over so that they interlock without leaving a hole (see below).

Always twist the yarns in the same direction to ensure a neat finish on the wrong side. If you are working wide vertical stripes or motifs, wind a separate ball of wool for each stripe or motif so that you don't have the strand the yarn across the back of the work, which makes the fabric less elastic.

Beginning of a row

To join in a new colour yarn, for horizontal stripes for example, insert the needle into the first stitch and loop the new colour around the needle (below). Pull the loop through to the right side and slip the first stitch off the needle in the usual way.

For narrow stripes, loosely carry the yarn up the side of the work and join in when needed. For wide stripes break off and rejoin the yarn for each new stripe.

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