SOS: knots in yarn balls.

If you knit or crochet, you know how frustrating it can be to find a knot in the middle of your yarn ball. But why do these knots form? Are they avoidable? And most importantly, how can you handle them without compromising your work? In this article, we will answer all these questions and provide practical solutions to deal with knots in yarn with ease.

Why are there knots in yarn balls?

Yarn balls are produced by winding a long thread onto large industrial spools. When a spool runs out, it must be joined to another, inevitably creating a knot. Additionally, during production, the thread can break for various reasons:

• Mechanical stress during processing
• Material defects, especially in more delicate yarns
• Twisting and dyeing processes
• Yarn balls made with more fragile fibers, which tend to break more easily

If every defective yarn ball were discarded, the final price of the yarn would increase dramatically. For this reason, manufacturers accept a limited number of knots per ball, considering it an acceptable compromise to keep costs low and reduce waste.

How many knots are acceptable?

There is no universal rule, but industry experts agree on a limit of three knots every 50 grams of yarn. This means that in larger yarn balls, the number of knots may be proportionally higher. However, if a yarn ball has an excessive number of knots, it is advisable to contact the retailer to report the issue. At Tessiland®, we recommend writing to us immediately via email: info@tessiland.com or through our WhatsApp number.

How to deal with a knot in a yarn ball?

When you find a knot in your yarn, do not ignore it! Manufacturing knots are not always well executed and may come undone over time, causing holes in your work. The best solution is always to undo the knot and join the yarn securely. Here are some methods to do so based on the type of yarn.

1. Magic Knot

Perfect for cotton yarns and other smooth fibers, it allows you to join yarns in a strong and invisible way. Simply overlap the two ends, knot them together, and tighten the knots until they slide against each other. Finally, trim the excess.

2. Russian Join

Ideal for wool and acrylic, this method requires a sharp needle. Each end is threaded through the needle and passed inside its own yarn for about 5-7 cm. This creates a strong joint without visible knots.

3. Knitted Join

Perfect for yarns made of multiple strands, such as twisted ones. It involves splitting the strands and gradually overlapping them, working a few stitches with both ends for a natural fusion.

4. Magic Knot "No Ends"

This advanced method is excellent for acrylic. Wrap the yarn around your thumb, pass it between the ends, and pull until a strong knot forms without cutting anything.

5. Felting Join

If the yarn is 100% untreated wool, you can join the ends by rubbing them with warm water and soap. This process will make them adhere to each other without the need for knots or sewing.

What if the yarn ball has too many knots?

If you find more than three knots in a single yarn ball (or even multiple knots close together), take a photo and contact your retailer's customer service. A good supplier will offer you a solution, which may range from replacing the yarn ball to a partial refund.

Knots in yarn balls are inevitable, but they should not ruin your knitting or crochet experience. With the right joining methods, you can handle them with ease and ensure the longevity of your project. The next time you find a knot in your yarn, instead of getting discouraged, try one of the methods we suggested—your work will thank you!

Rosaria Tessiland®