The magic knot in crochet locks two yarn strands together flat enough to hide inside a stitch, avoiding the bulk of a standard double knot. I use this exact knot for every same-color skein change in my own work. This guide walks through the steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Overlap the old and new yarn ends by a few inches, pointing opposite directions.
- Tie an overhand knot with the left strand around the right strand.
- Tie an overhand knot with the right strand around the left strand.
- Pull all four tails firmly until both knots slide together and lock flat.
- Trim the short ends close to the knot.

Frequently asked questions
Does the magic knot work on any yarn?
It works on most yarns, though very slippery fibers like bamboo or silk blends sometimes need the knot tightened twice to keep it from working loose.
Want the full joining guide?
See variations by yarn type and common mistakes.
Read the full joining guide