Tutorial: The Making of a Magic Ball (with Magic Knots!)

Have you ever heard of a magic ball? No, it's not something a magician uses in their act – it's actually a ball of yarn that is like a little bundle of knitting wizardry!

How, you ask?

Well, let me tell you. Inside this sweet little sphere, multiple yarns are connected with what can only be described as magical knots. Yes, you heard me right – magic knots! If you aren’t a lover of weaving in ends, this magic knot has your name written all over it!

All you do is wind your yarn into a ball, when it is time to connect your next skein you'll tie it to the previous skein with a magic knot and then keep winding... you can do this with two skeins, or with five!

I have perfected the art of using magic balls in my designs. And let me tell you, once you go balls, you never go back! I've created both written and video tutorials to show you how to make magic knots so you can wind your yarn into magic balls like a pro. 

Video Tutorials:

If you like learning techniques through video I have a little one of those here and a more in-depth version below:

Photo Tutorial:

Step 1: Choose Your Yarn!  You'll want to use a yarn that isn't too slippery... making a knot and testing it will let you know if your chosen yarn will work with this technique!

Step 2: Lay down the two ends you want to join with the tails going in opposite directions.
Step 3: Take one end and go underneath the other end to the opposite side.
Step 4: Then bring that end back over and lay it across itself.
Step 5: Then take that end and go inside the loop you have created to make an overhand knot.
Step 6: Pull tight.
Step 7: Repeat with the other tail.
Step 8:  Hold onto the working yarn, and start to pull in opposite directions.
Step 9:  Keep pulling, the two knots will slide together.
Step 10: Pull all the way tight!
Step 11: Trim the ends VERY close to the knot, sharp scissors help!
Step 12: Test your knot by yanking on it HARD! If you do not follow these steps exactly the knot will pop apart!

The Right Projects for a Magic Knot 

I want to make a note that this knot is not perfect for every yarn and you should definitely test it with your yarn before you commit to it. It might not work well with single-ply yarn, slipper yarns (like those with a high silk content), and cellulose-based fibers (like cotton, rayon, and Tencel). 

You can put a bit of Fabric Fusion on the knot which will ensure it won’t fail... but do a test first to be sure. Sometimes it can change the color or hand of your fiber. Your other choice for joining the ends is to use a Russian Join, which will work on wool fibers but not the other fibers listed above… I really need to make a video on this soon!

Using the magic knot to join yarn has become my go-to when designing projects that use mini-skeins. Check out Lolette, Da Light, or Da Luxe, those are all projects where I made a magic ball with mini-skeins before I started knitting! This is easier for me than weaving in ends when my knitting is complete. I even used it on my Dalight Scarf and Cowl MKAL with great success!

Oh, Aquifer and Brioche Bandido, use the magic knots too. So easy and addictive, once your hands get the hang of it you are going to be using them all the time!! No more worrying about my yarn coming undone or having to weave in those ends constantly. Enjoy my favorite yarn-joining technique! Who knew a little knot could make such a big difference?