How to Hold Yarn when Stranded Knitting

Using Common Strand Holding Techniques

Loop both strands over your non-dominant index finger. One common method of holding your yarn while stranded knitting is to loop the strands over your non-dominant finger so that you can easily choose the strand that you want to use. The downside of this option is that your strands may get tangled from time to time, or they may slip off of your finger.

Hold one strand (or more) strand in each hand. If you are concerned about your strands getting tangled or about getting mixed up and choosing the wrong one, then you can always hold one (or more) strand in each hand to keep them separated. Hold the yarn you are currently using in your non-dominant hand so that it will be easier to pick up.

Use multiple fingers. Another option for holding your yarn while stranded knitting is to use multiple fingers of the same hand to manage multiple strands. For example, you can loop one color over your index finger and another color over your middle finger. This option works best if you only have two colors that you are working with because you will need your ring and pinky fingers to grip the knitting needle.

Let the strands hang. You can also let the strands that you are not currently working with hang freely behind your work. Letting the strands hang means that you will frequently be stopping to switch strands, which can slow you down. However, this may be a good option if you do not have to switch strands too often, or if you are just learning how to do stranded knitting.

Using Tools and Strategies

Try a yarn guide. If the yarn tends to slip off of your finger or gets tangled with the other yarn colors you are using, then a yarn guide might be a helpful option for you. This is a device that slips over your finger and you insert the yarn stands through the device to keep them separated. The device holds the yarn strands so you don't have to worry about them as much. Check your local craft store or look online for a yarn guide. These guides are also known as knitting thimbles and strickfingerhuts.

Keep your unused strands loose. Holding your strands too tightly may result in puckering, which can affect the outcome of your finished project. Try to keep a loose hold on the strands so that they do not cause the stitches to pucker. Letting your strands hang or draping them over your fingers is a good way to ensure a loose grip. Check the tension now and then to ensure that it is not too tight.

Separate your yarn balls. Another good way to help prevent tangling while you are stranded knitting is to keep you yarn balls separated. To do this, you can place your yarn balls on opposite sides of you or even put them into separate containers while you work. For example, you could place each ball into a separate bag or plastic container while you work. Move the containers away from each other as well. For example, you could place one container on one side of you and another container on your other side.