How to Alternate Skeins When Knitting (And Why It Matters with Hand-Dyed Yarn)
One of the many things knitters love about hand-dyed yarn is that every skein is unique. The subtle shifts in colour, beautiful speckles and tonal variation are all part of its charm. However, because each skein is dyed individually, even two skeins that were dyed together in the same pan can have slight differences. This is completely normal and is a hallmark of genuine hand-dyed yarn.
For larger projects such as sweaters, cardigans and blankets, these natural variations can sometimes create visible lines where one skein ends and another begins. Fortunately, there's a simple technique that helps blend these differences beautifully and that technique is known as alternating skeins.
What Does Alternating Skeins Mean?
Alternating skeins simply means knitting with two balls of yarn at the same time, switching between them every couple of rows (or every round when knitting in the round). Rather than finishing one skein before starting the next, you gradually blend the two together so any colour differences are spread throughout the fabric instead of appearing as a noticeable stripe.
It's an easy technique to learn and quickly becomes second nature.
Why Do Hand-Dyed Skeins Vary?
Unlike commercially dyed yarn, which is produced in huge batches under tightly controlled conditions, hand-dyed yarn is created in much smaller quantities. Every skein is dyed by hand, meaning tiny variations in dye placement, fibre absorption and the dyeing process itself can result in slight differences between skeins.
These variations are not faults—they're part of what makes hand-dyed yarn so special. If you'd like to learn more about why this happens, take a look at our article, Why Can Hand-Dyed Yarn Vary from Skein to Skein?
When Should You Alternate Skeins?
Alternating skeins is most useful for larger projects where you'll use multiple skeins of the same colourway, including:
- Sweaters and jumpers
- Cardigans
- Large shawls
- Blankets
- Long scarves
For smaller projects such as socks, hats or mittens, many knitters won't need to alternate skeins at all, as a single skein often completes the project or any colour changes are barely noticeable.
How to Alternate Skeins
The process is straightforward:
- Cast on and begin knitting with your first skein.
- After two rows (or two rounds), leave the first yarn attached.
- Pick up the second skein and knit the next two rows or rounds.
- Continue switching between the two skeins every two rows throughout the project.
- Carry the unused yarn neatly up the edge of your work rather than cutting it each time.
As the two skeins overlap throughout the project, any slight differences in colour blend together naturally, creating a beautifully even finish.
Does Every Project Need Alternating?
Not at all. Many of our knitters happily use one skein after another without alternating, especially when working with highly variegated colourways where bold colour changes are part of the design. Others actually enjoy the subtle transitions between skeins, as they highlight the handcrafted nature of the yarn.
Alternating is simply another technique you can choose to use when you want a smoother, more consistent appearance.
Tips for the Best Results
For the best finish, buy enough yarn for your project at the same time whenever possible. While hand-dyed yarn can still vary within the same batch, purchasing together helps minimise larger differences.
Start alternating from the very beginning of your project rather than waiting until the first skein runs out. Weave in your ends securely when you finish, and every now and then, lay your knitting flat to check that you're happy with how the colours are blending.
Final Thoughts
One of the greatest joys of knitting with hand-dyed yarn is knowing that every skein has its own unique character. Those gentle variations are what give handmade projects so much life and personality. By alternating skeins when working on larger projects, you can enjoy all of that beautiful individuality while creating a smooth, balanced fabric that's a pleasure to knit and even more satisfying to wear.
Whether you're casting on a cosy sweater, a luxurious shawl or a treasured blanket, this simple technique can make all the difference - and it's one that's well worth adding to your knitting toolkit.