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How to Weave in Yarn Ends {So They Don’t Come Out}

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Weaving in yarn ends is a necessary evil in knitting and crochet. Here’s how to weave in yarn ends so they don’t come out!

How to Weave in Yarn Ends

The first time I crocheted a large blanket I was terrified to wash it.  Scared that I hadn’t woven in the ends well enough, I slipped it into the washer, crossed my fingers (and downed a glass of wine) afraid that I’d take it out of the dryer (it was king size!) and find only large pieces instead of the finished project I had washed.

It came out perfect! I have never had an end work its way out (I’ve had the tiny little ends peek out after washing but that doesn’t count as completely unraveling, just snip it and call it good) using this technique.

How to Weave in Ends {So They Don't Come Out}

The main things to remember when you weave in ends are to:

a.) leave yourself enough yarn to work with.
b.) crochet over the end for a few stitches/rows if possible while still working on the project.
c.) take multiple passes with your yarn needle with each end while weaving.

How to Weave in Ends {So They Don't Come Out}

If possible when changing colors or starting a new skein of yarn, hold the tail flat on top of the previous row and crochet AROUND that strand, helping to “pin” the tail to the new row so that part of the weaving is already done.  (see photo above)

Plus, this helps to move the yarn away from where you joined so that you can weave it in in another area of the project, helping it to not be so glaringly obvious where you joined.How to Weave in Ends {So They Don't Come Out}

I always go back and forth three times with each end.  Once straight through, then I turn around and come straight back at it, but going THROUGH the fibers of the yarn.  Then I turn around and go back through a third time (in the original direction).

Yarn can’t move in three directions at once.

I also go through the fibers of the yarn to help it stay put. This also helps to not make it so obvious if you pull the yarn too tight while weaving.

yarnneedles

The needle you use to weave in ends is all up to personal preference.  I like the pointy tip needles like these because I like to go through the fibers of the yarn. Some people prefer curved tip needles and some like the plastic needles like these.

One thing for sure is that by weaving each end three times in opposing directions and by going through the fibers of the yarn, that end ain’t goin’ nowhere, honey.

Happy creating, and happy weaving!

How to Weave in Yarn Ends {So They Don't Come Out}

Comments

  1. Kim Roberts says

    Thanks for the tips, I have been reading for an hour or so. I am going to look at the Russian join and the invisible Knot next. I generally try to crochet over the thread. A couple of things I have learned. Once finished with row, stretch blanket out and make sure yarn looks right. Much easier to redo now if necessary. If you are using a hdc, or dc stitch, wind new color around hook, crochet over old color. Because new color if flipped in and out it rarely shows at all and stays much better. And because you are positioning in 2 places, no bulk.
    Reply

    • Kristen Carr says

      The invisible know, I have come to find out after unravelling one to start a new design came apart so easily. I think I may have to glue the ends of the invisible know. If you come to find any tips, please let me know.
      Reply

  2. martha says

    Hello and thank you for your tutorials! I am wondering what you think about the invisible knot technique vs the weaving in ends; please help I am really confused , thank you
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Martha! I personally prefer weaving in the ends or doing the russian join...just for my own piece of mind. But I do know people that have never had any issues with yarn coming undone with the invisible knot method. It's all about what your are comfortable and confident with. I do have a tutorial for the russian join if you would like to check it out which can be found here: https://hearthookhome.com/russian-join-tutorial-crochet/
      Reply

  3. Stephanie says

    Thanks for this, I've been struggling to keep yarn ends from poking out in my finished projects! Is it better to wash and then weave, or weave and then wash?
    Reply

  4. Val says

    Thankyou so much for this tip! I’ve been crocheting and knitting for over 50 years. I have always woven in ends tying very tight knots as I go, trying my best to make them invisible. Your way makes so much sense! Currently finishing off another baby blanket for our local nicu ward with this method. Thanks again!
    Reply

  6. Jeanne says

    I too worry about the ends showing. I "separate" the plus of yarn into two pieces and then weave them in different directions. It means that the strand is not as bulking and noticeable and going in opposite directions.
    Reply

  7. June Brown says

    Hello, I have been crocheting for quite some time now and I have had the dilemma of not being sure of how to weave in the ends. I managed to do it, but I thought I needed to learn another way that appeared smoother and less bulky. The way you described sounds just like I was looking for. Thank you so much for sharing. I look forward to learning other crochet tips and techniques. Once again, thank you so much.
    Reply

  9. Jennifer says

    I was wondering if you have any tips for sewing in ends on the more lacy patterns you have been putting out like the vests. I seem to really notice that sewing in a few times makes the stitches look bulky when the fabric is more loose or lacy. Thanks for your time
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Jennifer! Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot you can do about that. My one suggestion would be to sew in your ends on the outside edges of your project whenever possible...then when you crochet your sc border, it will cover up those bulkier spots. Hope that helps!
      Reply

  10. Rosemary says

    Hi Ashlea, I think I died and went to Heaven!! I don’t even know how I came upon your site, must be Facebook. Anyway, I’m in Love! I’ve been crocheting for 40-years and have come upon a C2C project with lots of color changes that I have not been able to complete!!! First thing in 40-years I just haven’t been able to make!! It’s for my tenth grandchild but my daughters first and it’s so important for me to complete! I’ve started it eight different times!! You’ve HELPED me so much!! I’ve learned so much from your tutorials on Bobbins, Color Changes, Tying in ends! I like the idea of crocheting five vs. six to keep the holes smaller! I’m So anxious to start it for my last time! Hopefully I’ll send pictures when done!! Wish Me Luck!!
    Reply

    • Heart Hook Home says

      Hi Rosemary! I am so glad you are finding my tips and turorials helpful! I would love to see photos when you are finished. Lots of luck to you and happy crocheting!
      Reply

  11. Emily says

    I always hate weaving in the ends. Especially on large projects. I just do it as I go so it doesn't have a bunch of ends at the end to weave in
    Reply

  12. Cheryl Dunn Davis says

    Hi Ashlea, I just want to say that I have learned SO much from your blog. And to thank you for sharing your vast knowledge and expèrience with us! Somehow I found your Facebook site and joined up and then that led mr here. I am a novice with crochet and am grateful for any information that will make my learning curve less steep! Your written directions are very clear and your videos are amazingly helpful. Thank you again for being so generous with your knowledge. I'm thrilled to have discovered YOU and the Heart Hook Home group!
    Reply

  13. Alida says

    Hi Ashley, I just found your blog, love it! Your yarn wall is amazing! I too weave in my ends like you, it's the way my grandmother taught me and she always used the Russian join method to attach yarn. She used to join all her scraps together into one massive ball of yarn that we would then use for the projects she was teaching us. She wasted nothing and everything had a use. Thanks for all your tips. Awesome!
    Reply

      • Kathleen says

        What about tying a knot befor weaving ends when you have two pieces where you joined. I've heard you shouldn't do this, but I have as i always worry about ends coming out.
        Reply

  14. Gladys says

    I also use the join (Russian?), however I pull the knot very tight and still leave a length of yarn to crochet over. Fearful that if I cut close to the knot as recommended it will be just my luck for it to become undone; horrors!!!
    Reply

  15. Shelley says

    I have been crocheting for about 40 years now and your method of weaving in the ends is the best I've ever used. Good advice to all. To avoid the little ends from joins, use the "magic knot". When you pull the two knots together tightly, you can snip the ends and not have to weave them in. They don't come apart! Google the term "magic knot" or find it on Pinterest too.
    Reply

    • Carrie says

      I love the magic knot. I just learned how to do it a little while ago, wish I woukd have found our about it long ago
      Reply

  17. Melody says

    If you don't mind me asking what kind of stitch did you use in the pic? Would love to make a throw with this stitch ❤
    Reply

    • Tammy says

      You can also use a stitch that's worked side to side, if you don't want to do a c2c. Sc, ch 2, 4dc all in same chain, skip 3 chains, repeat to end Then sc in last ch, ch3, turn, 2ch in same sc, (sc, ch2, 4dc) in the ch2 space across to end, keep working pattern till done.
      Reply

  18. Anonymous says

    What is the name of the crochet with the colors yellow,white,grey and green.Ive been Looking for this pattern everywhere.Please help me out.Thank you so much.
    Reply

  19. Sarah says

    doubling back on itself (2 directions) is enough. I go an inch or so (+) and then double back, going through itself here and there on the way back if I can. I have had to "unpick" this a couple of times. It was a nightmare. That end is going nowhere.
    Reply

  20. Patricia June says

    I've learned to crochet the end like over cast 3or 4 loops of stitch below then crochet over them them use needle to weave back & fourth from there to help hide knot.
    Reply

  22. cackle barnacle says

    I recently started to tie the ends midwork together with a magic knot when I am about to change colour or the skein ends. I'm not sure this is the actual name of this knot, it was the one I found this under in a pattern. If you mark your yarn with a bobby pin at the exact place you want the knot to be (behind the work, at the end of a row, or even after a certain stitch) you can knot the new yarn in precisely. This knot requires you to knot each of the ends around the other, then you pull on both sides until the two knots slide towards each other. Tug a few times to test if it holds and then cut of the ends close to the knot. I cut down massively on weaving in time and the prior procastinating.
    Reply

      • Kelley says

        No. Its different than a Russian join. Here is a link with pictures. This is how I join my yarn. I only ever have to weave in my starting and ending strands. Its so nice to not have all those ends waiting. http://knotions.com/knoted/magic-knot-tutorial/?utm_source=knotions&utm_campaign=7060b2d69b-Sept_17_Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_04abdb769c-7060b2d69b-199466065
        Reply

  23. Ray says

    That 's a really useful bit of info, about doubling back three times, thanks a lot. If I'm making something that has multiple ends throughout, I weave them in and fasten them off every so often as I go. That way I'm not left with hundreds to do at the end. It also makes your work look better as it grows, which is kind of heartening too :-)
    Reply

  24. S.C. says

    This is great advice, especially for the novice! I learned this the hard way after crocheting a queen afghan for a friend to give as a gift. I used two strands held together, but only weaved in one direction. Sad to say, it now looks like a furry yarn mongrel. I have offered to redo it since receiving help from a yarn supply store to weave back and forth three times, just as you described. I do this with every project, as well as crocheting over the end to begin with to speed up the process a bit. This should be added to every beginner book. Your pics and wording are perfect!! Thank you so much!!
    Reply

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