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How To Weave In Yarn Ends Crochet And Knitting
Most knitters and crocheters dread weaving in ends. It is a very tedious process. If you wait until the end of your knitting or crocheting to start weaving them in, it can be difficult to find the motivation to pick up the project again just to tuck in yarn ends.
While I do suggest weaving in ends as you go so there's less to do at the end, I'll admit that I never weave in ends as I go. I always wait until the end to tackle the loose ends. It can be annoying to have to tuck in so many yarn ends at one time, but once I get going, I tend to get in a rhythm, and it isn't too bad.
There are several different ways to tuck in yarn ends, but my favorite way is to weave each end in 3 times. I weave it in going one direction, then the other, and then back in the direction I started. Adding in the third step is a game changer because it makes the yarn much more secure.
Follow my tutorials below to see how I weave in my yarn tails for crochet and knitting. The process is the exact same for both, but I've included photos of each so you can see exactly how it will look on crochet vs knit projects. The crochet tutorial is first, so keep scrolling if you're looking for a knit-specific tutorial.
Weaving In Ends Crochet
Follow the photo tutorial below to see how I weave in my yarn tails when crocheting.
Step 1: Insert the needle in one direction
Insert your needle in the first direction. I like to go through the center of the crochet stitches so the needle is barely visable on the front or back of the work. This keeps the yarn end nice and secure, and it doesn't leave a bump in the fabric.
Step 2: Insert the needle in the other direction.
Repeat step 1 except insert the needle in the other direction. Skip one stitch so the yarn tail doesn't just pull right through. This will help the yarn tail not back out. I you do not weave in the yarn end in the other direction the yarn tail will back out when the fabric is stretched at all.
Step 3: Insert the needle in the original direction
Insert the needle in the same direction as step 1. Not everyone follows this third step. If you feel like the yarn tail is very secure with just two directions, then you don't have to follow this step. However, I like to add an extra layer of security when weaving in my yarn tails, especially if the project is going to get a lot of use. This extra step makes it very hard for the yarn tail to back out.
Step 4: Cut the remaining yarn tail.
Cut the remaining yarn tail all the way down to the crochet fabric. Make sure not to cut into your crochet work! I like to pull on the fabric in both directions to make sure the yarn isn't backing out. Trim it again if the yarn tail begins to show.
Weaving In Ends Knitting
Follow the photo tutorial below to see how I weave in my yarn tails when knitting.
Step 1: Insert the needle in one direction
Insert your needle in one direction first. I inserted my hook from bottom to top under a row of knit stitches. You can insert your needle wherever you want, but make sure the needle is mostly hidded from the front and the back because that will mean your tucked in yarn will be too.
Step 2: Insert the needle in the other direction.
Skip one stitch so the yarn tail doesn't pull through, and insert the needle in the other direction. This time I went from top to bottom under the knit stitches. This step helps the yarn tail not back out when the fabric is pulled. It's very important to weave the yarn in at least two different direction.
Step 3: Insert the needle in the original direction
Insert the needle in the same direction as step 1 again. This isn't a step that everyone takes when weaving in their ends, but I always do it. If you feel like your yarn tail is secure after two steps, then you don't have to do step 3. I always weave my ends in 3 directions because it helps ensure that the yarn tail will not back out.
Step 4: Cut the remaining yarn tail.
Cut the remaining yarn tail all the way down to the fabric. Make sure not to cut into your knit project! I like to pull on the fabric from both sides to make sure the yarn is secure and not coming out. Snip the yarn more if it does begin to come loose as you pull.
That's It!
It's really that simple to weave in your yarn ends. It can be a bit tedious, especially if you weave each end in three times like I do. I like to put on a show or a podcast and work through all of the yarn ends at once when I'm finished knitting or crocheting my project. Weaving in ends might be the most dreaded part of knitting/crocheting, but at least now you know how do to it like a pro!
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