Newbies, you’ve made it to Day Four, which means it’s time to talk about how to weave in your ends. End weaving is a necessary evil in the life of a crocheter. We’ve managed to avoid it so far (and there’s plenty more weaving avoidance in your future), but it’s so important for your projects.
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Why, you ask? Why do we subject ourselves to the tedious task of end weaving? Well homie, that’s because it makes our work stronger (by keeping it from unraveling), cleaner (by not have weird tails floating around), and better.
But like… what if we didn’t do it?
So technically, you can avoid it forever. You can choose only projects that have borders, stuffing, or two layers. You can add fringe (like we did with our mug rugs yesterday) or tassels. Yes, you could theoretically never weave in ends.
But without end weaving, there would be no colorful scrapghans or Harry Styles cardigans. No granny square pillows, rose garden tees, or striped pullovers. And that would be sad.
We hates it, but we needs it. 😭😭
Day Four Objective
Today’s objective is super straightforward! By following along with this tutorial, you’ll learn how to weave in your ends.
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Supplies / Materials
The wonderful thing about weaving, is you weave whatever you have! So today, pull out one of those single crochet swatches you’ve been practicing on, and let’s weave in some ends!
You’ll need:
- Any swatch or project that has some loose ends
- Scissors
- Tapestry needle
Notice the tapestry needle up there? You might be tempted to use a regular sewing needle, but you’d regret that decision. Tapestry needles are actually meant for yarn and other fibers that are thicker than sewing thread. They have blunt ends and larger eyes, so it’s much easier to thread your yarn *and* avoid weird snags/stabs from a sharp needle.
How to Weave in Your Ends – Video Tutorial
Here’s the end weaving video tutorial, or keep reading for the photo tutorial.
How to Weave in Your Ends
STEP 1: Trim your yarn, leaving a tail of at least six inches.
However, you may choose to weave in more or less depending on what project you’re making. For example, if you’re crocheting a stuffed animal for a child, you’ll probably want to do a little extra weaving to make sure it stays together.
STEP 2: Thread your yarn through your tapestry needle.
STEP THREE: Weave your yarn through your project.
For smaller projects, I like to start by weaving along the edge (seen above). This helps to even up the sides a bit, which is especially helpful for new crocheters who haven’t quite mastered even edges.
For all projects, I like to weave through some of my stitches (seen below), then double-back over the same area. This creates a tighter weave and more friction, which make it less likely that your yarn will wiggle free over time.
STEP FOUR: Once you’ve woven in about six inches of yarn (or however many you deemed necessary for your project), trim your yarn.
STEP FIVE: Repeat on the remaining yarn tails/ends in your project.
STEP SIX: Rejoice! For you are done.