How to Weave In Ends in Crochet

How to Weave in Ends: Crochet for Beginners

Weave in ends crochet tutorial
Image source: Naztazia

Do you know how to weave in ends in crochet? If you’ve ever read a crochet pattern, you’ve most likely read the instruction to “weave in ends.” Weaving in your yarn ends is essential to learning how to crochet properly.

Just as starting a crochet chain is the first step to most projects, weaving in ends is typically the final step to completing the vast majority of projects. Unlike decreasing in crochet, successfully weaving in ends means that the extra yarn will be (almost) completely invisible.

How to weave in ends crochet
Image source: Crochet Spot

Keep reading this article to learn:

    • Why it’s important to learn in crochet how to weave in loose ends
    • The best way to weave in ends in crochet
    • How to weave in your ends without a needle
    • How to hide yarn ends crochet
    • And how to avoid weaving your ends in when you’re not trying to.

Before learning how to weave in ends in crochet, you should know at least one of the basic crochet stitches (e.g. half double crochettriple crochet, etc.). You may find it easier to weave in ends within shorter stitches, but start with whatever you’re most comfortable with.

Why Learn How to Weave in Ends for Crochet

If you are learning how to sew or already know how to sew, you know how important it is to secure your stitches properly. Without finishing stitches properly, the stitches can unravel over time regardless of the type of fabric used in the project.

Weave in ends crochet
Image source: Creative Jewish Mom

Since crochet is a needlework technique that creates stitches using yarn and a crochet hook, the same principles apply here. Crochet stitches need to be secured properly so that the stitches keep their original tension and texture. 

This is especially important for items like crocheted clothing items or amigurumi toy projects that go through a lot of wear and tear.

Weaving in ends is a method to secure your yarn within your crochet project so that it stays intact for years (or even decades!) to come. Weaving in ends is the preferred method for finishing any crochet project. 

Finishing projects with a knot (often called fastening off) leaves ugly bumps that negatively impact the intended look of the piece. Weaving in yarn ends creates a much softer, subtler finish.

Seven Different Methods for Weaving in Crochet Ends

There’s more than one way to weave in your crochet ends. While this means that there is no single best way to weave in ends for crochet, it also means that you can find the one that works best for you and each specific project.

The three major ways to weave in ends can be roughly grouped as:

Method Category

Advantages

Disadvantages

Methods that use a tapestry needle or yarn needle

Very secure ways of finishing a project.

Extra materials required.

Methods that don’t use any type of needle

Less secure and sometimes less attractive ways of finishing a project.

Convenient and quicker.

Within both categories, multiple approaches exist. Some methods of weaving in ends without a needle use a crochet hook instead. Other techniques simply show how to hide crochet ends by crocheting over them.

How to Weave In Ends In Crochet Without a Needle: 

No tapestry or yarn needles? No problem. Crocheters around the world have discovered different ways to finish their projects without needing to reach for an extra tool. Browse the techniques below to find one that works for you.

Method One: for Weaving In Crochet Ends: With a Crochet Hook

Best way to weave in ends crochet
Image source: Lila Bjorn Crochet

The major advantage of weaving in your ends with a crochet hook is that it doesn’t require any extra tools. However, it is less secure than other methods. Practice how to weave in ends in crochet with your hook by following the steps below.

    1. Slide your hook under a few stitches you’ve already made, moving towards the loose end you wish to secure.
    2. Grab the loose end with your crochet hook.
    3. Pull the loose end through the stitches.

Method Two: for Weaving In Crochet Ends: Crochet Over Loose Ends

Crocheting over the ends
Image source: Crochet Corner

This technique is the simplest, but results in a bit of extra bulk where you crochet over the loose strands. This technique can only be done when you’re in the process of changing colors. Follow the steps below to secure your crochet project.

    1. Create your first stitch in the new color.
    2. Trim both ends (of both your new and old color) to approximately three or four inches long.
    3. Pull both yarn ends to the back of the work.
    4. Crochet over the ends. This is done by making sure that the ends are caught “inside” each stitch.
    5. When there is a very small amount of yarn ends remaining, trim them once again and continue stitching normally.

Method Three: for Weaving In Crochet Ends: Weave In as You Go

Once you’ve mastered this technique for weaving in your crochet ends as you go, you might never want to wait until the end of a project to deal with your yarn ends. As an added bonus, this technique also doesn’t require a yarn or tapestry needle.

Weaving in ends as you go
Image source: Cherry Heart Crochet

When starting a new color, tuck the loose end into the top of the row that you’re crocheting over.

When finishing a row, weave the trailing yarn into the top stitches. This is accomplished by following the steps below.

    1. Insert your hook into the top of the second to last crochet stitch.
    2. Pull your yarn tail through the stitch.
    3. Repeat steps one and two until the entire end is wrapped around your stitches.

Weave ends crochet
Image source: My Poppet

This is the most popular answer to the popular question, “How to avoid weaving in ends in crochet?”.

Method Four: for Weaving in Crochet Ends: Create a Fringe

Crochet how to weave in loose ends
Image source: Etsy

When you have many color changes and ends, you might prefer to incorporate all of the ends into a fringe. This technique is especially convenient for projects like scarves and blankets since the fringe is both attractive and practical.

    1. Cut a length of yarn in the same color of the end you’d like to incorporate into a fringe.
    2. Place the hook in the final stitch of the row next to the yarn end.
    3. Hook the middle of the extra yarn on the hook and pull through the stitch until you form a loop below the work.
    4. Pull all of the yarn ends through the loop and gently pull to secure.

Tip: If you’re making clothing items such as scarves to gift or sell, consider adding a custom care label so that recipients can take proper care of your beautiful creation. For sellers, custom hang tags are also excellent branding tools.

How to Weave In Ends With a Tapestry or Yarn Needle

If you have a yarn or tapestry needle handy, the techniques below are easy to complete and guarantee a secure finish to your crochet projects.

How to hide crochet ends
Image source: YouTube

Method Five: Weave Ends Into Single Crochet

Weaving in your yarn ends into a single crochet stitch is simple, quick, and secure. Grab your needle and follow the steps below.

How to weave in ends in single crochet tutorial
Image source: Raffamusa Designs

    1. Thread the yarn end through the eye of your needle.
    2. Flip your project over so that the wrong side faces you.
    3. Thread the needle through the center of at least three stitches in the row closest to your yarn tail.
    4. Draw the end through the stitches you just placed the needle into.
    5. Repeat steps three and four in the next several rows, threading in the opposite direction.
    6. Cut your yarn end close to the project.

Method Six: Weave In Ends While Crocheting in the Round

Crocheting in the round creates beautiful circles, hexagons, and other unique shapes for striking crochet projects. Learn how to discreetly secure your crochet ends while crocheting in the round by following the steps below.

End of round crochet
Image source: Raffamusa Designs

    1. Pull your yarn down to the base of the stitches in the last round you stitched.
    2. Starting from the right side, weave in your ends in the base of the last round’s stitches. Start by drawing the yarn through the center of 3-5 stitches in the previous row. 
    3. Flip to the wrong side and repeat the process in the second to last row, moving the yarn end in the opposite direction.
    4. Repeat steps two and three several more times, working inward.
    5. If you’re stitching in the round using single crochet stitches, simply cut the final end close to the project. If you’re stitching with double crochet stitches, be careful not to “squeeze” your stitches by relaxing your stitches as you pull the yarn end through.

Method Seven: Weave In Ends While Crocheting a Magic Circle

Magic circles make it possible to create wonderful crochet projects, but they also introduce new challenges for crocheters. Nothing’s worse than seeing a beautiful project unravel completely because the magic ring wasn’t properly secured. Don’t let this happen to you!

Weave in end in crochet magic circle tutorial
Image source: Raffamusa Designs

    1. After you close your magic ring, use your yarn needle to thread the yarn end through the base of the first round of stitches. Make sure to thread in the same direction as the magic circle (following the original loop you created). Do this several times.
    2. Thread the yarn in the opposite direction of the circle in the opposite direction as in step one. You will have to leave out one loop while threading to avoid simply undoing step 1.
    3. Thread the loose yarn end through a few (3-5) stitches in round two. Repeat this at least two times, switching directions each time.
    4. Return to the center of the magic ring and once again thread the yarn end through the stitches of the first round (at least twice).
    5. Cut the extra length of yarn close to the project.

Tip: Amigurumi projects make excellent gifts for any young people in your life. Transform your creation into a true heirloom by adding a custom woven label with the child’s name.

Best Way to Weave in Crochet Ends Depending on the Project Type

Feeling overwhelmed by the seven different methods to finish a crochet project? Don’t be! You don’t need to memorize all of them. Just be aware of what’s available to you, and consider what technique will be best for each specific crochet project. Use the table below to guide you.

Method

When To Use It

Method 1: With a Crochet Hook

    • When the project uses loose tall stitches (such as double or triple crochet) and thick yarn
    • Projects that won’t be machine washed often

Method 2: Crocheting Over Loose Ends

    • Extra threads are best hidden within the single crochet stitch.
    • Great for blankets, rugs, and other projects where a little bit of extra bulk won’t be noticed.
    • Only use if the yarn has already been secured or tied elsewhere.

Method 3: 

    • Use when you can’t be bothered to sew in ends and you don’t expect the project to get a lot of wear and tear

Method 4: Incorporate Into a Fringe

    • Use for pieces that won’t get a lot of wear and tear and that would be improved with a fringe

Method 5: Weave In Ends to Single Crochet Stitches

    • Single crochet stitches
    • Projects that get a lot of wear and tear
    • Projects that are likely to go in the washing machine

Method 6: Weave In Ends While Crocheting a Circle

    • Crochet projects that work in the round, such as crocheting a circle
    • Works best in single crochet rounds

Method 7: Weaving In Ends While Crocheting a Magic Circle

    • When you don’t want your magic circle to become unraveled!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common mistakes people make when weaving in the ends?

It is important to avoid certain mistakes when weaving in yarn tails. One of these is pulling the yarn too tightly, as it can lead to puckering in the fabric of your project. Additionally, weaving in only one direction is another mistake to avoid, as it may cause the yarn to unravel over time and ultimately lead to the unraveling of your entire project.

Do you weave ends the same in crochet and knitting?

Absolutely! At least, that’s what you should do. Although the structure of stitches in crochet and knitting is different, if you consider it in terms of loops, they are essentially the same. However, it’s important to be cautious while weaving in ends in both knitting and crochet, to ensure that they don’t show through on the right side (front) of the project.

What is the best stitch pattern to use when weaving in ends in crochet?

The best stitch pattern to use when weaving in ends in crochet is to follow the same stitch pattern that you used to create the crochet fabric. This ensures that the woven-in yarn tails blend seamlessly into the fabric and are not noticeable.

What is a bent tip needle, and why is it useful for weaving in ends in crochet?

A bent tip needle is a kind of tapestry needle which has a bent tip instead of a straight one. It is especially useful when working with thicker yarns like super bulky yarn. Bent tip needles also come in handy when creating a slip knot at the beginning of a project or working the last stitch at the end of a row. If you hate weaving in ends in crochet, using a bent tip needle can make the task more manageable.