How to Finish Off Crochet Projects

How do you finish, or end, your crochet project? How do you weave in ends in crochet? Tutorial from Banana Moon Studio

Lately I have helped a number of beginners learn to crochet. I have noticed a tendency that I had rather forgotten about, but which I remember having when I too was a beginner. What tendency? To cut off ends really short after tying a knot. So, I would like today to address the how to finish off crochet projects properly.

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To finish off crochet projects you will need sharp scissors and a yarn/tapestry needle. I recommend the scissors and tapestry needles from We Crochet.

How to Fasten Off a Crochet Project:

When you have gotten to the end of your pattern or project, what do you do next?

Going back towards the skein, at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from where you are working, cut your yarn.

How to finish a crochet project or weave in ends. Tutorial by April Garwood of Banana Moon Studio

Wrap the yarn around your hook and pull it through the loop just as if you were making a chain.

Now, keep pulling it through, making the loop bigger, until you pull it all the way through.

Pull that end tight.

You don’t need to tie any other knots in it.

How to Weave in Ends in a Crochet Piece:

Thread your end onto a blunt yarn needle.

Turn your project wrong side out and run your yarn needle under the threads and loops along the back, taking care not to take your needle to the right side of your fabric. You don’t want the end you’re “weaving in” to show up on that side.

It is best to weave in the end in multiple directions.

Weave your ends in in multiple directions for security.

I have seen others suggest running your needle back through the yarn end to help secure it. This is done by poking the needle between the plies of the yarn that you’ve already woven in.

You can run your yarn needle between the plies of the tail while weaving it in to help secure it.

If those ends are really slippery, and they won’t stay put, then you can use a dab of fabric glue (non-washable) to hold them in place. This is not ideal, but better than having your project come undone.

Why should I finish my crochet piece this way?

Why is this the way to do it? If you tie a knot and cut your end off short, chances are it is going to come undone in the wash or when undergoing the stresses of being worn, and then unravel. In addition, it is also unsightly, and there is no way to hide it (see below).

Do not cut your ends off right at the knot! Knots can come undone. Instead, leave your end 6 inches long and weave it in with a yarn needle.

Long ends are much better than short ends! This is also true for your beginning end, which needs to be at least 6 inches (15 cm) long as well.

Hopefully I have helped someone finish a project well. I know that I did not understand this as a beginner. Hopefully, you will learn it quicker than I did.

As a beginner, you might also find my free printable Crochet Abbreviation list helpful. You can get that here.

Happy crocheting!