Learn how to finish off your crochet project by weaving in your tail, or ends. This step by step tutorial shows you the process and includes a video tutorial too.
So you finished your first crochet project, congrats! Now you might be wondering “how do I finish it?”
How does the yarn not unravel? Well, the answer is, you have to sew it in-between the stitches.
Wait, I have to put my crochet hook down? Why yes, you do. But not to worry, it won’t take too long.
Unless you’ve completed a large blanket full of lots of color changes… well then, you might have lots of weaving in to do! But it’s so worth it, because it will be beautiful, finished and well loved.
Yarn
There are different yarn weights and you may have to adjust your technique to accommodate them. Most of us start out with #4 medium worsted weight yarn.
It’s the Goldilocks yarn, not too big, not too small, just right. Meaning, it’s a bit easier to work with when you’re learning.
If I am working with a thicker, #6 super bulky weight yarn then it’s easy to see the stitches, but it’s also easier to split the yarn with the tapestry needle.
Usually you don’t want to split the yarn, but sometimes you might, if you really want to hide those ends.
Whereas, a lighter, #3 dk weight yarn is thinner and may be harder to see what you’re doing-when you’re new.
For this tutorial I use a #5 bulky, or chunky weight yarn. As you’ve probably guessed, its weight category falls between a #4 yarn and a #6 yarn.
In the linked Tangi Video below I use a #4 worsted weight yarn, if you want another perspective.
Check out my yarn review on the new Wander Yarn from Furls.
Stitch
Weaving in ends or tails, is done about the same way for most stitches. Single crochet is the easiest to weave in since it’s the tightest stitch.
However, you’ll do this for half double crochet, double crochet, cluster stitches and all the fancy stitches too. Your weaving may just take a different path.
Materials
At this point you should already have used your yarn and hook to crochet something amazing! Now you’ll just need two more things to be able to finish your crochet project.
- A large eye, blunt tip yarn needle.* Some patterns will list this as a tapestry needle.
- A pair of scissors. Tip-I don’t mix my paper cutting scissors with my yarn cutting scissors.
I like a small, sharp pair of embroidery scissors* for trimming ends. When I have a few small pair, I can keep them in my various zipper pouches.*
Those zipper pouches also include a measuring tape, a yarn needle and a few locking stitch markers. When I’m actively using them I will include the hook I’m crocheting with too.
I then put the pouch in a project bag. This is a large tote that also hold my yarn and #wip (work in progress).
My favorite Hooks are Furls* and Clover*!
Notes
If you’re weaving in your starting tail, then you just thread it in the needle and start.
If you just finished your project, then pull up a long loop-through the last stitch. Pull up about 6″/ and then cut the yarn.
Some crochet patterns may say, “break the yarn” here.
If you’re changing colors, you can cut the yarn and weave it in. Or drop it and carry it like I do in this bookmark.
Now you’re ready to start weaving in that end too.
Stitches/Abbreviations (US Terms)
Learning to crochet also includes learning a new language (practically). There are many commonly used abbreviations and terms that written crochet patterns use. Here are a few:
ch(s)-chain(s)
ends-the yarn tail after it is cut from the ball (or you use almost all of it). See “tail.”
rep-repeat
sk-skip the indicated stitch
st(s)-stitch(es)
tail- the end of the yarn, after you cut it from the ball of yarn. Sometimes called “ends.”
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Weave in Your Tail Crochet Tutorial
How to Weave in Ends a Crochet Tutorial for Beginners
Learn to crochet how to weave in those ends when your first crochet project is complete.
Materials
- Finished crochet project
Tools
- Large eye, blunt tip needle, or tapestry needle
- Scissors
Instructions
- If you just finished your crochet pattern, on the last stitch pull up a long loop with your hook (at least 6").
- Cut yarn.
- Thread your yarn needle.
- Insert needle down into the side of your work, slide it between yarn loops.
- Slide needle between stitches along a row.
- Go up and back the other way, continuing to slide the needle between the row of stitches.
- Keep weaving away the end, back and forth, up and down to lock it in place.
Tip: when the tail gets too short, send the needle in ahead (without the yarn) get it into position, and then thread the yarn into the eye of the needle again, and use the needle to pull that little bit through. That's how I get as much of the tail weaved around as possible. - Trim the end.
- Rep for other tail(s).
Notes
Ends like to poke out, even after trimming. Just poke them back in. Or, if you're sure you've securely weaved them, trim it again.
I remember when my mother in law crocheted my first born a blanket, that was her advice, "if a yarn tail pokes out, just pull it gently and trim the end."
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Video Tutorial on How to Weave in the End of your Tail
Check out my Tangi Video on how to weave in those ends.
This video is also on YouTube for you to watch.