Tying Up Loose Ends

Hiding Ends for Good

Almost every crocheter/knitter has had a problem with their "hidden" ends coming out to haunt them at one time or another. How can we solve this problem? The key is to learn the best way to hide them. Here are some of the best ways to avoid the problem.
Leave plenty of yarn, around 6 to 12 inches, before joining or ending so you’ll have a good workable length for hiding. For stitches like single crochet, you can leave less yarn. Leave more for loose, open stitches like shells or chain spaces.

Thread the yarn end through a blunt-tipped tapestry needle. Next, carefully weave the end through the worked piece, following the flow of yarn that forms the stitches. You want the yarn you’re hiding to lay alongside the yarn of the stitch you are using to hide it. If color permits, use stitches of more than one row or round, so the end you have hidden will not pull in the same direction as the stitches of the project. I usually work about an inch or two in one direction and then return in the opposite direction. You can weave the yarn through once more for extra security.

Once the end is sufficiently hidden, pull the remainder of the end gently to create a slight tension and clip it as close to the work as possible, be careful not to cut your project. This will allow the end to slip back into the stitches once the tension is released.

For crochet or knit pieces made with slick yarn, such as cotton or rayon, or those that use a thin thread, you may also want to add a little insurance by using a sewing needle and matching-color sewing thread to lightly tack the end of the tail to the work. This should be done prior to cutting off the unhidden part of the loose end and always on the wrong side of your work.
Investing the same amount of time and effort into hiding the loose ends as when you did in working the project will guarantee the completed design looks great for years to come. If it’s a gift ore for sale, don’t forget those labels or an attached care label card informing the recipient on how to care for the item.

Below is a link for weaving ends, remember for added security, stitch once more in the opposite direction.