In September 2013, my technique and the way I finished my projects were forever changed. The way I was finishing off my projects with just a simple sleight of hand and weaving in my ends was okay but I wouldn't say that it was 'Fabulous'.
Now that I changed my technique and know a better way, I would say my old way was lazy and leaving me a bit stressed.
While at Spinrite Factory Outlet in September 2013, I was finishing off my ends. My friend Michelle, manager of Spinrite Factory Outlet, asked me if I knew how to finish off so that you don't worry about your yarn tails falling out or doing a peek a boo maneuver? I was like not really, show me something new.
Michelle demonstrated the technique I am showing below in my video tutorial. I should have already known this but I didn't. It was new information.
Since that very moment, my finishing technique was changed because I realized the way she showed me was a professional way and you never have to worry about yarn tails falling out. Even today, I start off with extra-long tails of yarn so I can finish off my project professionally.
With the technique, you use a darning needle and run the tail end through a section of the finishing area. You slide back and forth under the stitches 3 times. Due to the yarn being slid back and forth 3 times, the yarn will never pop out as it cannot wiggle its way out.
So today, I spend an extra minute doing this technique at the end. It has changed me and the way I do my projects forever. Today, when grabbing my yarn, pattern, hook and pencil, I automatically grab my darning needle as I tend to weave in my tails as I go... in certain cases like afghans, I wait until the end. It just makes sense.
Pattern Suggestions
- Crochet Poker Chip Blanket Pattern
- Crochet Wedding Umbrella Pattern + Tutorial
- Tunisian Entrelac in a Square Afghan + Tutorial
- Planned Pooling Pattern
- Crochet Double Layered Braided Cowl Pattern
See my technique below... it may just change how you finish your projects too!
Moysa Bass says
Great tip also for changing colors in a project that has large spaces or a lacy design. I have always had problems weaving in the ends in projects like that; if it was all one color I just crocheted over it, but it looked sloppy when using different colors. Now I know how to avoid that.
Moysa Bass says
Great tip, Mikey! I've been crocheting for 35 years and this is a new technique for me. Just goes to show you can learn something new every day! I've learned so much from your tutorials; thank you!
Ruth Michaels says
Many, many years ago I read about this technuqye in an afghan book I was using. It made sense and I've been using it ever since. I taught myself to crochet with a book my mom bought me, a crochet hook, and yarn. I made every pattern stitch in the book. When I mastered a stitch I took it apart and went on to the next one. I'm 73 years old and still love to crochet. Unfortunately, between my career and crocheting, my hands have paid a high price - I've had 12 surgeries on them. But I continue to crochet and love it. Love your blog. I do enjoy it so much!