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!
Sue says
even better than this, Mickey , is the split plastic needles that us older folks were can use to get the yarn into easier. I learned this technique just recently too. Don't beat yourself up- we are all students til the day we die. Thanks for all you do.
Dara Norman-Faul says
Wow, cool. Turns out I figured this one out on my own! LOL I've always done this because it just made sense to me. I always thought I was doing it weird but I liked the result.
Dena says
I've been doing this type of finishing for years! I didn't like the fact that the tails would work themselves out eventually with other finishing techniques so I played around with what I thought were inventive and effective ways to finish and this is the one I liked best!
Dena says
Oh, the only thing I do differently is that I "sew" the yarn down to the previous row and then finish this way so that it doesn't make the edge bulky and if I need to join squares or another skein of yarn, I'm working with "normal" stitches rather than stitches with extra yarn in them.
Sianna says
I use a slight variation of this technique. Split or separate the yarn. I then weave the first section vertically and the last section horizontally. You get less bulk and you have even more security that your work will not come loose ♥
junebee7 says
Has anyone ever tried to go back and fix afghans where ends have popped out? They are so short it seems impossible.