How to Weave In Ends in Crochet

Weaving in ends is the last step of almost every project, and doing it well helps keep tails from working loose when the piece is used and washed. The principle is simple: hide the tail inside stitches of the same color and make it change direction so friction holds it in place. Knots alone aren’t the answer; they work loose and show.

US/UK note: This page uses US terms where stitch names appear. US single crochet (sc) is UK double crochet (dc).

You’ll need

• A yarn needle (also called a tapestry needle) with a blunt tip and an eye big enough for your yarn. A bent-tip needle makes it easier to scoop through stitches.
• Small, sharp scissors.
• Tails at least 6 in (15 cm) long. Shorter tails are frustrating to weave.

Step-by-step: the basic method

1. Thread the tail onto the yarn needle.
2. Turn the piece to the wrong side, if it has one.
3. Weave through the backs of stitches in one direction for about 2 in (5 cm). Go through the loops or posts on the back, not through to the front.
4. Change direction. Skip over one strand and weave back the way you came, through different loops, for about 1 in (2.5 cm).
5. Change direction again for a short distance, or weave diagonally.
6. Stretch the fabric gently in all directions so the tail settles to the fabric’s natural tension.
7. Trim the tail close to the fabric, without cutting the fabric itself.

Tip: Changing direction is what makes the end secure. A tail woven in a straight line can slide right back out; a tail that zigzags is held by friction.

Splitting the yarn (extra secure)

For slippery yarns (cotton, bamboo, silk, superwash wool), pass the needle through the plies of the yarn in the stitches instead of just around them. Splitting the yarn grips the tail much more firmly. It’s especially worth doing on dishcloths, baby items and anything that will be washed often.

Where to weave

• In rows: Weave along the row horizontally, inside the stitches of the same row, then back again. For tails at the edge, you can also run up the side through the edge stitches.
• In rounds: Weave around the round, following the stitches, then reverse.
• At a color change: Weave each tail into its own color section so it doesn’t peek through. Weave the two tails in opposite directions so they don’t pile up in one spot.
• In amigurumi: Pull the tail straight through the stuffed piece and out the other side a few times, then trim close. The tail hides in the stuffing.

Weaving in ends as you go

To save time at the end, you can crochet over tails as you work:

1. Hold the tail along the top of the row you’re working into.
2. Work the next stitches over it, so each stitch encloses the tail.
3. After 8–10 stitches, let the tail drop and trim it later.

This works well for color changes in solid fabrics. For important pieces, combine it with a few stitches of needle weaving for security.

Ends at the start: the magic ring tail

The magic ring tail needs extra care because it holds the center closed. Weave it in one direction, then back the other way, through stitches of the first rounds. That way, if the ring loosens, the tail keeps it tight.

Common mistakes

• Leaving tails too short. You need enough length to thread the needle and weave in two directions.
• Knotting and cutting. A knot can come undone and leaves a lump. If you knot at all, still weave the tails.
• Weaving through to the front. Keep the needle in the back layers of the stitches so nothing shows on the right side.
• Weaving into a different color. Light tails show through dark sections and vice versa.
• Pulling too tight. This puckers the fabric. Stretch the piece after weaving so the tail matches the fabric’s give.
• Trimming before stretching. The tail retracts slightly when the fabric moves; stretch first, then trim.

FAQ

How long should I leave my yarn tail?

At least 6 in (15 cm). For very thick yarn or anything you’ll seam with the tail, leave more, 12 in (30 cm) or longer.

Should I weave in ends before or after blocking?

Weave them in before blocking, but wait to trim them until after the piece has dried. Blocking can shift stitches, and a little extra tail gives you room.

Can I use a crochet hook instead of a yarn needle?

You can pull tails through stitches with a small hook, but a needle gives you more control and lets you split the yarn. A needle is worth having.

How do I weave in ends on a lacy pattern?

Follow the solid parts of the stitches (posts and loops) and avoid crossing open spaces. Splitting the yarn matters even more here because there is less fabric to grip.