Things You'll Need:
- Small Crochet hook
- Small pair of sharp scissors
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Step 1
My grandmother taught me how to crochet at a tender young age. Over the years I have made many afghans and the fine strand thread doilies. In an attempt to keep my projects looking smooth and nice I have come up with a few great ways to weave in the ends of the thread and or yarn of my projects.
The first way, which is the way my dear grandmother taught me, is very simple. When you get to the end of your color (such as doing a color change) or the end of your yarn or thread, simply lay approximately 2 inches of the new yarn or thread over the last 2 inches of the previous yarn or thread and continue crocheting or knitting your project as if it were all one piece of yarn or thread. This gives your project a bit of strength where it may have been weak due to a knot you tied in the thread or yarn. I have never (even after many washings) had any problem with this technique. -
Step 2
If you have very thick yarn this technique works well. Simply unravel a few inches of the previous yarn and unravel a few inches of the new yarn and then "ravel" them together. Special note: this technique only works well if you have very thick yarn or homespun yarn. Homespun yarn is very easy to use for this technique.
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Step 3
Another technique is to pull your yarn through and leave about 2 inches of it hanging to the side or edge of your project. Leave a small (approximately 2 inches) tail on the new piece or yarn or thread you add to your project. Continue your project to the end and then go back and with a smaller sized crochet hook (even if you knit you should have a few smaller sized crochet hooks on hand for weaving in ends or for picking up dropped stitches)and weave in the ends.
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Step 4
Use the above technique but instead of weaving your ends in make a nice fringe around your project. This technique works very well for prayer shawls and afghans. Simply leave 2 inches of your yarn or thread hanging and then cut yarn or thread strips double the length you left hanging. Attach with a crochet hook by making an even fold in the yarn or thread and looping it through itself around the edges all the way around your prayer shawl or your afghan projects. A beautiful ending to many projects.
By using the above techniques on your projects you can be assured that your knit and crocheted projects will have a beautiful professional look for many years to come. It is advised to hand wash hand made knit and crochet items to help preserve their integrity and new look. If one uses a washing machine often these projects will "pill" and look old before their time.
