What to Do with Loose End on Yarn

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide on What to Do with Loose End on Yarn

Written by: Jeff Tse

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Time to read 6 min

Table of content
Introduction Understanding Yarn Ends Joining New Yarn 1. Spit Splice (Felted Join) 2. Russian Join 3. Knot Join Weaving in Ends 1. Weaving Ends as You Go 2. Weaving Direction 3. Weaving Technique Troubleshooting and Tips 1. Preventing Ends from Popping Out 2. Dealing with Short Ends 3. Cutting Ends 4. Preventing Tangles Specific Weaving Techniques Related articles

Introduction

Dealing with loose yarn ends is a common challenge faced by knitters and crocheters alike. Whether you’re changing colors, joining a new ball of yarn, or finishing a project, properly managing these loose ends is crucial for maintaining the integrity and appearance of your work. If left unsecured, loose ends can lead to unraveling, create an unsightly finish, and even cause discomfort when worn against the skin.

In this article, we will explore various techniques for what to Do with Loose End on Yarn, ensuring that your projects not only look polished but also stand the test of time. From weaving in ends to joining new yarn, understanding the best practices for securing those pesky strands will enhance your crafting experience. We’ll cover methods suitable for different yarn types and project styles, as well as troubleshooting tips to prevent ends from popping out. With the right techniques at your disposal, you can confidently tackle loose yarn ends and focus on what you love most—creating beautiful, functional pieces that showcase your skills and creativity. Let’s dive into the essential strategies for managing loose ends and achieving a professional finish in your knitting and crocheting projects!

Understanding Yarn Ends

Before delving into the methods for securing yarn ends, it's important to understand their purpose and behavior. Yarn ends refer to the short strands of yarn that remain after joining a new ball or cutting the yarn to finish a project. These ends need to be properly woven in or secured to prevent the stitches from coming undone.Loose ends can cause several issues if not addressed:

  1. Unraveling : If left untreated, loose ends can lead to stitches coming undone, causing the project to unravel.
  2. Unsightly appearance : Protruding or poorly woven in ends can detract from the overall look of your finished piece.
  3. Discomfort : In garments, loose ends can cause irritation or scratching against the skin.
  4. Decreased durability : Improperly secured ends may come loose over time, compromising the longevity of your project.
What to Do with Loose End on Yarn

Joining New Yarn

One of the most common situations where you'll need to deal with loose ends is when joining a new ball of yarn. There are several techniques for joining yarn, each with its own advantages and considerations:

1. Spit Splice (Felted Join)

The spit splice, also known as a felted join, is a great option for yarns that contain animal fibers like wool. It creates a nearly invisible join and is quite secure. To create a spit splice:

  1. Untwist the ends of the yarn to expose the individual fibers.
  2. Moisten the ends with saliva or water.
  3. Overlap the ends by about 1-2 inches and rub them together vigorously between your palms to felt the fibers together.
  4. Allow the join to dry completely before continuing to knit or crochet.

2. Russian Join

The Russian join is a popular technique for joining yarn without creating a bulky knot. It works well with most yarn types and is relatively easy to execute. To create a Russian join:

  1. Thread one end of the yarn through the eye of a tapestry needle.
  2. Fold the end back on itself to create a loop.
  3. Insert the needle into the center of the yarn strand, about 1 inch from the end.
  4. Pull the needle and yarn end through the center of the yarn.
  5. Repeat steps 3-4 with the other yarn end, creating a loop on the opposite side.
  6. Gently pull on both ends to tighten the join.
What to Do with Loose End on Yarn

3. Knot Join

While not the most elegant solution, a simple knot can be an effective way to join yarn, especially when working with slippery or smooth yarns that don't lend themselves to other joining methods. To create a knot join:

  1. Hold the two yarn ends together.
  2. Create a loop with one end and pass the other end through the loop.
  3. Pull the end to tighten the knot.
  4. Repeat steps 2-3 with the other end, creating a second knot.
  5. Trim the excess yarn, leaving a short tail.
What to Do with Loose End on Yarn

Weaving in Ends

Once you've joined a new ball of yarn or completed your project, it's time to weave in the loose ends. Proper weaving techniques are crucial for securing the ends and preventing unraveling. Here are some best practices for weaving in ends:

1. Weaving Ends as You Go

If possible, weave in ends as you work, rather than waiting until the end of the project. This can be done by:

  1. Crocheting or knitting over the end for a few stitches as you work.
  2. Weaving the end into the back of the work using a tapestry needle.

2. Weaving Direction

When weaving in ends, it's important to consider the direction of the weaving. Ends should be woven in the direction of the stitches, either vertically or horizontally, to prevent them from pulling out. Avoid weaving ends diagonally, as this can lead to loose stitches.

3. Weaving Technique

To weave in ends, follow these steps:

  1. Thread the end onto a tapestry needle.
  2. Weave the needle under and over the stitches, following the direction of the fabric.
  3. Weave the end in for at least 1-2 inches, or until it feels secure.
  4. Weave the end back in the opposite direction for added security.
  5. Trim the excess yarn, leaving a short tail.
What to Do with Loose End on Yarn

Troubleshooting and Tips

Even with the best weaving techniques, sometimes ends can still work their way out. Here are some troubleshooting tips and additional advice:

1. Preventing Ends from Popping Out

If you notice ends popping out after weaving them in, try the following:

  1. Weave ends in for a longer distance, at least 2-3 inches.
  2. Use a smaller tapestry needle to weave ends through more stitches.
  3. Apply a small amount of fabric stiffener or glue to the woven-in end for added security.

2. Dealing with Short Ends

When working with short yarn ends, it can be challenging to weave them in securely. Try the following techniques:

  1. Use a smaller tapestry needle to weave the end through more stitches.
  2. Apply a small amount of fabric stiffener or glue to the end before weaving it in.
  3. If the end is too short to weave in, try securing it with a small amount of fabric glue or clear nail polish.

3. Cutting Ends

When trimming excess yarn after weaving in ends, leave a short tail of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Cutting ends too close to the fabric can cause them to work their way out over time. If blocking your project, wait until after blocking to trim ends for a neater appearance.

4. Preventing Tangles

To avoid tangles when working with multiple ends, try the following:

  1. Secure ends with a small piece of tape or a clip until ready to weave in.
  2. Work with one end at a time, keeping the others out of the way.
  3. Use a yarn bowl or container to keep ends contained while working.

Specific Weaving Techniques

1. Weaving Ends in Stockinette Stitch: When weaving ends in stockinette stitch, consider the visibility of the wrong side. If the wrong side will not be visible, weave the end into the bumps (the heads) of the purl stitches, on the diagonal. Weave in one direction for about half the tail length, and then change direction and weave back. Weaving vertically can result in the end being visible; weaving horizontally puts one row under pressure and can create a pucker in the fabric. If both sides will be visible, use the duplicate stitch method.


2. Weaving Ends in Garter Stitch: If only one side of garter stitch is visible, weave ends horizontally under every other "leg," just tucked under a ridge, and then come back around in the other direction, under a neighboring ridge. If both sides will be visible, use the duplicate stitch method.


3.Weaving Ends in Ribbing: Weaving ends in ribbing can be done by working up and down in a knit column on the wrong side. If you're weaving in the end of a sock or mitten cuff, use the end to close up any gaps first, going across and then down.


4.Using Duplicate Stitch: The duplicate stitch method is useful when both sides of the fabric will be visible, such as in garter stitch or when working with stranded colorwork. To use this technique:

  • Thread the end onto a tapestry needle.
  • Bring the needle up through the fabric at the base of the stitch where you want to start weaving.
  • Take the needle down through the center of the stitch directly above, creating a duplicate stitch.
  • Continue working duplicate stitches in the desired direction, either vertically or horizontally.
  • Weave the end back in the opposite direction for added security.

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