How to Weave Ends in Knitting

Learning How to Weave Ends in Knitting

Weaving in your yarn ends, also known as yarn tails, is the last step in every knitting project. Once you’ve learned how to weave in ends in knitting, you’ll have all the skills you need to finish a knitting project all the way through!

Before beginning, it’s important to note that the number one rule for weaving in ends in knitting stays the same no matter what your project is: You want to aim for an invisible, sturdy finish.

In this tutorial, we’ll go over how to weave in ends on two basic fabrics: garter stitch and stockinette stitch.

Why it Matters

It can be tempting to skip this step and just leave your yarn tails hanging loose (we’ve all done it!), especially when you’re working on a project with multiple yarn tails. We’ve heard a few stories of knitters opting to trim their yarn close to the fabric. It’s quick, it’s easy, but it is NOT a good idea. Eventually, your fabric may start to unravel, or the loose yarn tails could pull on the fabric, leaving a hole in your beloved knit.

After working so hard for so long on a project, give it the extra loving it deserves — weave in those tails for a sturdy finish to keep your knits looking great year after year.

Ways to Weave in Ends in Knitting

Before we kick things off, you should know that there’s no “one right way” to weave in ends in knitting. There are many ways to do it: vertically, diagonally, or even by splitting the yarn strand to weave in each yarn ply separately. Most patterns leave it up to you.

Each technique is worth knowing so you can choose the best method for your project. As long as you’re aiming for that sturdy, invisible finish, you’re on the right track.

The technique we show you today is the technique we find the most effective for Garter and Stockinette projects.

How hard is it?

In general, weaving in ends is easy to learn! After you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll find that it’s quick and satisfying. It can just get a little tedious.

Some projects may have many ends to weave in, which honestly, can be a pain. Our advice, in that case, is to weave them in as you go. Or, if possible, use the spliced yarn method or a “magic knot” to join yarn ends together rather than leaving a yarn tail to weave in later.

Tips & Tricks – How to Weave in Loose Ends in Knitting

There are no hard and fast rules for how to weave in ends, every stitch pattern and yarn is different! However, there are some basic things to keep in mind when you’re about to grab your yarn needle.

• Always weave your yarn tails in on the wrong side of your fabric. It’s always a good idea to double-check that you’re working on the back side of your knits so that the tails are inside your finished project.
• There’s no “right” way to weave your ends in. The best tip we have is to try to trace the path your yarn takes across a given row. This is a great way to troubleshoot how to weave your ends in knitting for complex stitch patterns that don’t have an obvious technique to follow.
• The best way to weave in ends is also the most invisible way. By mimicking the stitches as you weave the end in you’ll have both a secure strand and one that isn’t obvious in your finished knit. Keeping the insides of your projects tidy with neat finishes is important for the longevity of your pieces.