Binding Off and Weaving In Ends

Dear community,

How do you handle binding off and weaving in ends at the end of your handmade project?

It all depends on what qualities you want the bind-off edge to have. 

Should it be stretchy, or rather hold its shape? Decorative and eye-catching? Or as inconspicuous as possible?

There are at least ten different methods for binding off, and probably even more.
 

When crocheting...

...I usually make an extra chain stitch at the end. When I then “weave in” the ends, it’s secured even more firmly. I thread the end of the yarn through the base of the crocheted stitches using a darning needle or yarn needle, first in one direction, then back again. I always finish weaving in the end under tight stitches, pull the crocheted piece a little wider (if it’s something loose, like a shawl), and then cut the thread right next to the crocheted piece.

I always crochet over the starting thread with the first stitches. So far, this has always worked well, and even after washing, the end of the thread has only occasionally become visible (with delicate crochet doilies, for example).

For amigurumi or similar shapes, I weave in the ends as described above and simply let the yarn end inside the piece. When changing colors, I knot the ends together on the inside as I work, so they’re secured right away.

When crocheting, I simply crochet over the starting ends—I do the same when changing colors. The ends shouldn’t be too short, though, so they don’t come undone. I weave in the end tails so they’re invisible.

When knitting, I always try to weave in the ends invisibly… I’m not a big fan of knitting them in.

In all my projects, I secure the ends with a small knot—always on the back of the piece, of course. 

For amigurumi filled with stuffing, you can also just leave a secured end hanging inside ;-).

Best regards, Regina

When it comes to weaving in ends, I always think the most important thing is that you really can’t see them later on. Especially with softer knits, a thread that’s woven in too tightly can quickly stand out or cause the fabric to warp slightly.

That’s why I prefer to leave the ends a little longer and weave them in from several directions instead of cutting them too short.