3 Ways to Weave in Ends in Crochet
Tutorial, product review and giveaway!
I’ve extended the giveaway to run through June 10th (it was originally the 7th), so you have a little extra time to get your entries in. Don’t miss it!
How do you secure your yarn ends when you are done crocheting? Knots can leave unsightly bumps, so weaving in your ends is usually the best option. I typically weave in ends using a bent tip needle, but there are other options as well!
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The Clover snag repair needle
Clover recently gave me a free package of two snag repair needles to try out and review for you. While it’s meant for repairing snags, it’s also great for weaving in short ends. Keep reading to see how it works and how you can enter to win a set of Clover snag repair needles for yourself. There’s a video tutorial below as well!
Why not knot?
I know many crocheters who like to knot their ends, and don’t feel their work is secure unless there’s a knot. But knots make hard bumps in an otherwise soft material. Over time, even the best knot can loosen and come out. Some people apply glue to their knots, which makes them even harder and can also wear out over time. Still others make a knot and then weave in the remaining ends.
In almost every case, weaving in the ends without a knot is a better option. It creates a much smoother and softer finish, and if ends are woven in properly and securely, they should not come out over time. There are a few exceptions, such as some jewelry pieces where there aren’t enough stitches to weave into, or if you want a visible knot as a decorative element. Otherwise, I’m so against knots that I don’t even use a slip knot when I start my work (see how in this tutorial!).
How to weave in ends securely
Regardless of which tool you use, the basics of weaving in ends are the same. Ends should be hidden inside the stitches, preferably of the same color, so that they do not show. To make sure they do not pull out, weave them back and forth in multiple directions. Go vertically through the rows when you can, rather than horizontally through the stitches.
Weaving in vertically in this way is less likely to make the stitches bunch together than going horizontally. With some yarns you might be ok just making 2 runs – going down once and back up again once (or up and then down as the case may be). I get paranoid about it, so I often go down, then up, then down again. If your yarn is really slippery, you can do even more than that. Remember to go in a slightly different spot each time and be careful with your tension so you don’t create any lumpy areas.
3 Tools for weaving in ends
I typically use a yarn needle to weave in my ends, but it can also be done with a crochet hook or the Clover snag repair needle.
1. Weave in ends with a crochet hook
Insert your hook through the stitches, working towards the end that you would like to weave in. When you get to it, grab the end with the hook, and pull it back through the stitches.
This is not my favorite technique because a thicker hook can distort the stitches, while a thinner hook can split the end that you’re trying to weave in. It works more easily on looser stitches than on tight ones. It’s useful to know how to do it though, in case I ever find myself stuck without a needle. It also works well for short ends that are difficult to thread onto a needle.
2. Weave in ends with a tapestry needle
These can be called yarn needles, tapestry needles, or darning needles. Choose a needle that has a large enough eye to hold your yarn, but is small enough to go through your stitches easily. My favorite for most yarns is this Clover bent tip darning needle set. It comes with one small (#15) and two larger (#12) needles.
I have about 5 or 6 (or maybe more) of these little yellow tubes all over my house, so I can always find one when I need it. The bright container is easy to find, and keeps the needles safe. Before I found these, I was forever losing my needles in couch cushions or (worse) carpeting.
To weave in ends using a needle, thread the needle and sew the end through the stitches. Be sure your needle does not go all the way through the right side of you work.
The bent tip is a matter of personal preference. I find it makes it easier to get into the stitches and more comfortable to hold. Clover has containers like this with straight needles too, and I recommend trying both before deciding which you like better.
You can also find plastic needles but I find those harder to work with and much easier to break. The only time I use a plastic needle is if I need one that’s really big for super bulky yarns.
3. Weave in ends with a Clover snag repair needle
This is a brand new tool from Clover, and they sent me a set for free to try out. Instead of an eye, this needle has a screw top. As you pull it through your stitches, it grabs onto any loose threads nearby and pulls them through with the needle. This is particularly useful for ends that are too short to sew in with a regular needle.
Using the Clover snag repair needle this way was not as easy as using a tapestry needle. So I still plan to use my tapestry needles for most ends. However, for shorter ends, the snag repair needle is a great option!
This needle is also great for it’s intended purpose – fixing snags in fabrics. As you pull the needle through the fabric, it grabs the snag and pulls it to the wrong side so it doesn’t show. At the end of the video below, I show how it works for that.
Video Tutorial
Enter the giveaway!
Clover is generously providing a set of 2 snag repair needles (2 needles in 1 package) to one lucky winner!
To be eligible, you must be 18 years of age or older, with a valid, US shipping address. The winner will be contacted by email, and must reply to that email and provide their selections and shipping address within 1 week in order to receive the prizes. If the winner does not reply within 1 week, a new winner will be selected. The giveaway ends on June 7th 10th, 2019 (at 11:59pm, central time). Hurry and enter below!
Update: I’ve extended the giveaway to run through June 10th (at 11:59 pm, central time), so you have a little extra time to get your entries in. Don’t miss it!
This giveaway is powered by Rafflecopter, and they may ask for some log-in information if you are not already logged in. See the Rafflecopter privacy policy for more information.
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67 Comments
Julie
I love my clover hooks and should one ever go walk about it will be replaced immediately. Fascinated by the snag repair needle, with a cat in the house who has a love/hate relationship to my yarn and projects it would come in quite handy.
Ellee
Loved the earlier version that I used to own, the Snag Nab It. It saved many a snagged sweater and was quite handy with knit and crochet projects.
Lisa R
Thank you for this. – I struggle with ends and this was helpful!
Pia Thadani
yay! Glad I could help! 🙂
Ann G
I’m a Clover Amour junkie. I’m interested in trying out the snag needles. Once in a while you’re stuck with a short end despite best efforts.
Terry P
The snag repair needle looks like it would work on some new tops I bought that have already snagged. I own many Clover products and one of my favorite is the Hot Hemmer.
lk
Clover makes amazing, high quality products. I use their blunt tip needs to weave in my ends.
Kathy A.
I love clover needles and have several. The little containers are a great addition to my craft bag(s).
Stacey S
I use a yarn needle for weaving in my ends.
I recently bout the bent tip yarn needles by Clover and it made constructing my crocheted bear so easy.
Paula
I found this post very helpful. I haven’t used any Clover products yet.
Kathleen Milkowski
I’ve used these or something similar and they are great!!!!
Theresa
This snag needle could come in handy if any of the loose ends you have already woven in begin to come out.
Christine Galindo
This tool looks fantastic! I have to say I LOVE my Clover Amour hooks (they are my only go to hooks) so this would be a helpful tool to add to my clover collection.
Kathleen
I also like to needle felt the ends together of natural fibers and mostly natural fibers. I’ve gotten solid bonds with things that shouldn’t felt, and lovely, almost invisible bonds with things that should.
Cindy deRosier
Very helpful – thank you! I have so much to learn. 🙂
MaryAnn Atzrott
I prefer using a needle for sewing in my ends. I’ve never even heard of this new product but am interested in trying it out.
Heather R
I prefer to use the needles to weave in my ends. I would love to try the snag repair needles, especially for those short ends when playing yarn chicken! lol
Michelle Wulf
That snag needle is intriguing! I always sew my ends in after leaving about 6 inches.
Dimitra Tzamtzis
Interesting info. Learned something new
Janice M Price
Great company and always back up what they sell.
Pia Thadani
Absolutely! I was surprised when I realized just how many of my go-to tools are actually from Clover. I’ve been using their stuff for years – who knows, maybe even when I was a kid!
Karen Semones
I hate weaving in ends but these helpful tips are very useful. It helps to weave in ends as you go so the task isn’t as overwhelming.
Kelly Hansen
I have always woven ends through the row of stitches rather than the stitches. I will try your way. Thanks for the tips.
Jeanny Bohanon
I have used the first 2. The snag needle first time I’ve seen it different.
deb rowley
I’m always looking for better ways to weave in ends. I have several Clover tools and really like the high quality of their products. My most often used are their stitch markers.
Chris Lopez
Great tips. I was taught to just crochet over the ends and that just doesn’t work long term.
Carleen Roberts
These were very helpful written, photo, and video tutorials on 3 ways to weave in ends. The Clover snag repair tool looks like an important yarn crafting tool to add to my notions kit.
Leslie Bachman
Loved your video and appreciate your sharing! I need these snag repair needles in my life! I use the bent tip needles all the time for weaving in, but it’s great to see another product that’ll make a crocheter/knitter’s life easier!
Emma
Weaving in the ends a long process for me. I put it off as long as I can.
Julie
What an interesting concept. Thanks for this opportunity!
Lisa Kerstein
Have not tried these yet. Love the tutorials, very informative and clear.
Cindy Jo Moore
Thank you for a chance to win these repair needles . I am also looking for a needle that has nylon string to put your yarn through for bulker yarns .
Pia Thadani
Have you tried this yarn threader from Clover? (This is an affiliate link to Amazon, if you click this link and make a purchase I may be compensated): https://amzn.to/2XzgFgz
Cindy Talley
I have used many Clover products over the years and always found them to be high quality.
debbie goodwin
I always weave my ends as the only way I was taught. I try to do as I go as it feels more secure for me
Rosalie McCreary
Thank you for sharing your craft! I’m always interested in learning new methods of doing tasks while crocheting! I will be reviewing your methods of sewing squares together! I have a bag of squares that need putting together!!!
mary henaghen
I usually crochet over ends, but this sounds like a better way.
Shelly Jung
These look like great tools, i hope I can try them soon!
Linda Moore
I never used these products but I am looking forward to it now. I hate weaving in end and this was a great learning tool for me. I thank you very much I got a lot from it.Maybe I wont dread it as much now.
Nora Helma
Hate weaving in ends! I weave them back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. This needle looks interesting.
I absolutely love Clover Amour hooks. I will never use anything else. I too use the needles to weave in ends and I also use their needle threader and yarn cutter. I have their pom pom makers but haven’t had occasion to use them yet. Starting to sound like I’m a Clover junkie.
Sue Stevens
I’ve used a
The needle felting tools. The snag a stitch sounds fantastic and easy to use.
Denise Powers
i love the Clover Amour hooks. I bought mine about 4 years ago and haven’t touched my aluminum hooks since. I think the snag repair needle is a needed tool for my crochet arsenal.
Stephanie Barnes
I have clover hooks that I use, they are great. I would love the snag needle repair, I think everyone hates weaving but it is essential that it is done and done correctly. I think that this would be a great addition to our tools.
Tina Hays
I have several Clover needles and use them to weave in my ends every time.
Jennifer
This was very helpful. I love my Clover hooks and bent tip needles.
Nancy
I think it’s about time someone came up with an easy way to fix snags and would love the opportunity to try these needles. There is no shop locally that carries much of anything craft related, so it may be quite a while before I’m able to find one. P.S. I love my Clover hooks
Pia Thadani
They’re available on Amazon! Here’s my affiliate link (If you click this link and make a purchase I get a small fee): https://amzn.to/2Kz5bWJ
Shauna Clark
I also hate knots in my work as I’ve had afghans get big holes when the knit unravels. Weaving ends is not my favorite activity, but I do find it kind of soothing. The only method I use is weaving with a tapestry needle and I almost always go in multiple directions per end.
Jane Garwood
Weaving ends is needed on all projects. The snag repair needle certainly looks interesting!!!
Linda Austerman
Your blog is interesting and helpful.
Pia Thadani
Thanks! 🙂
Andrea Ingold
Wanna check out the snag needle now. Seems like it’d be a neat tool to have
Marge
Clover hooks are great!
Eleanor Griego
These are cool needles! They sure will make weaving in my yarn easier and neater (I hope) LOL! Would love to win but either way it won’t hurt to buy me some soon!
Sandie Leach
Your explanations were wonderful. I’m a fan of tapestry needles. I had a bent tio one that disappeared lol. I would love tio try the Clover Snag tool.
Katy W
I have many different types of needles to weave in my ends including the plastic ones that are just one big eye. These new snag repair needles are intriguing.
Rita Sheppard
I love to use the needles to weave in my yarn ends.
Loretta Newnam
I would love to try these snag repair needles.
Sue Richards
I usually use yarn needles to weave in ends but would gladly try this! Always like to add to my crochet tools!
Virginia Bronner
I have never tried these snag repair needles. I didn’t know that they even existed. I would love to try them. Anything to make weaving in ends easier of crochet squares that are sewn together. Thanks for the giveaway.
KAt
What a great gadget!
Rust
What a very cool thing! I know I could find many uses for it! Love to own it, one way or the other, 🙂
Jan phillipps
I weave with a tapestry needle.Thanksfor sharing.
Jamie
I usually weave with a tapestry needle, but this looks a good option for those times when things come a bit undone. Thanks for sharing this information.
Sarah L
I’ve used many Clover products before, but never this needle. Would love to add it to my “tool box”.
Steph
I found an interesting tool for weaving in yarn ends. It’s called a WOOL NEEDLE. Instead of an eye, it has a loop of “fishing line” at the top. The set that I got came in 3 sizes, all of which are for yarn, no thread. They are a lot easier to thread than a tapestry needle because the loop is larger, especially if the end is short. Not all that easy to find, but very worth the effort.
Pia Thadani
Great concept!