Often the last words on a pattern are “work in ends” or “weave in ends”. There are multiple ways to accomplish this and to secure your ends. There is more to it than just those three words.
Note: Work in ends, can also be phrased as “weave in ends.” If your pattern tells you to weave in your ends, work your ends in using either of the above methods.
Read more about it in this blog. [available March 28]
Work in ends
Thread yarn tail onto tapestry needle.
Next
On WS, work needle through bumps of stitches, splitting yarn (plies), working for 1″ in one direction, then back in opposite direction, creating a hook.
Alternatively
Duplicate stitch the back of several stitches, in one direction, then in the opposite direction.
How to Duplicate Stitch: Thread tapestry needle with yarn tail. Anchor yarn on WS. *Bring needle to RS at base of stitch (at bottom of “V”), then at the top of the stitch, go underneath the 2 legs of the stitch above, bringing yarn and needle through the RS. Put the needle back into base of stitch where it first came out, going to the WS. Rep from *
Finally
Cut yarn so less than 1″ remains. After washing piece, cut yarn close to surface.
Joining a New Yarn
To join yarn, begin using a new yarn.
Usually called for when working two sides of a piece or when adding a color, the new yarn needs to have a tail that can be worked in invisibly later. For stability, this new yarn may be tied to another yarn tail or temporarily secured.
Anchoring Yarn
With tapestry needle go under a stitch bump or loop, pulling yarn through to last stitch. Bring needle through same bump or loop again. Rep if necessary or if yarn is slippery, split yarn with needle as the needle goes under bump or loop the second time.
Securing Ends
Use a toothpick to dab a tiny amount of fabric glue on all worked in ends, hiding the glue under a stitch. Dry according to bottle instructions.
Pattern Specific Variations
Sometimes, I include technique variations that are for specific patterns. I always include directions for specific techniques in the pattern itself, so be sure to also read any patterns you’re working on closely.
Join Yarn Variation for Ischia Scarves
To join a new color, begin working new yarn at beginning of row specified. You may want to work in the end as you go (see below), or you can work in the end later. If working in the ends later, tie them together in a slip knot (the stitch will get loose and need to be tightened).
Work in the End as you Go for Ischia Scarves
To secure the tail of the yarn being added, after working the first stitch, *pick up the tail and drape it over the working yarn from right to left (toward unworked stitches). Make the next stitch in pattern, drape the yarn tail over the working yarn from left to right (toward the left needle). Repeat from * for several stitches.
In this case the first stitch is always a purl. Make the first purl stitch, take the working yarn behind the needles, pick up the tail and drape it over the working yarn from right to left; bring the working yarn into position to p1. Now drape the yarn from left to right over the working yarn and k1. Repeat in this manner in pattern.
Work in the End on next RS or WS row for Ischia Scarves
To secure the tail of the yarn being added on a subsequent row, drape the tail over the working yarn before working the first stitch and work that stitch in pattern. *Pick up the tail and drape it over the working yarn in the opposite direction and work the next stitch. Repeat from * for several stitches.
Anchor Variation for Limestone
Invisibly stitch the Mitered Square to the scarf below the 3-needle bind off so the square is solidly attached but still moves.
