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.
