Weaving In Ends
Every project ends with a tapestry needle and a pile of loose tails to weave in. Done well, woven ends are invisible from both sides and never come loose.
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Method for stockinette
Thread the tail onto a tapestry needle. On the wrong side, weave the tail through the bumps of the purl stitches for 5–8 cm in one direction, then 1–2 cm in the opposite direction (to lock the end). Trim the tail flush.
Method for garter stitch
Weave the tail along the garter ridges, following the same direction as the existing yarn for 5–8 cm, then double back 1–2 cm to lock.
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Method for ribbing
Weave along the back of one column of stitches (the wrong-side bumps), following the rib structure to keep the end invisible.
Locking the end
Always reverse direction at the end of the weave. The reverse motion locks the tail in place and prevents it from working loose with wear and washing.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| WS | wrong side |
Tips
- Weave at least 5 cm before doubling back to lock the end.
- Always weave on the wrong side and follow the structure of the surrounding stitches.
- Trim flush after blocking — the wet block helps the woven end settle into place.
In depth
Weaving in ends works because friction between the tail yarn and the surrounding fabric prevents the tail from working loose. The reverse-direction lock at the end of the weave doubles this friction, making it nearly impossible for a properly woven end to come undone in normal wear.