So, you have been working on the crochet project and finally making the last stitch to complete it. It is time to secure the end of your crochet work and remove the hook from the yarn. This step is essential because not knowing how to fasten off crochet puts all your effort at risk of unraveling.
Let’s learn how to end your crochet project with these 3 simple steps. This guide also includes tips and instructions on how to finish different types of crochet work, such as row, round, circle and amigurumi.
What is Fastening Off in Crochet?
Fastening off (sometimes called tying off or finishing off) refers to the process of securing work at the end of a crochet project. It ensures that stitches remain intact, preventing them from unraveling over time.
3 Simple Steps on How to Fasten Off In Crochet
Upon finishing the final stitch in your project, check to make sure every stitch in the last row or round is done correctly. Count your stitches to ensure they match the pattern, and fix any mistakes if needed. Then follow these 3 easy steps to fasten off your project.
- Cut the yarn
Leave a yarn tail of at least 4-6 inches. - Fasten the stitch
Pull the yarn tail through the loop on your crochet hook, and tighten to secure the last stitch. - Hide yarn end (if needed)
Weave in the yarn end through the stitches with a tapestry needle or crochet hook, ensuring the tail is hidden within the fabric behind the project. Cut any excess yarn.
Fasten off & Hiding Yarn Tails For Different Crochet Projects
Here are additional instructions on how to finish a crochet project differently, covering basic to advanced techniques.
Row & Round
Fasten off in crochet project of row and round is the most basic among the three. Here are the steps on how to fasten off:
- Make an extra chain stitch after the last stitch.
- Cut the yarn end and pull the yarn tail through the loop.
- This will create a knot that fastens the last stitch. Pulls the tail to tighten it.
- Thread the yarn tail onto a tapestry needle and weave it in the stitches to hide the yarn tail. Weave it in multiple stitches and multiple directions to reduce the risk of unraveling. Do it at the dense base to minimize the visibility of the woven tail.
- Trim away the excess yarn tail.
- Done.
Circle & Round
This is the method for creating an invisible finish-off on round and circle projects. It can be applied whenever a clean fasten-off is needed.
- Cut the yarn after making your last stitch.
- Pull the yarn all the way through the loop. Thread the yarn onto the tapestry needle.
- Skip the next stitch and insert the needle under both loops of the second stitch from front to back, then pull through.
- Insert the needle into the back loop only of the last stitch of the round from front to back, and pull through again.
- Tug the yarn end to match the size and mimic the top loops of surrounding stitches, making the fasten invisible.
- Weave it the yarn tail, and you are done.
Amigurumi
After stuffing and decreasing stitches to complete a 3D amigurumi part, a small hole will still need to be fastened to close. Here are the steps on how to tie off crochet amigurumi:
- Cut the yarn after making your last stitch. Pull the yarn all the way through the loop.
- Thread the yarn tail onto a tapestry needle. Insert the needle into the front loop of the next stitch, from front to back.
- Repeat threading the yarn tail through each stitch on the last round.
- Pull the yarn tail to shut the opening.
- If you need to hide the yarn tail, insert the needle into the shut opening and come out through another part of the amigurumi.
- Tug and cut the yarn tail to finish off.
What’s next?
Now that you have finished crocheting your piece, you can confidently complete your project by blocking it or joining the pieces together. Happy crocheting!
Learn the basics of crochet, exploring topics such as the fundamentals of starting your crochet journey.