Here’s How to Fasten Off in Crochet to Keep Your Stitch From Unraveling

After completing any crochet project — whether it’s a stocking, basket, hat or scarf — weaving in the ends is crucial to prevent your stitch from unraveling. This process can be tricky for those who are new to the world of crocheting. But don’t worry! Good Housekeeping‘s design director and in-house crochet maven, Mariana Tuma, explains how to fasten off in crochet.

While basic crochet stitches can take a few days to learn (the single crochet being one of the shortest of all the stitches), more advanced techniques may take longer. That’s why it’s important to tie off your crocheting properly to ensure that all of your hard work doesn’t go to waste.

Follow the quick step-by-step video above for this easy how-to, then take a look below for our written guide. And if you want even more trendy DIYs, ranging from knitting to macramé, join the GH Stitch Club for patterns and tutorials to try at home (this daisy granny square is just one example). Happy crafting!

How to Fasten Off in Crochet

• Step 1: When you’re ready to end your project, work your last stitch, cut the yarn from the ball (leaving about 6″ to 8″) and then pull the tail through the loop on your hook.

Slip Stitch: a basic crochet stitch used to add decorative elements or join pieces together.

• Step 2: Now it’s time to weave in the loose ends with your crochet hook. Insert the hook into an adjoining stitch and pull the tail through.
• Step 3: Repeat the process until you’ve worked through a few stitches and you’re ready to cut the tail, leaving it hidden inside one of the stitches.
• Step 4: Go to your beginning tail, where you started your project. Weave the yarn through your work (repeating the process from step two) before cutting the end.

Assistant Editor

Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.