WEAVING IN ENDS.
You’ve worked so hard on your new hat and are so excited with how it turned out! But now what? It doesn’t look exactly like the pictures. You have yarn ends sticking out everywhere, and it’s probably missing something. It is time to finish your crochet project. Let’s go over some of the basics that you’ll be using. Each pattern will have a section called “Finishing” to help guide you through this process.
This is something you almost always have to do, no matter what your crochet project. It’s really simple, but it can be tedious, especially on projects that use multiple colors.
First, thread your yarn needle with one of the loose tail ends, and turn your work to the wrong side. Remember, your goal here is to make the ends disappear. Next, weave the threaded needle through the crochet piece in a back and forth direction, being sure to follow the path of the stitches and not go diagonally. Do this a few times, for approximately 2"–3" (5.1cm–7.6cm) of the tail, and then snip it off close to your work. Continue with the remaining ends until all ends are woven in. Whenever possible, try to weave the ends into a section of the same color. (Note: contrasting yarn was used in the photo for clarity.)
WEAVING IN ENDS.
Fringe is one of the easiest ways to dress up your finished project. Once you choose which yarn(s) you will be using, wrap it over and over again around something sturdy, about 2" (5.1cm) longer than the desired length of your fringe. Things I like to use include CD cases, DVD cases, cardboard and hardback books. Once you’ve wrapped your heart out, or at least counted approximately how many pieces of fringe you will need, it’s time to cut the yarn along one edge and from the skein of yarn. Now you’re ready to make fringe!
1 Gather your strands of yarn and fold them in half. Insert a large crochet hook along the edge of your work, and hook the strands at the fold and pull a loop partially through.
2 Using the crochet hook or your fingers, pull the loose ends of the yarn through the loop.
3 Finish the fringe by pulling snugly to secure. Once you finish all the fringe, trim it to an even length.
Tassels are another way to dress up your finished pieces. Think of them as fancy fringe. Once more, you’ll need a sturdy item to wrap your yarn around, and again, it should be about 1"–2" (2.5cm–5.1cm) longer than you want your desired tassel. Wrap your yarn around this object many times until it is about ¼" (6mm) thick. Cut the yarn from the skein and then cut another piece of yarn around 8" (20.3cm) long. Thread that separate piece of yarn under all the strands you have wrapped and tie it tightly with a knot. Then, cut the yarn off the object at the opposite end of your knot. Once free, you’ll wrap the long ends tightly around the folded top of the tassel about ½" (13mm) down, then thread a needle with the long ends and stick it through the head of the tassel. This will become the part that gets attached to your crochet piece. Trim the ends evenly and you are done.
I can’t think of a cuter finishing touch than a pom-pom! You’ll find them on a number of designs in this book. Making them is not as easy as it looks, however. Your first option when making pom-poms is to use a pom-pom maker that you can purchase at your local craft and hobby store. All you have to do is follow the directions that come with it. But if that is not an option, pom-poms can be made using two pieces of cardboard. You’ll need two large circles of cardboard a little larger than your desired pom-pom size. They also need to have a hole cut out of the center that should be half the size of the circle—essentially two cardboard donuts. Cut a small section out of the donuts, which will make them look like C’s.
Now that you have your pom-pom maker, follow the directions on the next page to make your pom-pom.
1 Holding the cardboard pieces together, wrap your yarn around the length of the cardboard. Continue to wrap until the center hole is full. This makes a nice and fluffy pom-pom. Once you are finished, cut the yarn from the skein and cut another long piece of yarn.
2 Carefully cut the loops of yarn along the outside edge of your cardboard.
3 Place your long strand between the two pieces of cardboard. Tie this piece of yarn very tightly, then remove the cardboard pieces.
4 Fluff your pom-pom and give it a nice trim to make it look pretty. You’ll need to leave the two ends that you tied around the center long so that you can attach the pom-pom to your work.
When tying the center of your pom-pom, try using dental floss instead of another piece of yarn. You are able to make a very tight and secure knot from it.
Think of braids as fancy, long fringe. Most of the time, you will only have to measure and cut the yarn using a ruler or tape measure as your guide. The pattern will tell you how long to cut the strands. When it is time to join the braids, you will attach them the same way that you attach fringe. Once that is done, then you will separate the strands into three sections according to the pattern directions. Now braid. Once you have about 4" (10.2cm) of yarn left, securely tie the braid with an overhand knot and trim the ends evenly. Repeat for the second side.
Appliqué allows you to attach a crocheted shape in a particular place on your design. Always remember to use a similar colored yarn as the appliquéd piece so that the joining blends in. When working on hats, it really doesn’t matter what the inside of the hat looks like and that makes appliquéing much easier. But be sure to attach your crocheted piece securely; you don’t want it falling off.
To do this, I like to use the long tail of the appliqué piece. Place your appliqué where desired on the item and pin it in place. Threading the long tail through your needle, work your way around the perimeter of the item from right side to wrong side and back to right side. Do this at short intervals until you get all around the item. Finish with the tail on the wrong side and weave in your ends. Remove your pins and you are done.
I like to count how many times I go over the center section so that I can try to make each braid the same length.
The running stitch is used to gather or close your work. You’ll see it used in a few of the designs in this book. To make a running stitch, you will create straight stitches. First, pass the threaded needle over the right side of the work and then back to the wrong side at desired intervals. You are basically forming dashed lines. These stitches can be worked in equal or varying lengths, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally as stated in the design.
Blocking your finished item has a lot of positive benefits. It gives your item a professional look and will help with any curling edges. Hats do not usually need to be blocked unless there is a specific look you want to achieve. Scarves will look better when blocked.
To do this, I use a clean spray bottle full of water, a blocking board and straight pins. For a scarf, spread it out over the blocking board until you get the desired look and size. Put the pins around the edges and/or center to keep it in place. Now, spray it with the water until damp and allow to dry. Once dry, remove the pins and it should be ready.
If you want to block a hat, first spray it down with the water. Then place it over a head form or mannequin to dry.
Don't have a blocking board? You can always lay items on a thick towel.
