Darning Ends in–Crochet or Knitting.

I recently has a request to explain darning ends in from a lovely lady named  Angela New Mexico, USA. As we all know this is a job that has to be done - love it or hate it. I’m in the latter camp and so the single best piece of advice that I would offer to anyone is ‘sew as you go’. If you don’t adopt this principle and leave all ends until you have completed your crochet or knitting project then you will be faced with an overwhelming task that may then be consigned to a WIP status as you begin something new. Especially when working with granny squares I find it imperative to sew as I go.

Sew as you go.

Joining New Yarn in Crochet

Starting a New Ball or Skein & Hiding Loose Ends when Crocheting

Starting a new ball or skein in crochet

Once bigger projects are begun, a crocheter will need to start a new ball of yarn or skein of thread into a project. It’s best to do this at the start of a row. This way, it will be easier to hide the tail of the yarn and keep the work looking tidy. Take the new yarn and wrap it around the hook. Draw up a loop and continue crocheting. Leave a six inch tail and tie a loose knot to keep it in place. When the item is completed, untie the knot and weave in the ends. This method can also be used when changing yarn in the middle of a row.

Loose Ends

Whenever a deadline is a factor, don't forget to account for time to sew in the ends. It can sometimes take a long time to finish a piece. When the ends are sewed in, try to make it as invisible as is possible Take time to make sure that whatever method is used is secure. If the ends won't stay put, then wash the item. Any ends sticking up can usually be clipped if a long enough end was left, and much of it was sewn in.

Tips on Dealing with Loose Ends

• Use long ends of six inches or longer, and sew in as much of them as possible. Little pieces may stick out after washing and if the pieces were cut having only left a small strand; soon there will be little left and it may come apart.
• Don't sew over two strands at once, because it gives a bulky look. If absolutely necessary, then sew over one of the strands and then bring the other one up to the next row or round, and sew over it there.
• Try to sew ends in on the wrong side of the work.
• Don't pull the work too tightly when weaving or the work may pucker.
• A yarn needle works best to weave in loose ends.
• When working with doilies, a yarn needle will be too big and a sewing needle will damage the work; use a crochet hook.
• Weaving in yarn ends is necessary for neatness and to prolong wear. With the wrong side facing, thread the needle with the end of the yarn. Carefully weave the needle along the back of the stitches about two to three inches on a diagonal, gently pulling the yarn end. Weave the other yarn end in the opposite direction. When finished, gently stretch the fabric in all directions so the fabric doesn’t pull. Trim any excess yarn ends.

Avoid Knots

Avoid making knots. It isn't necessary to knot, as weaving in ends properly (as described above) will make them perfectly secure.Tying a knot doesn't leave enough yarn to fix it if it ever did unravel. Also, any work entered into competition is subject to "knot-scrutiny." If a judge can find any knots at all, the work will lose many points.
Source: Suite101 Click here to view the original article.

There’s another good explanation/tutorial and video about sewing/darning ends over at Meet Me at Mikes - click here to view.
You need a big fat tapestry needle from your sewing store! You do! We need to be able to thread that thick yarn through the needle's eye. Then you simply thread the loose end through the eye and sew backwards and forwards under your stitches (so your thread is concealed and woven in) 3 or 4 or 5 times. Then snip the end close to your work and give the granny square a wriggle so the end disappears under your stitches!
Source: Meet Me at Mikes
If you have any handy or useful hints or tips please do leave a comment.