How to fasten off in crochet

Finishing off a crochet project can be one of the most satisfying parts of the process. Knowing how to fasten off correctly is essential for ensuring that your work doesn't unravel or come undone. Fastening off in crochet is a simple process, but there are a few different techniques you can use depending on what type of project you're working on. In this tutorial, we'll show you two different ways to finish off your crochet projects.

How to fasten off in crochet (step-by-step with photos)

When you’ve finished the last stitch, patterns will often tell you to “fasten off leaving a long tail.” A long yarn tail is usually at least 6 inches long, or if you’re sewing the piece onto something else, at least the length of the current piece’s edge. Fastening off keeps the piece together.

1. Finish the last stitch, then yarn over. Pull the yarn through the loop on the hook. There should be one loop left on the hook.
2. Cut the yarn at least 6 inches away from the intersection point.
3. Keep pulling the yarn all the way through loop until you have a knot. If you’re done crocheting a flat piece, weave in the yarn tails.

How much yarn should you leave? It depends. If you’re planning to hide the yarn tail, which is called weaving in the yarn tail, leave enough so you can comfortably thread a needle and weave in the tail. If you’re going to join this piece to another, leave enough yarn to do that and weave in the remaining tail. The way you weave in the yarn tail depends on if you're finishing a flat piece, or a round closed piece.

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