PurlsAndPixels

Weave in the Loose End on Hat Tops

Learn how to weave in the loose end at the top of a hat in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Once you have taken your last stitches off the knitting needles, you can weave in your loose end to finish the tops of your knit hat projects. First, you will pull the loose end to the inside of your work. Then weave then end into a few stitches before tying a knot to anchor the yarn in place.

Below you will find both video and written guides to help you learn how weave in the yarn tail at the top of a knit hat.

Video Guide: How to Weave in the Yarn Tail at the Top of a Knit Hat

Written Guides: How to Weave in the Yarn Tail at the Top of a Knit Hat

Step 1: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 1:

Thread the loose end through the eye of a darning needle.

Step 2: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 2:

Insert the tip of the darning needle into the middle of the hole at the top of your work.

Step 3: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 3:

While turning your work inside-out, pull the darning needle and yarn tail through to the back of the work.

Step 4: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 4:

Locate the stitches that form a ring around the hole at the top of your work. Thread the tip of the darning needle through three or four stitches in a counterclockwise direction.

Step 5: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 5:

Pull the needle and the yarn tail through the stitches.

Step 6: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 6:

Take the darning needle off the yarn tail.

Step 7: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 7:

Inspect your yarn tail by untwisting it a bit, near your work. Identify the individual yarn plies and count them. Use the tip of your darning needle to help you split the plies into two equal sections. With the four-ply yarn shown, the plies should be split so there are two on each side.

Step 8: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 8:

Gently separate the two halves of the yarn with your darning needle by sliding it out toward the end of the tail. Take care not to break the strands by pulling too quickly or roughly.

Step 9: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 9:

Once the tail is split in two, set one half aside and thread the other half through the eye of your darning needle.

Step 10: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 10:

With the darning needle, sew this half of the tail under and through several of the stitches that form a circle at the top of the work, continuing in a counterclockwise direction.

Step 11: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 11:

Pull the yarn through the stitches with the darning needle, then continue sewing it through all the stitches in a counterclockwise direction until you reach the other half of the yarn tail.

Step 12: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 12:

Remove the tail from the darning needle. Your end is now prepared so that when you tie your knot, you will be anchoring it inside the top ring of stitches.

Step 13: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 13:

Lay the halves of the yarn tail out in opposite directions. One side should point right, the other should point left.

Step 14: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 14:

Tie two small interlocking knots. (See this link for more specific instructions.)  

Step 15: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 15:

Using the sharpest scissors you have available, clip off both halves of the yarn tail, one at a time, as closely as possible to the knot, without cutting the knot itself.

Step 16: Weave in the loose end of hat tops in this knitting lesson with Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

Weave in Hat Top Tail, Step 16:

Stretch the top of your work to help the knot settle into the project. It will hide itself amongst the other stitches.

Return to Hat Finishing Tips to see how to to weave in your other loose ends.

Practice With My Knitting Patterns

Ready to try it?

Learn to make a simple knit beanie hat in all sizes with this knitting pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

You will finish Simple Knit Beanie hats with the yarn tails as I’ve shown you in this lesson.

Basic Slouch Hat knitting pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels.

My Slouch Hat pattern is finished by weaving in the loose ends in the same manner.

Learn to close hat tops in this knitting lesson from Liz Chandler @PurlsAnd Pixels.

Up Next

Next, let’s learn to make knitting increases. The “Make One” increases add stitches to your rows. Learning these stitches will allow you to shape the thumbs of gloves and more.

Go Back to the Learn to Knit Index

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