How to Finish Off Mosaic Crochet Ends
4 Methods You Need to Know
Hey crocheters! So you’ve almost finished an overlay mosaic crochet project—yay! The colorwork was easier than you thought and you love this technique, except for one small problem. When you change colors each row, you’ve got tons of those pesky little yarn ends to deal with. So, what are you going to do with them? I’ve got you!
Whether you’re looking for a neat finish, some playful fringe, or just a seamless look, you’ve got options. And I’m going to walk you through four of them. Learn how to finish off mosaic crochet ends—the methods, their pros and cons, and what projects they’re best suited for.
Pin this Post for Later.
Video overview of Methods to Finish Off Mosaic Crochet Projects
4 Simple Methods to Finish Off Mosaic Crochet Ends
1. Sew Them In
The first way is what you do with really any other crochet project. You can sew in those ends. Maybe you’re looking for a way to finish it that doesn’t have any ends, and it doesn’t have any border, and you’re just wanting to weave in those ends. That’s just fine!
Weaving in ends works great for smaller projects or projects with combined techniques. For instance, my section of the Road Trip Crochet Along is just a few rows of mosaic crochet as part of a sampler blanket which uses many different stitches. It makes sense to sew them in, just like you’d do for the other sections.
If it’s a big project, like a full mosaic crochet blanket, unless you’re watching a movie, I personally wouldn’t do it. But I know lots of people do and they prefer sewing to one of these other methods. If you don’t mind weaving in ends, grab your yarn needle and have at it! But if you aren’t a fan, keep reading for other alternatives to finish off mosaic crochet ends.
2. Simple Fringe
A second thing option that is quick and easy is a simple fringed edging. Fringe works great for coasters, scarves, and blankets worked the long way. I use a simple fringe on my Mosaic Squares Coaster and Nordic Star Scarf.
Creating a simple fringe is probably the fastest way to finish off mosaic crochet ends. And that’s because you don’t really do anything extra special. Simply trim up the ends to make them all the same size. You could use a clipboard, a rotary cutter, a pair of scissors, whatever. Just make all of the ends the same length. Clean it up and that’s it!
If you want a fuller, thicker look, you could also add extra fringe. Cut some even lengths of yarn and loop them through the edges of the project, in between the mosaic crochet ends. You can see how to attach the extra fringe here (this is not a mosaic crochet project, but you’d loop the extra pieces through in the same way).
3. Twisted Fringe
A third method is called twisted fringe. Twisted fringe is fun and easy to do and adds a playful touch. It’s perfect for projects where you want a touch of elegance with an element of fun—like on the Peaks and Pillars Scarf.
With twisted fringe, you trim the edges so that they’re all the same length. Maybe leave them a little bit longer than you would for a simple fringe. Then, you’re going to grab two of the ends and twist them one by one. Tie them together. And then when you let go, now they twist together. Watch the video tutorial here to see how it’s done.
4. Envelope Border
Finally, the fourth option to finish off mosaic crochet ends, which I do most often with my blankets, is an envelope border. An envelope border is also called a double border. You’re going to crochet two different borders—one on the back side of your work and one on the front side of the work. Then, you’re going to seam them together to hide the ends inside.
There’s more than one method for making an envelope border. I essentially just do single crochet or half double crochet in the front loops of the front side and then of the back side. Then just crochet on top of that and seam them together. You can see envelope borders on the Mosaic Gingerbread Blanket and the Nordic Star CAL. For even more options, check out my YouTube playlist of envelope border tutorials.
I usually do simple envelope borders on my designs. Other designers will add mosaic crochet elements or other fun border stitches. So, there’s lots of different tutorials, lots of different methods. Of course, you can follow my method, which is great. But if you find another one out there that you love, that is just fine as well.
How Will You Finish Off Your Mosaic Crochet Ends?
So there you have it—four different, unique ways to finish off your mosaic crochet ends. Which one of those is your favorite? Which one have you used the most? And are you excited to try any of these new that you’ve never tried before? Comment below and let me know. And as always, happy crocheting.
