How do I "weave in ends" in a knitting project?

Question

I just started knitting, and started with the classic scarf. I am an extreme perfectionist and have started over from the beginning a couple times now so I feel like I have the hang of it. Now I want to try making stripes in the scarf, but I'm not sure how to proceed. I was told to just tie the two colors together and keep knitting, but the perfectionist in me doesn't think she'll like the knots that creates very much. So I did some research and saw that I could just leave a tail and weave it in later. Thing is, I don't know how to do that. I can't find a detailed description so I'm not sure how to proceed. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
Also, assuming I can figure this out:
Would the weaving in create weak spots in the scarf?
Would I be able to see this weaving in my pattern or would it make lumps?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Weaving in ends is something that most knitters have their own different, individual methods for doing. Whatever holds the yarn securely and satisfies you as far as looks is the right way to do it for you.

I personally leave about a 3" tail and use a crochet hook to weave it in in the stitch pattern of the fabric (for example, in stockinette stitch, I weave it along that "U", "upside down U" pattern.) My sister does the same thing but using a yarn needle and a 6" tail which she snips short when she's woven it in far enough. Enough is usually 5 stitches' length or so.

I didn't find much for you either as far as net help but here's one text explanation:
http://knitting.about.com/od/learntoknit/a/weaving_in.htm

And here's a video that shows weaving in ends AS YOU GO: http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knitting-tips?searched=weave+ends&highlight=ajaxSearch_highlight+ajaxSearch_highlight1+ajaxSearch_highlight2

As for your other questions:
Weaving in ends actually creates a stronger spot, not a weaker spot. However, it does often look thicker there, especially in smooth stitches like stockinette. You do it on the back though. With some stitches, like garter stitch, it's pretty near invisible no matter where you do it.

With a scarf, it's a tricky thing. You have some options.
-- You can accept the lumpiness on an edge of each new stripe.
-- You can leave nice, long tails (6" or so) and then hide them in a border that you add to the scarf after you finish it.
-- You can use the Russian join if you don't mind a possible jog in the color change on one edge now and then. This doesn't work for all yarns. Here's a tutorial: http://www.knittinganyway.com/freethings/russianjoin.htm
-- OR you can find a nice self-striping yarn. There are more and more gorgeous multicolored yarns on the market everyday. Have fun shopping!

Hope that helps. :)

Answer 2

I hope this will help to cover the knots you will be making at the end of your rows. When you start to knit at the second row, start to knit on knit and purl on purl on the last stitch at the beginning and end of each row. This will leave a little nub at the edge of your work. Your knot will work into it and won't be noticed. Then leave sufficient thread so you can thread it on a needle. Weave one of the colors into the matching color and vise-versa. When weaving go a few inches into the work and then turn the weaving to the opposite direction and when you get to the end snip the left over thread and that too will work and be covered by what you have at the end. Weaving would not make a weak spot as you are not removing any of the yarn. Ok your making it in red and blue weave one thread the red into the red and blue in blue this way you should not be able to see the weaving and since you are weaving with only one thread you should not have a lump. Be sure when you start to go to the opposite direction you pull the thread so it "fits' and is not tight and pulling on the work.

Answer 3

i want a headband! i'm an analogous way! I weave, macrame and crochet and am attempting to income a thank you to knit, besides the fact that if it is not undemanding getting out of my "crocheting" mentality. St. Vincents and particularly lots all church homes will different than clothing and different issues and that i think of they frequently have clothing drives and stuff.. otherwise Goodwill? (Oh, easily visit a craft keep on your section and ask them this. i'm constructive they have suggestion on diverse charity initiatives you could help with.)

Answer 4

It won't make lumps. You just use a needle to dive back in and go over, under, over under on the back of the work, until the tail disappears.
.