Ending a crochet project worked in the round requires securing the last stitch and finishing the edge seamlessly. The most common and often preferred method, especially for projects like hats or amigurumi, is the invisible finish (also known as the seamless join or faux stitch join).
The Purpose of Finishing in the Round
When working in continuous rounds or joining rounds with a slip stitch, there's typically a visible 'step' or join line where each round ends and the next begins. Simply cutting the yarn and pulling through leaves an abrupt end. The invisible finish technique is designed to create a clean, smooth edge that blends in with the surrounding stitches, making the end of your project virtually unnoticeable.
The Invisible Finish Method
This technique uses a yarn needle to create a "faux" stitch that mimics the appearance of the stitches in your final round, connecting the last stitch worked to the first stitch of that round.
Here are the steps for executing the invisible finish:
- Cut the Yarn: After completing your final stitch, cut the yarn, leaving a tail about 6-8 inches long. This gives you enough length to work with for the join and weaving in the end.
- Pull Through: Pull the cut tail completely through the loop on your hook.
- Thread Needle: Thread the yarn tail onto a tapestry or yarn needle.
- Go Through the First Stitch: Locate the first full stitch of the round you just completed (usually the stitch immediately following your slip stitch join, or the first stitch if working in continuous rounds). As described in the reference, go to the top of your turning chain [or first stitch] and thread the tail through the top of this stitch (passing under both loops from front to back). Thread the tail through it and pull gently to draw the yarn through.
- Go Back Through the Last Stitch: Now, locate the last stitch you made in the round. Insert your needle back down through the top of the last stitch, usually going through the center of the stitch or under the back loop. As the reference states, throw the tail back through the top of the last stitch.
- Adjust Tension: Gently pull the yarn tail. This action creates a new loop that sits on top, mimicking the appearance of a complete stitch over the stitch you initially skipped (the first stitch of the round). Adjust the tension so this faux stitch matches the size of the surrounding stitches.
- Secure and Weave In: On the wrong side of your work, thread the tail through the back of a few stitches to secure it. Trim any excess yarn.
By following these steps, you effectively close the round with a faux stitch that looks like all the others, creating a seamless finish.
Why Use the Invisible Finish?
- Seamless Appearance: Eliminates the visible 'step' or join line.
- Professional Look: Gives your finished object a clean and polished edge.
- Versatility: Suitable for various projects worked in the round.
This method, utilizing a yarn needle to strategically loop the yarn through the first and last stitches of the round, is a fundamental skill for achieving a professional look on your finished crochet items.
