Tips & Tricks for Preventing Yarn Splitting While Crocheting
Looking for how to keep yarn ends from fraying? This video tutorial will provide tips to avoid splitty yarn when you are crocheting (or knitting).
Whether you've tried knitting or crocheting, you probably have seen some yarn splitting while working. It can be frustrating and problematic when your finished project doesn't look as sharp as it could. Heidi is here to provide tips and tricks that will help prevent yarn splitting while crocheting.
No matter how you describe it: yarn getting fuzzy, splitting, unraveling, or just plain coming apart, it's a problem. When yarn splits, it makes crocheting more difficult and loosens the fiber, which results in a crochet piece that doesn't look professional. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help avoid this common crochet problem and this video tutorial features the easiest solutions.
We even asked our audience for additional tips on how to keep yarn ends from fraying, and those tips are below as well. We think these ideas will help you keep your yarn behaving during your next crochet project.
Tips & Tricks for Preventing Yarn Splitting While Crocheting
Click on any of the images to enlarge.
Tip #1: Choosing Yarn
Look at the yarn you are using - the number of plys and the twist style is going to help or hurt yarn splitting. Fewer plys mean less separation of the strands. Look at the ends of the yarn you have and compare.
If you're at the store, looking for yarn, check the label for information on the plys, weight, and material. These are going to help determine how easily or not your yarn will split while working.
However, this is just one of the factors. Check out the next section for more tips.
Tip #2: Choosing Hooks
Using a tapered vs in-line crochet hook is going to factor into yarn splitting as well.
- Tapered crochet hooks have a pointed cone shape at the top and cylindrical hook handle. This is the hook on the right in the image below.
- In-line crochet hooks have a rounded top and notch cut out of the hook handle. This is the hook on the left in the image below.
AllFreeCrochet readers Laurie and Deborah agree.
"Try different hooks. I find that some of my hooks split more than others. Have a variety on hand. " - Laurie
"It's often the hooks, some are the same size in mm but the ends can be different, it's just happened to me on my latest project." - Deborah
However, this is just another one of the factors. Check out the next section for more tips.
Tip #3: Check Your Speed
As much as you may want to get your crochet projects done as fast as possible, working too fast may be the reason your yarn is splitting. Work slower and meticulously will help you see the results of your work as you go. If you work too fast and get splits, the finished product isn't ideal anyway, so this is worthwhile.
However, this is just another one of the factors. Check out the next section for more tips.
Tip #4: Check the Twists
If you notice your yarn is twisting one way or another, getting tighter or unwound, you might want to take the time in between rows or rounds to physically undo those twists or retwist as needed.
When the fibers fold in half and twist together like a yarn hank, you'll be able to see that your yarn is twisting too much and it can cause to more splitting or other problems while you crochet.
However, this is just another one of the factors. Check out the next section for more tips.
Tip #5: Consider Quality
Using a higher quality yarn is going to produce a better crochet piece and cause fewer problems while you work. Natural fibers, like wool, naturally sticks to itself. That's why wool is used so prevalently in clothing.
Certain fibers have interlocking capabilities which help to prevent yarn splitting in stitches and rows, thus, making a crochet piece that is cleanly made.
We asked AllFreeCrochet readers if they had any tips for dealing with yarn splitting. A few said that hairspray, Fray Check, and beeswax can help keep the twists secure while crocheting. Anita had a great idea when storing your yarn. She said,
"Cover the edge with sellotape. Cut it off whenever you are using the yarn again."
How do you prevent yarn from splitting while crocheting?