Weaving in Ends with Duplicate Stitch

Weaving in ends, is it my least favorite step in knitting?  
​Quite possibly.

Is it extremely important?
Most Definitely.

As I’ll probably state a million times, I first learned to knit from reading books and I have to say most of them did a really poor job of explaining good techniques for weaving in ends.  It was only a few years ago I learned about using duplicate stitch to weave ends and it makes so much sense.

Because the tail is following the stitch path of the work, and thus taking the shape of a stitch, it moves and stretch with the fabric avoiding any distortions. Plus the tail stays put.  This is my go to method for weaving in ends

Below are directions for making a sample swatch with a contrasting color so you can practice recognizing the stitch path. 

Duplicate Stitch Practice Swatch

Supplies: Circular or DPN
Worsed Weight Yarn: 2 colors
Tapestry Needle

Any yarn will do but I would recommend a smooth yarn that provides good stitch definition.  I like worsted weight because the stitches are large enough to see, but you still have to do some work to identity the stitches. 

Directions:- Cast On: With Color A 20 – 30 stitches. 

-Knit Stockingette for 10 rows ending with a wrong side row.

-Cut yarn leaving a 4-6 inch tail.
(More tails to practice weaving in your ends the better)

-Join Color B being sure to the new yarn has a good 4-6 inch tail. 
Do not use join methods like spit join, Russian Join, magic knot etc. that do not leave a tail to weave in

– Knit 1 row.

–  Cut Color B leaving 4-6 inch tail

-Slide fabric down to other end of needle

-Join Color A the same as you did Color B

-Knit Stockingnette for 10 rows.

-Cast Off

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