The Daily Crochet ~ Carrying Yarn Up the Sides

Learning how to carry yarn in crochet has been a total game-changer for my projects, especially when I'm dealing with lots of color changes. Seriously, who enjoys weaving in a gazillion ends? Not me! This method is my go-to for keeping things tidy and saving precious time. So, what exactly is carrying yarn up the sides? It's a technique where, instead of cutting your yarn every time you switch colors, you simply bring the inactive color along the edge of your work, encasing it within the stitches of the active color. This way, it's ready to be picked up again when you need it, and your edges stay much cleaner. I've found it works wonders for projects like my temperature blanket, where I'm constantly switching colors every few rows, or for striped scarves where the color repeat is consistent. My personal rule of thumb is that this technique shines when there are only two or three rows between the same color. If the gap is any larger, the carried yarn might create a long, visible loop on the side, or it could pucker your fabric – and nobody wants that! In those cases, I've learned that it's much better to just cut the yarn and weave in the ends as usual. It’s all about finding that balance for a beautifully finished piece. To really nail carrying yarn up the sides, here’s a tip I've picked up: always make sure your carried yarn isn't pulled too tightly. If it's too taut, your fabric will start to pucker and lose its shape. You want it to lie flat and relaxed within those stitches. Also, when you're working your stitches, make sure you're consistently crocheting over the inactive yarn, hiding it completely. This is key for a truly neat edge. I usually give the carried yarn a gentle tug every few stitches to ensure it's not too loose or too tight, keeping the tension just right. This method is particularly fantastic for pieces that will eventually have a border, as the border will completely conceal the carried yarn, making your work look incredibly professional. But even without a border, with a bit of practice, you can get those edges looking crisp. I’ve even used it successfully on scarves where I wasn't planning a border, just by being extra mindful of my tension and ensuring the carried yarn was fully hidden. Experiment with it on a swatch first to see how it works with your chosen yarn and hook size. Happy crocheting, and enjoy those cleaner edges!