Why is my stuff unraveling?

[Nicole]

I'm a brand new knitter. I just started teaching myself with books and the internet a week and a half ago. Why is everything I try to make coming unraveled? What is the proper way to tie the ends off? Help! I was so proud of the little handbag I made my daughter, but a few days later it came undone.

Please forgive my novice question. I need help! I'm afraid to start any new projects because I think it will just come undone.

[pamelamama]

Q. I've been told that I shouldn't knot my yarn. If I don't tie knots when I join a new skein or change color, what should I do with the ends to keep them secure?

A. You should never knot your yarn when knitting and crocheting because knots will unravel or "pop" through to the front of your work and look terrible. Instead, twist the ends of yarn (i.e., the end of the yarn you are currently working with and the end of the new skein) around one another once on the wrong side of your work (this avoids holes), and then weave the ends in.

To weave in ends, use a yarn needle or size 16 tapestry needle.Thread in the yarn end and weave it through the back of stitches or along the seam edge, about 1" in one direction and 1" in the reverse direction. Weave ends in under the same color. Cut off any excess yarn. Only weave in one yarn end at a time to avoid a bulky spot.

Many crocheters prefer to work ends into their work to secure them, i.e., incorporate the end as they are crocheting another row. Just remember to work the end in the same color yarn.

good advice from http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/questions.html

xox pam