How To Fasten Off

Fastening off is the step that secures your crochet so it will not unravel after you finish. It is usually done at the end of a project or when completing a separate piece, such as an arm, ear, or leg. It is especially useful for amigurumi that are stuffed and for avoiding the hole at the end that would expose the stuffing. 

When you are done with an amigurumi, you will be left with a hole in the middle. 

To fasten off, cut the yarn, leaving a tail long enough to weave in or use for sewing if needed. On that last loop, pull it completely through until you are left with just a long yarn tail. You will thread a tapestry needle through this yarn. 

Insert the needle through the front loop only of the next stitch. Pull gently to tighten.

Repeat the process, working through the front loop of each stitch from the last row. This will create a tight center. 

If the piece will be sewn onto another part later, leave a longer tail.

If not, leave enough yarn to secure it by passing through the body of what you are working on. In this case, we will use the same tapestry needle, insert it right in the middle, pass it through the body, and exit somewhere on the opposite side. Here you can cut it close to the body. 

This step finishes the piece and keeps your work secure.