Q&A for How to Finish Knitting

There are a few different ways to do it, but the most basic is that when you get to your last row, you knit two stitches, then move the loop of the first stitch over the loop of the second stitch. Then, you'll knit one more stitch and move the loop over that stitch. That way, you're reducing the number of stitches you have all the way to the end.

I usually leave a 6-10" tail then weave it back and forth to secure it and hide it within the knitting. Don't cut it off short as that can lead to unraveling, and after all your hard work, that's the last thing you want to happen.

At the end of the last row (usually a purl row), in the color you are using, leave a long length of a wool "tail." On the next knit row start using the new color of yarn. Remember to leave about at least 6 inches extra yarn as a "tail." Don't knot the wool together where you've added a new color, as this will spoil your work. Use a darning needle to darn in the "tails" of wool on the wrong side of the work for a neat finish.

If the instructions in the article aren't clear, you can watch the video below for a demonstration.

There is a good explanation with photos online under the "pull through" to cast off method. The author uses this description, and it will result in the star shape pattern created by the stitches being pulled together.