When I first began making ruffled scarves, I followed the manufacturer's instructions – jumping right in and working along the top edge. The problem: after I was finished, the ragged end just hung there, not always hidden under the ruffle. I experimented and found an easy solution.

Video: Simple & Sensational™ - How to Begin and End Crocheting with Mesh Yarn

Working along the beginning end, start at the top edge, insert your hook from the back to the front, weaving your hook front to back and back to front through the mesh until you reach the bottom edge. Grab the bottom edge and pull it through the mesh loops on your hook. Now you have your first loop for working along the top edge. What's nice is you also have a neat edge for your first ruffle. What to do with the unsightly tail? You can either: twist the tail and work it in as you crochet or drop the tail and later you can twist it tightly, lay it back over the core and tack it down.

This technique works with a close mesh yarn such as Bernat® Twist and Twirl or a wide mesh such as Premier® Starbella.

When you reach the end, the process is the same. Starting at the top edge, insert your hook from the back to the front, weaving your hook front to back and back to front through the mesh until you reach the bottom edge. Grab the bottom edge and pull it through the mesh loops on your hook. Since you are at the end, you can grab the tail and pull it though the last loop, forming a knot. Twist the tail tightly, lay it back over the core and tack it securely down. Gently pull the ruffles down at each end.