Knitting is a delightful craft, but when a stitch drops, it can feel like disaster strikes. Fear not! Whether it’s a knit or purl stitch, and regardless of how many rows below it has fallen, you can rescue your knitting with a few simple steps. This step-by-step tutorial will guide you through the process, ensuring you can confidently fix a dropped stitch without unraveling your entire project.
Introduction: The Beauty of Knitting Fixes
Knitting involves no knots, allowing you to rework sections repeatedly. Armed with a crochet hook and a minute or two, you can mend a dropped stitch and continue your project seamlessly. This tutorial explores three options for fixing dropped stitches, using a repair hook, “tinking” or unknitting, and the brave technique of frogging.
Option 1: Using a Repair Hook
- Identify the Dropped Stitch: Place a locking stitch marker on the dropped stitch to secure it. If in the middle of a row, complete the row first.
- Insert the Hook: Use a repair hook or a slightly smaller crochet hook. Insert it into the dropped loop.
- Grab the Ladders: Pull the dropped stitch through the horizontal bars (ladders) above it, ensuring no twists.
- Check and Continue: Confirm that the fixed stitch aligns with your pattern. Continue knitting with confidence.
Option 2: Tink or Unknit
- Tink Backwards: Tink, or unknit, each stitch until reaching the dropped stitch.
- Pick up the Stitch: Once at the dropped stitch, use the knitting needle to pick it up. Mark the starting point on your pattern.
Option 3: Frogging
- Embrace the “Rib-it Rib-it” Sound: Unravel stitches until reaching the mistake. Ideal if close to the error or if starting fresh is acceptable.
- Note the Stitch: Record the stitch on your pattern as stitches will be lost during frogging.
Fixing Dropped Stitches after Casting Off
- Secure with a Marker: Even after casting off, if you discover a dropped stitch, secure it with a locking stitch marker.
- Use the Repair Hook: Insert the hook into the dropped stitch, pick it up, and pull it through the ladders.
- Weave in Spare Yarn: Secure the final loop with spare yarn, weaving in the ends neatly.
- Smooth and Block: Smooth the area and consider wet blocking for impeccable results.
Handling Dropped Stitches in Finished Projects
- Locate and Secure: Spot the dropped stitch and secure it immediately to prevent further unraveling.
- Thread Back Up: Identify the ladders above the dropped stitch, threading it back up each one.
- Place on Needle: Once threaded, place the saved stitch back onto the left needle.
- Resume Knitting: Continue knitting with the rescued stitch in its place.
Remember, dropping a stitch in knitting doesn’t have to be a catastrophe. With these techniques, you can confidently fix dropped stitches, ensuring your knitting journey remains enjoyable and stress-free.
Read More: How to Pick Up Dropped Stitches in Knitting