If you’ve ever been knitting along and had a dropped stitch, you know how frustrating it can be. It’s an easy mistake to make, but luckily it is also easy to fix. Picking up dropped stitches is a great skill for any knitter, so read on for all the tips and tricks you need to have this skill mastered.
How to Pick Up a Dropped Stitch – Easy and Quick Knitting
The first thing you need to do when picking up a dropped stitch is located it. This may sound simple, but with long rows of stitches, it can get tricky especially if your yarn has already unraveled quite a bit. To find the dropped stitch, start at the bottom of your knitting, closest to where the stitch dropped off. You should see some loose yarn running down the back side of your work; that’s where your dropped stitch will be. Once you’ve located it, use a crochet hook to pull it up through the row above.
Once you have the dropped stitch back on your needle, you need to secure it in place by wrapping the yarn around the base of the stitch several times known as “tacking“. This will keep the knot from unraveling and help keep your knitting together. To finish off tacking, wrap the yarn around both needles once more and pull tight before continuing with your knitting as normal.
If there are multiple stitches missing from different places in your work, they can be picked up one by one in exactly the same way as above. When working with multiple missing stitches or when dealing with particularly complicated patterns like lace or cable knits, however, it can be helpful to use a lifeline thread.
Also Read: How do You do a Slip Stitch in Knitting
Picking Up a Dropped Purl Stitch
Picking up a dropped purl stitch is similar to picking up a dropped knit stitch, but with a slight variation. To pick up a dropped purl stitch, you’ll need to identify the stitch and determine which way it was twisted.
Once you know the direction of the twist, you can insert a crochet hook or knitting needle from front to back through the V-shaped stitch below the dropped stitch. Then, hook the dropped stitch and bring it through the loop before placing it back onto your knitting needle.
It’s important to make sure that the stitch is twisted in the same direction as the surrounding stitches to avoid creating a hole or a noticeable bump in your knitting. With some patience and practice, you’ll be able to quickly fix any dropped purl stitches and continue with your knitting project.
FAQs
How do I pick up a dropped stitch when knitting?
To pick up a dropped stitch in knitting, you’ll need to use a crochet hook or knitting needle. First, locate the dropped stitch and insert the hook or needle from the bottom of the stitch up through the loop. Then, hook the loop and pull it back up through the stitch. You can then continue knitting as usual.
How do you pick up a dropped stitch several rows down?
Picking up a dropped stitch several rows down can be a bit trickier, but it’s still doable. First, locate the dropped stitch and figure out which row it was dropped on. Then, use a crochet hook or knitting needle to pick up the stitch on the row below the dropped stitch. Work your way up, picking up the stitch on each subsequent row until you reach the row with the dropped stitch. Finally, insert the stitch back onto your knitting needle and continue knitting.
How do you pick up a dropped stitch in the same row?
If you drop a stitch in the same row, you can simply use a crochet hook or knitting needle to pick up the stitch and place it back onto your knitting needle. Make sure to insert the hook or needle through both sides of the V-shaped stitch, and then use it to pull the loop back up through the stitch.
How do you pick up a dropped stitch in a finished project?
If you notice a dropped stitch in a finished project, you can still fix it using a crochet hook or knitting needle. First, locate the dropped stitch and gently pull on the surrounding stitches to create some slack. Then, use your hook or needle to pick up the stitch and work it back up through the surrounding stitches. Finally, use a tapestry needle to weave in any loose ends and secure the stitch in place.
Conclusion
Picking up dropped stitches doesn’t have to be hard or intimidating. By following these simple tips and tricks, even beginner knitters can easily repair their mistakes without having to start over from scratch. And if all else fails, remember that a lifeline thread always makes for an excellent safety net. So go ahead and start practicing today and soon enough dropping those stitches won’t seem like such a big deal anymore.
Also Read: How to Loom Knit a Hat in 5 Simple Steps