How to Fix a Missed Stitch in Knitting
If you’ve ever knit a project and noticed somewhere down the line that something has gone wrong with your stitch, it can be quite disheartening. What do you do when the loved scarf or jumper suddenly looks like it needs an extreme makeover? Don’t despair! There is a way to fix knitting mistakes without having to unravel everything you have spent so much time on.
In this blog post, we will take a look at how to remedy slipped stitches, dropped stitches, split or elongated stitches, and many more of the common problems encountered in knitting projects – all while minimizing the stress and damage inflicted upon your precious creation. Follow the steps below to find out how to fix a missed stitch in knitting.
Things to Keep in Mind While Fixing a Missed Stitch in Knitting
1. Prepare
Always remember to take a deep breath before attempting any kind of repair, and take your time in order to get it right. It is important that you understand the process of fixing a missed stitch in knitting before attempting to do it.
2. Careful Needlework
You will need two needles in order to fix a missed stitch, one larger than the other and both double-pointed. Use the larger needle for yarn manipulation while making sure not to split or break any existing stitches with the smaller needle.
3. Know Your Stitch
It is important to identify the problem stitch before attempting to fix it. Knowing what kind of stitch you are dealing with will make the process faster and easier as well as ensure that you don’t damage any stitches further in the attempt to correct it.
4. Keeping Tension
Keeping consistent tension throughout your knitting project is important for preventing mistakes and achieving a neat finish. As the tension increases, it can cause some stitches to become tighter or looser than others, leading to possible errors in row counting and dropped stitches.
Required Items to Fix a Missed Stitch in Knitting
- 2 double-pointed needles (one larger than the other)
- Yarn
- Scissors
10 Ways How to Fix a Missed Stitch in Knitting
1. Insert a Smaller Needle
Insert the smaller needle into the missed stitch from below, and then bring it out onto the larger needle. Make sure you do not pull it too tight, as that can create an unwanted hole in your knitting. Also, be sure that the stitch is sitting correctly on the larger needle.
2. Pick Up the Stitch
Using your working yarn, pick up a loop from the missed stitch and place it onto the left needle. Pull it through so that you now have two stitches on the right needle. Make sure they are not twisted, and then proceed to work them together as one st.
3. Knit the Stitch
Knit the stitch as normal, making sure you don’t pull it too tight or make any unneeded holes in your knitting. You can also add a few extra knit stitches on either side of the missed stitch to help keep its shape and form.
4. Crossed Stitches
To fix crossed stitches, you will need to unpick the last three stitches and then rework them. If it is only two stitches, you can work them together as one, but if there are more than that, you may need to unravel back a few rows in order to fix it properly.
5. Dropped Stitches
To fix dropped stitches, you will first need to locate the dropped stitch and then insert a crochet hook into it. Pull the working yarn through and place the stitch back onto your left needle. Work it as normal, making sure to keep a consistent tension throughout.
6. Split Stitches
To fix split stitches, you will need to locate the split stitch, then insert your smaller needle from below into both of them at the same time. Pull this through so that they are both on the larger needle, and then knit them together as one stitch.
7. Elongated Stitches
To fix elongated stitches, you will need to locate the stitch and insert your smaller needle from below into it. Take a loop of yarn and pull it through onto the larger needle, knitting it together with the elongated stitch as one.
8. Twist or Gaps in Stitches
To fix twists or gaps in stitches, you will need to locate the twist or gap and then insert your smaller needle from below into both of them at the same time. Pull this through so that they are both on the larger needle, and then knit them together as one stitch.
9. Yarn Over Mistakes
To fix yarn over mistakes, you will need to unravel the last few rows until you get to the place where the mistake was made. Then do a yarn over and knit the two stitches together as one. Remember to keep a consistent tension throughout, as this can help prevent further mistakes.
10. Buttonholes
To fix buttonholes that are too small or too large, you can reknit the row and adjust the number of stitches accordingly. Make sure to check your gauge before reknitting, as this will help ensure you get a perfect fit for all your buttons.
By following these steps, you should have no problem fixing any missed stitches in knitting that come up along the way. However, if after attempting to fix it you are still struggling, never be afraid to ask for help – whether from a friend or a professional. There is no shame in admitting that you need some help, and with patience and practice, anyone can learn how to fix knitting mistakes.
8 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fixing a Missed Stitch in Knitting
1. Avoid using the wrong needle size. One of the most common mistakes when it comes to fixing a missed stitch in knitting is using the wrong needle size. It’s important to use the same needle size as you were originally using for your project, so that your stitch remains even and consistent throughout the piece.
2. Avoid pulling the yarn too tightly. When fixing a missed stitch in knitting, it’s important to not pull the yarn too tight, as this can result in puckering or uneven edges. Aim to keep your tension even while you work on each row and when fixing any mistakes.
3. Avoid using a different weight of yarn. When fixing a missed stitch in knitting, it’s important to use the same weight of yarn that you were originally using. If you switch to a different weight of yarn, your stitches could be too loose or tight and won’t look as even and neat as they should.
4. Avoid dropping stitches accidentally. Dropping stitches can happen very easily when fixing a mistake, so it’s important to be careful and always keep your needle and yarn in secure positions.
5. Avoid stretching the stitches too much. Stretching the stitches while knitting can cause them to become uneven and wonky. Make sure you don’t overstretch or pull too tightly on any of the stitches while attempting to fix a missed stitch.
6. Avoid splitting the yarn while fixing a stitch. Splitting the yarn when trying to fix a mistake can be another common issue, so take your time and make sure you don’t split the yarn as you work on each row.
7. Avoid using more than one thread at once. Using too many threads while fixing a missed stitch can result in extra bulk, which can ruin the overall appearance of your project.
8. Avoid leaving holes in your knitting. When fixing a missed stitch, it’s important to make sure you don’t leave any gaps or holes in your knitting, as this will affect the integrity and look of your project. Make sure each stitch is secure and tight before moving on to the next.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your knitting project is fixed correctly and with minimal visible flaws. Remember to take your time while fixing a missed stitch in knitting, as this will ultimately result in a better-finished product!
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to fix a missed stitch in knitting can seem overwhelming or daunting at first, but with practice and patience, it’s an easily achievable task. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or brand new to the craft, knowing how to fix a mistake can boost your confidence and keep your finished project looking neat and perfect.
Once you become more familiar with the steps of correcting a mistake in knitting, it won’t take long for you to feel more confident executing the correctly-executed stitches. So go forth with some trial runs on scrap fabric, and don’t forget to practice makes perfect. Plus, having the ability to correct a wrong stitch is one of many badges of honor that knitters gain from their craft! Follow the steps above, and soon enough, you’ll be able to master fixing any missed stitch in knitting.
Nancy Behan
Nancy is an embroidery artist, fashion blogger and a full time editor at DIY quickly. Nancy edits the fashion section on DIY quickly, focusing on the embroidery and cross stitch articles, alongside with fabric and other costume design elements. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History. She loves to work on her own projects, read books and watch romantic movies in her spare time.
