How to Pick Up a Dropped Knit Stitch: Step-by-Step Tutorial

One of the unfortunate facts about knitting is that sooner or later you will need to fix a dropped knit stitch.

Even though a dropped stitch can seem frightening, there is no need to panic. As a matter of fact, fixing dropped stitches are usually a quick fix.

Actually, there are different methods for picking up a dropped knit stitch. Which method you choose, depend on the severity of the problem.

Whichever is the issue, start by securing the dropped stitch so it does not unravel any further. The easiest way to do this is just to slip a locking stitch marker through the loop of the stitch that needs to be rescued.

Alternatively, you can thread a piece of scrap yarn through the loop for the dropped stitch.

Once you have rescued the stitch you may find that it is not the same size as its neighbors. Luckily, you can fix this by giving a little tug on your work in each direction. This should blend the stitches nicely.

Tools Needed to Rescue Dropped Stitches

Learn How to Pick Up a Dropped Knit Stitch

If you have only dropped the stitch one row, use this method.

If you have not already done so, secure the dropped stitch using a stitch marker.

Knit to where the stitch was dropped.

Ensure that the loose strand of yarn is behind the dropped stitch.

Remove the stitch marker and insert the right needle from front to back into the dropped stitch. Ensure that the knitting needle is under the loose horizontal strand.

From the back, insert the left knitting needle into the dropped stitch on the right needle.

Pull the dropped knit stitch over the loose strand.

Next, transfer the newly made stitch back to the left needle by inserting the left knitting needle from front to back into the stitch.

Slip the rescued stitch off the right needle and onto the left one.

Continue knitting as usual.

Learn How to Pick Up a Running Knit Stitch

If your stitch has dropped more than one row, use this method.

You can use a spare knitting needle to pick up the dropped stitch. However, it is much easier to use a crochet hook.

When using this method, make sure that you pull the loops through the strands in the right order. If you do not, there will be an unsightly glitch in your project.

Start by securing the dropped stitch using a stitch marker.

It is easier to pick up the dropped stitch if you knit to where the stitch was dropped.

Before you start, make sure that the loose strands of yarn are in the back of the dropped stitch.

Remove the stitch marker and insert the crochet hook into the stitch from front to back.

Catch the first horizontal strand and pull it through.

Continue using the crochet hook in the same manner until you have worked all the strands.

Finally, place the rescued stich on the left knitting needle, ensuring that it is not backwards.

Continue knitting as usual.