How to Fix Knitting Mistakes Without Ripping Out Rows/Rounds

Have you ever found a mistake several rows or rounds later? You may be able to fix it without ripping out all that work! Learn how to fix knitting mistakes without frogging (ripping out rows or rounds), by dropping the problematic stitch and “laddering” it back up again.

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Fix Knitting Mistakes in Basic Stitches First

It is possible to use this technique with complicated stitch patterns like lace and cables, but it’s more difficult. Learn the technique on basic stitch patterns first, before trying something more complicated. In this tutorial, we’ll look at how to fix knitting mistakes in basic knit and purl patterns only.

This technique is also easiest to learn on plain, smooth yarn in a worsted or larger weight. Tiny yarns, splitty yarns or fuzzy yarns all make the process a little harder.

How to Fix Knitting Mistakes

Get a Crochet Hook or Latch Hook

While it is possible to do this with just the needles, using a crochet hook is easier. Any hook size that can comfortably work with your yarn will do, but a crochet hook similar in size to your knitting needles is ideal. A latch hook is also a good option.

Drop the Problem Stitch (Laddering Down)

First, continue working the next row up to the stitch directly above the mistake. If you prefer, you can just transfer the stitches to another needle instead of working them.

When you get to the right stitch, take it off the needle. Then, carefully let the stitch drop down past the mistake. I know, this is the scary part, but it will be ok! This is also called “laddering down” because it forms a ladder of dropped threads.

Ladder Back Up

Now you have your stitch below where the mistake was, and a ladder of horizontal bars ready to take you back up to the top. All you have to do, is “climb” back up the ladder, using the crochet hook to form knit and purl stitches as needed.

Knitting and Purling

The difference between the knit and purl stitches is the direction in which you pull the “ladder” yarn through the loop. Think of the horizontal “ladder” yarn as your working yarn. To knit, the working yarn needs to be behind your working loop, and to purl it needs to be in front.

Fixing a Knit Stitch

To knit, move the horizontal yarn behind the loop. Then use the crochet hook to pull the working yarn through the loop from back to front.

Fixing a Purl Stitch

To purl, move the horizontal yarn in front of the loop. Then use the crochet hook to pull the working yarn through the loop from front to back.

Pay Attention to Tension

As you ladder back up, try to keep each stitch even in tension with its neighboring stitches. Ease any excess yarn into the stitches on either side if necessary.

Finishing

Once you reach the top again, just slip the corrected stitch back onto the needle. Look – the mistake is all gone!

Resume knitting where you left off. If you knit up to the corrected stitch in the first step, continue knitting starting with that corrected stitch. If you slipped stitches to get to the problem stitch, then slip those stitches back again to begin knitting where your tail is.