Knitting is a relaxing and rewarding hobby, but even the most experienced knitters make mistakes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, it’s helpful to know how to quickly and easily fix common knitting errors. This article will provide you with easy-to-follow instructions for correcting mistakes, so you can confidently tackle any knitting project and create beautiful, finished pieces.
Look & Learn: How to Spot Mistakes in Your Knitting
Before we look at techniques for fixing knitting mistakes, we first need to understand how to identify them. Recognizing these errors early on can prevent them from escalating and save you time and effort in the long run. In this video, we’ll explore common knitting mistakes, including loose or misshapen stitches, incorrect stitch patterns, accidental holes or eyelets, twisted stitches, and incompletely pulled loops. By developing a keen eye for these issues, you’ll be well-prepared to take corrective action and create beautiful, error-free knitwear.
Mistakes 101: Knitting Too Tight/Loose
It’s important when following a knitting pattern that you are getting the gauge that is specified in the pattern. This will ensure that the size of the final product is correct and that you don’t run out of yarn while knitting. There are times when the gauge isn’t critical in a knitting pattern; however, if the gauge isn’t matched it will affect how much yarn is needed to complete the project as well as the finished size.
A very tight fabric might be called for on a project like a toy or bag, but in general you won’t want a fabric this tight for most projects. The fabric stands up on its own and has poor stitch definition, since the stitches are so close together.
A loose fabric might be desired for a breezy summer top or lace shawl, but for many projects you won’t want a very loose gauge. The stitches have a lot of space between them and the fabric has very little structural integrity.
What you want is a knit gauge with structural integrity, good stitch definition and slight drape. This is often impacted by the type of knitting needle used. If your fabric is too loose, try going down a needle size or two. If your fabric is too tight, go up a couple of needle sizes!
Mistakes 101: Stitches Facing the Wrong Way on the Needle
When examining a knit stitch, you’ll notice two legs. For a correct knit stitch, the right leg should be in front of the needle and the left leg behind. However, errors or dropped stitches can sometimes cause stitches to become misoriented.
If a knit stitch is facing the wrong way (left leg in front, right leg behind), knitting it as usual will result in a twisted stitch, which can be particularly noticeable in Stockinette stitch.
To fix a misoriented stitch, you have two options:
1. Slip and Knit: Slip the stitch to the right needle, then back to the left, ensuring the legs are now correctly positioned. Knit the stitch normally.
2. Knit Through Back Loop: Since the stitch is facing the wrong way, knitting through the back loop will correct its orientation.
Choose the method that feels most comfortable and suits your specific knitting project.
Mistakes 101: Loop Did Not Get Pulled through the Previous Stitch
While knitting, you may encounter a stitch with an extra strand of yarn next to it that resembles a yarn over. However, this extra strand is actually coming from the stitches on either side of the next stitch on the needle, one row below. If the strand isn’t worked into the next stitch, it’s an error. To fix this, simply pull the stitch over the strand of yarn. This will repair the error and allow you to knit the stitch as usual.
Remember to apply the same technique when working purl stitches to identify and correct similar mistakes.
Quick Tip: Fixing Twisted Stitches
It happens to the best of us – we are knitting right along when we notice that instead of the stitch we want to work in being seated on the needle with the right leg forward, the left leg is forward and if we knit or purl into that as we normally would, we will wind up with a twisted stitch, or one in which the resulting stitch has its legs crossed. Check the video for quick ways to fix this issue.
Quick Tip: Fixing A Drop Knit Stitch
Sometimes a knitters best tool is a crochet hook! When you have accidentally dropped a knit stitch you can pick it up quickly and easily using a crochet hook, then pop it back onto your left-hand needle and continue to knit in pattern.
By following these simple tips, you can confidently tackle common knitting mistakes and create beautiful, error-free projects. Remember, knitting is a learning process, and it’s okay to make mistakes. With a little patience and practice, you’ll become a skilled knitter in no time. Happy knitting!
Other videos you might be interested in:
Picking Up a Dropped Stitch in Stockinette Stitch
Picking Up a Dropped Stitch in Garter Stitch
Fixing a Mistake in Ribbing
How to Safely Rip Back to Fix a Knitting Mistake
Fixing Dropped Edge Stitches in Your Knitting
Fixing Mistakes in Lace Knitting
Fixing Basic Yarn Over Mistakes
Fixing a Dropped Brioche Yarn Over
Fixing Mistakes in Slipped Stitch Projects
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