6 Essential Techniques for Fixing Common Knitting Mistakes

6 Essential Techniques for Fixing Common Knitting Mistakes

Are you tired of frogging your knitting projects because of a simple mistake? Maybe you’re hesitant about moving on to more advanced techniques (hello Brioche) because you’re worried about not being able to fix mistakes? That’s okay! We’ve all been there, facing those frustrating moments when a simple oversight turns into a tangled mess. But fear not, fellow knitters! There’s a solution to transform those dreaded “oops” moments into valuable learning opportunities.

Tackle any project with confidence: below, I’ve curated a collection of essential techniques to fix the most common knitting mistakes. These techniques, shared on my Instagram channel, cover a range of knitting mishaps, ensuring that you spend more time enjoying your craft and less time unraveling your work.

Let’s delve into these 6 essential knitting-fix tutorials from my Instagram:

Oops, I Forgot a Decrease!

So you missed a decrease stitch—it happens! But how do you sneak it back in? How far down can you drop? And how do you know if you’re on the right track? It’s all about the elasticity of your yarn and the width of your piece. In this tutorial, I drop down a few rows to pop in that missing decrease and then smooth out the wrinkles.

Lost in the Yarn Over Maze?

If you’re knee-deep in lace knitting and suddenly realize you forgot a yarn over, don’t panic! It’s an easy fix. If you notice it on the WS row, just pick up that running thread and work it through the leading leg. But what if you don’t notice until the next row? No problem! I’ll show you how to scoop up that sneaky yarn over from two rows below in no time.

Mystery of the Missing M1

Remember that missing make one stitch we talked about a while back? Let’s give it some attention now. The real difference between a make one and a yarn over is all in the twist! And if you’re on the right-side row, it’s the third running thread that’ll need a little twist this time. 

Swiss Darning to the Rescue

Swiss Darning, also known as Duplicate Stitch (when you are working over an existing stitch), is a nifty little technique with endless possibilities. Join me as we kick it up a notch and explore its magic for small repair jobs. It’s like a dress rehearsal for your knitting disasters—practice makes perfect!

Garter Stitch Dilemmas? No Problem!

Dropped an edge stitch in garter? Don’t stress, it’s a breeze to fix. Remember, garter is all about knit rows and purl rows. Just follow these simple steps to get back on track and save yourself from an unraveling nightmare!

Stockinette Woes? Let’s Fix It!

Did you drop a stitch in stockinette? Fear not! I’ve got just the solution for you. Check out my video on fixing those pesky stockinette edge stitches, including the slipped stitch variety. With a crochet hook and a bit of know-how, you’ll be back in business in no time.

So there you have it, folks! Don’t let those knitting mishaps get you down. With these handy tips and tricks, you’ll be fixing mistakes like a pro in no time. And if you want even more knitting wisdom, be sure to check out my video classes, Knitting ER, and Advanced Knitting Fixes.

But wait, there’s more! Want to delve deeper? Don’t miss out on my upcoming live classes this March (3/22, 3/29, 3/30): Brioche ER, Knitting Magic, and Stop Turning: Knitting & Purling Backwards. I look forward to seeing you in class!

Psst: Be sure to follow me on Instagram for access to more time-saving (and sanity-saving) knitting skills, as well as updates on upcoming tutorials.

Happy knitting!

Check Out These 4 Best New Knitting Books of 2025 from My Talented Friends (Perfect Gifts!)

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