By far the most powerful tool in the knitter’s toolbox is duplicate stitch (also known as swiss darning). There are so many fixes that can be done once you master this little darling. Furthermore, once you do, you will also have a much better understanding of the anatomy of your stitches.
Save Your Knitting : Duplicate Stitch to Prevent a Hole
Swiss Darning
When I want to fix an area before it becomes a hole, I will duplicate stitch over the threadbare stitches.
Start by working a row below the trouble spot. Remember, you can work multiple rows by going right to left, and then jog up one row and work the next row left to right
1) Start by bringing your needle back to front through the base of the stitch – the bottom point of the V. Leave a good long tail, as we’ll weave this in at the end
2) Next bring your needle through the legs of the stitch above the one you are duplicating. NOTE: If you are working a row going left to right, your needle will also move left to right
3) Finally insert the needle back where you started at the base of the V. Jog over to the next stitch (or up above to do the next row) and repeat.
Don’t forget, when working the next row, you’ll be moving right to left!
Although it’s great to make this repair before the hole appears, fear not, you can also use duplicate stitch, known as swiss darning, to repair a hole.
To find out how, along with a myriad of other fixes (fixes in cables, lace, color work, circular knitting, shaping and more – both on and off the needles!), check out my video class, Advanced Knitting Fixes.
See where I’m teaching it live here.
CLICK HERE for DVD or Digital Download
