How to Fix a Dropped Knitting Stitch: 7 Step Rescue Tutorial

Steps

1. 1. Find the Dropped Stitch

   A dropped stitch shows up as a single loop hanging below the needle with a vertical column of horizontal yarn strands ('ladder rungs') connecting it to the working row above. Don't panic and don't pull the needle out of the rest of the work.

   

2. 2. Catch the Dropped Stitch

   Insert your spare needle (or crochet hook) THROUGH the dropped stitch loop. Direction doesn't matter for this step - you're just stabilizing the stitch so it can't fall any further.

   

3. 3. Catch the Bottom Ladder Rung

   Slide your needle UNDERNEATH the bottom-most ladder rung - the horizontal yarn strand directly above the dropped stitch loop. Your needle should now be holding both the stitch loop AND going under the rung above it.

   

4. 4. Pull the Stitch Over the Rung

   Use your fingers (or another needle tip) to pull the original dropped stitch loop UP and OVER the ladder rung. The stitch loop drops off; the rung becomes the new active loop on your needle.

   

5. 5. Repeat Until Level With the Needle

   Slide the needle under the next ladder rung up. Pull the loop over it.

   

6. 6. Slot the Stitch Back Onto the Needle

   Slide the rescued stitch from your spare needle onto your working left needle, in the correct position next to its neighbors. Don't twist it - the loop should sit the same orientation as the surrounding stitches.

   

7. 7. Garter Stitch - Alternate Climbing Direction

   For GARTER stitch (alternating purl and knit rows), the technique is the same but you must alternate the direction you climb each rung to match the original pattern. Knit-row rungs: needle UNDER the rung from below (same as steps 3-4).

   Tip: A crochet hook makes the rescue much easier than a knitting needle - the hook can grab the dropped stitch and pull it through each rung in one motion.