Learn how to fix a dropped knit stitch in your knitting project with this video tutorial and step by step photos!

We’ve all been there, from the newest knitter to the person who’s been knitting for 50 years. You’re knitting along when suddenly, with a sinking heart, you realize you’ve dropped a stitch.
It’s the worst.
When I was learning how to knit, because I basically just taught myself, I assumed that if I dropped a stitch I had to rip out all of my work back to wherever the dropped stitch was and do it over again.
I wish I had had this tutorial for fixing a dropped knit stitch back then!
The easiest way to fix a dropped stitch in your knitting is when you’re working with simple stockinette stitch like you see in the picture above so that’s what we’re going to start with.
And today I’m going to show you that actually a dropped stitch is no big deal at all. You can fix it in a minute or two and go on with your work and you absolutely won’t be able to tell there was ever a problem!
The only additional supply you knit to fix your dropped stitches is a small gauge crochet hook. Any small to medium size will work!
Here’s how to fix a dropped knit stitch…
How to Fix a Dropped Knit Stitch
- Make sure that the live dropped stitch is in FRONT of your work with the horizontal bars of yarn behind. In this case there are 3 horizontal bars which means we need to pick up 3 dropped stitches.
- Find the live stitch
- Insert your crochet hook into the live stitch from front to back
- Grab the lowest horizontal bar of yarn with your crochet hook and pull the yarn through, this is now the new live stitch
- Insert the crochet hook into the live stitch from front to back again
- Grab the next horizontal bar of yarn
- Pull the yarn through, this is now the new live stitch
- Insert your crochet hook into the live stitch from front to back one more time
- Grab the last horizontal bar of yarn
- Pull the yarn through, this is the final live stitch
- Put the dropped stitch back on the left knitting needle
- You have fixed your dropped knit stitch, you can continue knitting!
Be sure to watch the video to see how to fix a dropped stitch in action!
How To Fix a Dropped Knit Stitch
Don't panic if you drop a stitch! Learn how to fix a dropped knit stitch in your knitting project with just a few easy steps!
Materials
Tools
Instructions
- Make sure that the live dropped stitch is in FRONT of your work with the horizontal bars of yarn behind. In this case there are 3 horizontal bars which means we need to pick up 3 dropped stitches.
- Find the live stitch
- Insert your crochet hook into the live stitch from front to back
- Grab the lowest horizontal bar of yarn with your crochet hook and pull the yarn through, this is now the new live stitch
- Insert the crochet hook into the live stitch from front to back again
- Grab the next horizontal bar of yarn
- Pull the yarn through, this is now the new live stitch
- Insert your crochet hook into the live stitch from front to back one more time
- Grab the last horizontal bar of yarn
- Pull the yarn through, this is the final live stitch
- Put the dropped stitch back on the left knitting needle
- You have fixed your dropped knit stitch, you can continue knitting!
Notes
Watch the video to see how to fix a dropped knit stitch in motion!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you liked this, you may also like some of my other posts…
- 30+ Best Valentine’s Day Knitting Patterns - February 6, 2025
- Valentine Heart Wreath Knitting Pattern - February 5, 2025
- Julehjerte Knit Woven Heart Knitting Pattern - February 4, 2025
Carole Domanski says
Hi Cassie
I too am a member of ‘the unravel the whole garment club’ one dropped stitch disaster, leading to many items languisinig in a bag somewhere, so disappointed with myself, however your video and easy to follow instructions have given this items a second chance, or fourth chance, must be others like me surely, aim for perfection, does not exist. Love your optimism and your ‘normal’ attitude. Thank you for that. I read that you did yarn over, must have missed that one, is it possible to remain that please. Another one to dread is k1,sl,psso, will this be another welcome addition. My speciality is making holes where they should not, but that covered in picking up fallen stitch hurrah. Sorry about this but, attempted triangular bunting. How can one start with 2 stitches, knit for 3 rows then make one, where is the ‘bar’s to pick up, that totally mind blowing, ok with say 20 stitches, but 2, any ideas please. Have purchased your book ‘the one to go to’ and although wonderful does not show for 2 irritating stitches lol. Am a one off in this question, maybe a video in future. Devoted fan.
Carole
Cassie May says
Hi Carole, thank you so much!
I have k1, sl1, psso here: https://littleredwindow.com/learn-knit-skp-slip-1-knit1-pass-slipped-stitch/
I haven’t updated the photos yet but there is a video tutorial!
And then make one left and right are here: https://littleredwindow.com/learn-knit-make-one-m1/
Hope that helps!!
Cassie
Barbara LaMunion says
Hi Cassie,
I can’t seem to open the videos here. Thanks for doing these!
Barb
Natalie says
Thank you. I’ve seen other tutorials like this. Yours looks so much easier to do.
Cassie May says
Great! Glad I could help! 🙂
Gail Troutman says
Love to make afghans/scarfs and baby items.. Unicorn hat is darling! I have been knitting for over 50 years…I still drop a stitch once in awhile. It’s a “ learning experience” with every project! We’re NEVER TO OLD TO LEARN!