Learn how to fix a dropped purl stitch in your knitting projects with this easy photo and video tutorial!

Dropped stitches are annoying enough, but what do you do if you drop a PURL stitch and you need to fix it?

In today’s example, I’m showing you how to fix a dropped purl stitch with a sample of stockinette stitch so that it’s easy to see what we’re doing. A dropped purl stitch is actually the opposite of a knit stitch. So theoretically, you can just turn the work around and fix it.

But what if you’re fixing dropped stitches in a stitch pattern like seed stitch, for example? Or what if you’re working with purl stitches on something small and knit in the round where you can’t turn it around? Then you definitely need to know how to fix a dropped purl stitch!

I mean, there’s no scenario where fixing dropped stitches in your knitting is enjoyable, but once you know how to do it, you won’t have to feel filled with dread the next time you drop a stitch.

So let’s get started!

How to fix a dropped purl stitch

A dropped purl stitch is the reverse of a dropped knit stitch, if you are able, you can completely turn your work around and fix the dropped stitch that way. This tutorial is for those times when you want to stay on the right side of your work and fix a dropped purl stitch.

Find the live stitch, it should be BEHIND the work

Insert a crochet hook through the live stitch from BACK to FRONT

Reach through and grab the lowest horizontal bar of yarn with the crochet hook

Pull that yarn through to the back, this is now the live stitch

Repeat steps 2 – 4 until you have used all of the loose horizontal bars of yarn and picked up all of the dropped stitches

Put the live stitch back on the left knitting needle

You have fixed your dropped purl stitch and can continue purling!

Watch the video to see this quick fix in action!

How To Fix a Dropped Purl Stitch

Print

When you drop a purl stitch in your knitting project, don't panic, it's easy to fix a dropped purl stitch with a crochet hook and a few easy steps!

Active Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Difficulty Easy

Estimated Cost $0

Materials

• Yarn

Tools

• Knitting needles
• Crochet hook

Instructions

A dropped purl stitch is the reverse of a dropped knit stitch, if you are able, you can completely turn your work around and fix the dropped stitch that way. This tutorial is for those times when you want to stay on the right side of your work and fix a dropped purl stitch.

1. Find the live stitch, it should be BEHIND the work
2. Insert a crochet hook through the live stitch from BACK to FRONT
3. Reach through and grab the lowest horizontal bar of yarn with the crochet hook
4. Pull that yarn through to the back, this is now the live stitch
5. Repeat steps 2 - 4 until you have used all of the loose horizontal bars of yarn and picked up all of the dropped stitches
6. Put the live stitch back on the left knitting needle
7. You have fixed your dropped purl stitch and can continue purling!

Notes

Watch the video to see how to fix a dropped purl stitch in action!

Recommended Products

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  Clover 1047/H Deep Blue Amour Crochet Hook, Size H, 5.0mm

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Cassie May

Craft and Knitwear Designer at Little Red Window Design

Welcome to Little Red Window! I’m Cassie, a professional craft and knitwear designer working in the field for more than 10 years. I have a degree in Art History from Northwestern University and a Master's Degree in Architecture and Design from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I've designed more than 300 separate knitting patterns, hundreds of craft projects, and I love to bring joy to your crafts and knitting with well-designed, easy to understand tutorials and patterns.

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