If there's one thing we hear from makers of all skill levels, it's this: "I dropped a stitch and I don't know what to do!" We get it, especially if you're working with a delicate lace pattern, the idea of a dropped stitch can feel like the whole project is unraveling. But here's the truth: it doesn't have to be a crisis.
Start by learning to read your stitches.
Whether you knit or crochet, the most valuable skill you can build is understanding how your loops sit on the needle or hook. As you work, slow down occasionally and really look at the stitches on your needle or hook, and at the rows below. Getting familiar with how your fabric is structured means that when something goes sideways, you'll know exactly what you're looking at.
For knitters: Always keep a crochet hook in your bag. It's a game changer for coaxing a dropped stitch back up through several rows without losing your mind.
For crocheters: If you're feeling lost, here's a quick checkpoint: Typically, you should have exactly one loop on your hook at any resting point in your work. More than one loop usually means you're mid-stitch and need to pull back until you reach that single loop. From there, you can move forward with confidence.
And if you're really in a tangle? Come see us at the shop! We're happy to help with a quick fix (usually less than 5 minutes) or you can book a dedicated one-on-one session for a full hour of focused support.
Dropped stitches happen to everyone. The goal isn't to avoid them forever or pull back ALL your work. We want to support you to feel confident enough to handle them when they do.