How to Fix Dropped Stitches Part I: Stockinette Stitch

First step: don't panic! Take a deep breath and grab a Stitch Fixer tool (in a pinch, a crochet hook works too). The steel hooks on this tool make it easy to pick up rogue stitches. The two-hooked design will come in handy when picking up purls or patterned stitches (we will release a video about that in May 2021).

Use your hook to pick up the dropped stitch from the front toward the back by scooping up from underneath. If the stitch is a little lost you may need to tug it out a bit with your fingers - Julie demonstrates how to do this in the video. You can also or let it drop and grab the next stitch down.

Take a moment to look at the horizontal bars of yarn running above the dropped stitch, we call these "ladders." You want to make sure that you pick up each ladder in order, not missing one. This is critical to keeping things tidy and in pattern. Don't let all the ladders freak you out. Just focus on one at a time. 

Use your hook to pick up the ladder stitch from behind: scoop up from behind, bring it forward through the loop. Continue picking up ladders in order, maybe repeating this out loud if it's helpful "scoop up from behind, bring it forward through the loop." 

Sometimes the ladders at the top are quite stretched out. It can be easy to pick up out of order, so double check that you are picking up the next ladder in line. If you get them out of order, just drop down and try again. If you're not sure, you can check the back.

Once you get to your last loop, you'll want to twist it a little to the left when putting it back on the needle. To do this place your left needle through the front of the loop. Take your hook out and you're ready to resume your knitting.

If the runner coming up seems to be a different gauge, just work it with your fingers (gently tug on the area length and widthwise) and it should smooth out. If it still doesn't look perfect yet - no worries! It will even out when you Wet Block your project.