A missed crochet stitch happens to every crocheter, whether they are just starting out or have the experience of years. While no one likes to make mistakes, they happen, maybe you miss yarn over on the crochet hook have dropped a loop from the hook, or even miscounted. Identifying the mistakes and fixing them is the most important thing. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to fix a missed crochet stitch.
What is the easiest way to fix a missed crochet stitch?
The fix to the missed crochet depends on when you notice the mistake. Generally, you have three options; go back and fix it, frog it, or ignore and let it be a design element. If you notice right after a few stitches, then you can rip or go back to the stitch and fix it. If you are at the finish of the project and it doesn’t look too bad, you can ignore and let blocking minimize the effect and hide it. Also if the result is not bad go ahead and ignore and let it be a design element. Now, every option has its pros and cons and uderstaning them can help decide what is the best choice for you and the project.
So, let’s walk you through the options for fixing a missed crochet stitch.
Supplies needed to Fix Missed Crochet Stitches
Get your crochet hooks, yarn, repair hook, stitch markers, finishing needle, a pair of scissors and a measuring tape to get started. Carrying crochet hook sets is a good choice for options of a smaller or bigger hook size according to the need. Be it single-ended or interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks, with Lantern Moon you get premium ebony wodo crochet hooks that work with all kinds of yarn and is ideal for crocheters of all skill levels. It is also essential to have the same yarn as the project if you go ahead with a fix.
Option 1: Fix It.
The fix to the missed crochet stitch is a handy “fake stitch”. You simply crochet a stitch to replace the one that is missing, to make your piece whole again. The knowledge of the basics of crocheting and weaving in yarn ends is essential.
Step 1 - Spot the missing stitch and place a stitch marker on it.
Step 2 - Insert the crochet hook (the same size as the projects or a smaller size) to loop through the base stitch (where the missing stitch should have been located), from front to back.
Step 3 - Take the yarn that you were working on the project and make a slip knot on the crochet hook. Make sure to have a 3-inch yarn tail at the end to weave in later.
Step 4 - Place the slip knot loop over the hook, and pull the yarn through the base stitch. This will help you create the fake stitch.
Step 5 - Take a look at the missed crochet stitch, if it’s a single, half double or treble crochet stitch. Chain the number of stitches that the missing stitch should be plus one. For a single crochet stitch (SC), chain two; for a double crochet (DC) stitch, chain three and so on.
Step 6 - Remove the crochet hook and knot the remaining loop of yarn. Cut off leaving another 3-inch tail.
Step 7 - Thread the finishing needle with any one of the 3-inch yarn tails. Weave the tail into the surrounding stitches from front to back. If the yarn allows splice it into two or three and weave for a more seamless look.
You have replaced the missed crochet stitch. You can work on this option even if you’ve finished your crochet project.
Option 2: Rip it and Work the Stitch Again
The most common fix is called “ripping back” or “frogging.” In this method, you take stitches out to the point where the missed stitch occurred. Now continue with the steps of crocheting. It is important that you keep track of where you are in the pattern or where you made the mistake so that you do not miscount.
Getting back to the mistake is usually time-consuming as you have to re-do the stitches. Many specialty yarns do not have this option as it is impossible to unknot the stitches without damaging the fibers. It is recommended for new crocheters to not get frustrated and frog to understand their mistake and learn from it. This also helps them develop patience and crochet skills. However, this is the best option to ensure your project has the perfect size and shape.
Also if you are working with complex patterns, and projects like Amigurumi (refer to our guide on getting started with Amigurumi) or lace, frogging is the best fix.
Depending on the location of the missed stitch, such as the end of the row near a border or a hidden part of the project you may decide to try a different option than going back to fix the stitch.
Option 3: Ignore it and let it be a design element
In crochet, stitches do not unravel even if you missed one, unlike knitting. So, if you have the option to ignore the missed crochet stitch and let it be a design element. When you discover a missed stitch, step back from the project and take a look at where the error was. If there’s no change in the eventual size or shape of the project, keep on crocheting. In fact taller stitches or even lace allows the missed stitch to be a design element. Sometimes what makes handmade projects special are the unique features and flaws.
With this guide, you are ready to fix a missed crochet stitch. The best way to deal with a missed stitch is to identify the mistake and then decide on the next step. Sometimes it’s frogging, ignoring or making a fake stitch to replace the missed stitch. To master crochet, our guide on 5 common crochet mistakes and how to avoid them.