Fixing is easier with the Fix-A-Stitch tool
You can see in the picture that one column of stitches has either run down or been pulled out to fix a mistake. Repairing the fabric works the same way, no matter how the stitches came undone.
I am using the Fix-A-Stitch tool because I have found that it is the easiest way to re-work the stitches when you have a combination of knit and purl stitches, like with garter stitch or seed stitch. The Fix-A-Stitch tool has a crochet hook on both ends. The hooks on each end allows you to switch back and forth from fixing knit stitches and purl stitches without ever having to remove the tool from the live stitch.
In this sample, the swatch is worked in garter stitch. Though garter stitch is created by knitting every row, once the fabric is made, it presents as alternating rows of knit stitches and purl stitches.
When you pull out a column of stitches in garter stitch, you will see ladder rungs of yarn that form when you pull out each individual stitches. When you look at the ladders, you will see that some of the ladders are on the side of the fabric that is facing you. Those ladder rungs are flanked by purl stitches, and the rung that runs between the 2 purl stitches will become a purl stitch as you repair the fabric.
There are more ladder rungs on the opposite, or back side of the fabric. Those ladder rungs are flanked by knit stitches, and those rungs will become a knit stitch when the fabric is repaired.
In garter stitch, since the knit and purl rows alternate, there is one rung in the front of the fabric followed by a rung on the back, and on and on back on up to the needle.
You will need to examine your fabric before you fix the first stitch. Look to see if the first rung above the live stitch is at the front of your fabric or at the back of your fabric. If it is at the front of your fabric, then the next stitch worked will be a purl stitch. If the rung is at the back of the work, the next stitch will be a knit stitch. Examining your swatch is a good way to help you learn to read your knitting.
Let's say the rung is at the back of your work. To create the knit stitch:
- Make sure you Fix-A-Stitch tool is through the live loop with the hook facing you.
- Place the top hook (that is through the live loop) behind the rung.
- Use the hook to pull the rung through the live loop from back to front.
- The loop you pulled through is now the new live loop.
- You have created a knit stitch!
Now that you have a new live loop. The next stitch will be a purl stitch.
- Make sure the Fix-A-Stitch tool is through the live loop with the hook facing you.
- Place the top hook behind the rung.
- Use the hook to pull the live loop behind the rung to the top of the rung. At this point both hooks are still facing you.
- Twist the hook so that the hook is facing away from you.
- Pull the rung through the live loop from the front to back.
- You have created a purl stitch!
Repeat for each knit and purl stitch until you reach the needle. You may be able to see exactly where the stitches are fixed because it is perhaps tighter on one side of the column and looser on the other. You can manually manipulate the yarn to correct that, but honestly, that will go away when you block the fabric.
Here is the process in video form, which is always an easier way for me to learn.
Please let me know if this is helpful for you! I am also interested in knowing what topics you are interested in learning. Please give me your suggestions.
You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/cherylbeckerichknits
You can get a Fix-A-Stitch tool at most local yarn stores. For more information, go to www.fixastitch.com