If you are a knitting newcomer, you will likely make mistakes while making something with your knitting needles. It might be frustrating when you don't know how to fix them. Some of you might unravel the whole project, or some might give it pause out of irritation or frustration. However, that should not be the case if there are mistakes; there are solutions for every mistake as well. And, our today's mission is to teach you how to fix some of the common mistakes.
Common Mistakes and Helpful Tips for Fixing Them
Tightly Casting On or Binding Off
Tight casting on or binding off can cause the fabric to pull in, affecting the overall look of your project.
How to fix:
Unfortunately, there isn't a fast repair for this except redoing the bind-off or cast-on. Make sure your stitches are loose, use a larger needle, or experiment with different casting-on and binding-off techniques to prevent this. You can even use double pointed needles or single ones, hold them closer to each other, and simply cast on stitches the way you usually do. This way, your stitches will not be too tight.
Dropped Stitches
Dropped stitches can be a regular source of irritation in knitting. It's simple to drop a stitch while knitting, especially if you don't catch the yarn correctly. Additionally, stitches can come loose if you're not actively knitting, such as when you move your project, store it in a bag, or knit while talking.
How to fix:
The good news is that dropped stitches are fixable. You can learn the fix through tutorials. Try not to stop knitting, as this increases the chance of stitches slipping off. Secure your stitches when pausing, push them down the needles, or use stitch stoppers for extra security. Also, the type of yarn you use matters; smooth, slippery yarns make dropping stitches easier, so consider yarn with more friction.
Problems With Gauge
Gauge inconsistency can make your knitting look messy. It's a common issue for beginners, but it improves with practice.
How to fix:
Practicing and finding a comfortable hand position can help improve gauge consistency over time. Additionally, experimenting with different needles may also make a difference.
Unexpected holes and stitches
Accidental yarnovers can disrupt your knitting, resulting in holes and extra stitches. These issues often arise from simple mistakes like unintentional yarnovers or not paying attention to stitches.
How to fix:
If you catch extra stitches early, you can simply knit two together to correct the count. Consider unraveling your work back to before the mistake for more significant issues or visible holes.
Knitting in the Wrong Direction
It's easy to lose track of which direction you are knitting, especially in reversible fabrics like garter stitch or if you are working with circular knitting needles. This mistake can lead to extra rows and holes in your work.
How to fix:
Unfortunately, the only way to fix this mistake is to return to the error and knit again in the correct direction.
How to avoid:
When starting mid-row, ensure the working yarn is attached to the correct needle. Using stitch markers or progress keepers can help you keep track of your knitting direction.
Stitches Crossing Over Other Stitches
In particular, if you're not careful when knitting, stitches might become tangled. Usually, this occurs when the previous stitch isn't correctly pulled through.
How to fix:
Use a crochet hook to pick up the lost stitches after knitting across to the crossed-over stitch and unraveling it. As you work, make sure there is adequate light to see your knitting clearly and double-check your stitches.
Gripping Too Tight
Gripping your needles too tightly strains your hands and results in tight and unpleasant knitting.
How to avoid:
Look for a calm and distraction-free knitting environment, take frequent breaks to rest your hands, and try to relax while knitting.
Unexpected Outcome
When a project doesn't go as planned, it might be discouraging, but it's all a part of the learning process.
How to fix:
Anything you complete is an accomplishment. If you're not happy with the result, you could always gift it or donate it instead of keeping the yarn for yourself.
Over time, you'll become a more competent and self-assured knitter by being aware of these typical errors and knowing how to correct them.
