How To Drop Stitches In Knitting (Dropped Stitch Tutorial)

In this blog post, you will see how to drop stitches in knitting (dropped stitch tutorial).

The dropped stitch technique is a versatile and visually stunning method that every knitter should have in their toolkit. 

Whether you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to a simple scarf or create a breezy, lightweight shawl perfect for warmer weather, mastering the dropped stitch opens up a world of creative possibilities. 

This tutorial will guide you step by step through the process, showing you how to intentionally drop stitches to create an open, airy texture that’s both modern and timeless. 

How To Knit A Dropped Stitch And Why

Drop stitch knitting is a technique that creates an open, airy fabric by intentionally dropping stitches off the needle to create elongated, loose stitches that add texture and visual interest. 

To achieve this effect, you typically knit several rows as usual, then in the row where you want the drop stitch, you wrap the yarn around the needle multiple times for each stitch. 

On the next row, you drop the extra wraps, allowing the stitches to elongate dramatically.

This method is often used to create lightweight scarves, shawls, and summer garments, adding a decorative, lacy element to your knitting projects. 

The drop stitch is relatively simple to execute but can produce stunning results, making it a favorite among knitters looking to add a unique touch to their work.

Check out a drop stitch pattern here – Drop Stitch Knit Top Pattern

Are there different ways to drop knit stitches? 

There are several different ways to intentionally drop knit stitches to create various effects in your knitting. 

1. Yarn Over Drop Stitch: Similar to the basic drop stitch, but instead of wrapping the yarn multiple times, you create a yarn over (yo) at specific points in your work. In the following row, you drop the yarn over stitches, allowing them to unravel and create a decorative openwork pattern. This is also an easy way to drop stitches
2. Ladder Stitch: This technique involves creating a series of knit stitches over several rows and then dropping a specific stitch from the needle, allowing it to unravel down several rows to form a “ladder” effect. The surrounding stitches are kept intact, creating a striking contrast.
3. Drop Stitch with a Twist: You can add a twist to the dropped stitch by intentionally twisting the yarn before dropping the stitch. This method adds a unique texture and a slightly different appearance to the elongated stitches.

Each of these techniques can be used to create different textures and visual effects in your knitting, allowing for creative expression and unique designs. 

Experimenting with different ways to drop stitches can lead to interesting and beautiful results in your knitting projects.

What does “work as dropped stitch” mean in a knitting pattern?

In a knitting pattern, the instruction to “work as dropped stitch” typically refers to a technique where you intentionally drop a stitch off your needle and allow it to unravel down several rows. 

This creates a long, loose stitch that adds a distinctive texture to your fabric. 

After the stitch has dropped to the desired row, you may either leave it as is for an open, ladder-like effect or pick it up and knit it back up in a particular way, depending on the pattern’s instructions.

Why knit a drop knit stitch pattern?

Knitting a drop stitch pattern offers several benefits, both aesthetically and functionally. 

Dropped knit stitch patterns create an airy, open texture that adds a unique and eye-catching design element to your knitting. 

The elongated stitches create a lacy, almost mesh-like effect that can make a garment look more intricate and delicate.

Because drop stitch patterns incorporate large, open stitches, they produce a fabric that is lighter and more breathable. 

This makes it ideal for knitting warm-weather garments, such as summer tops, shawls, or scarves, that need to be light and airy.

Drop stitch patterns can be quick…

Drop stitch patterns often work up faster than traditional knit or purl stitches because the dropped stitches take up more space in your fabric. 

The drop stitch provides an interesting contrast to the more tightly knit stitches in other parts of your project. 

This textural variation can add depth and dimension to your work, making it stand out.

Drop stitch patterns can be incorporated into various types of projects, from accessories to garments, allowing you to experiment with different styles and applications. 

Whether you’re looking to add a decorative border to a scarf or create an entire garment with a unique look, the drop stitch is a versatile technique.

Drop Stitch Shawl – Shades of Water Shawl Knitting Pattern

Is the drop stitch design beginner-friendly?

The drop stitch design is generally considered beginner-friendly.

The basic technique of creating a drop stitch is straightforward. 

It doesn’t require complex skills, making it accessible even for those new to knitting. 

Because drop stitch patterns create larger, more open stitches, your project can grow quickly, giving beginners a sense of accomplishment as they see their work develop faster than with more tightly knit patterns.

Drop stitch tee for beginners – Knitted Top Pattern

What supplies do you need to knit a drop stitch design?

To knit a drop stitch design, you’ll need a few basic supplies. 

First, you’ll need a pair of knitting needles, typically the size recommended by your yarn choice or pattern, though slightly larger needles can enhance the open, airy effect of the drop stitch. 

Next, you’ll need yarn; any weight can work, but lighter yarns like cotton, linen, or a light wool blend are often preferred for a more delicate, drapey finish. 

You may also want a row counter to help keep track of your rows, especially if the drop stitches are spaced out in the pattern.  

You might also need stitch markers.

Additionally, having a crochet hook on hand can be useful for fixing any dropped stitches that occur accidentally. 

Finally, a good pair of scissors and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends will complete your basic toolkit for knitting a drop stitch design.

What is a dropped stitch purl-wise? 

A “dropped stitch purlwise” refers to a stitch that is intentionally or unintentionally dropped off the needle while working a purl stitch. 

In knitting, when you drop a stitch purlwise, the stitch is allowed to slip off the needle without being worked (i.e., without making a new purl stitch). 

This causes the stitch to unravel down the column of the fabric, creating a long, loose stitch.

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to knitting and need help with the basics, check out more free how-to resources here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

This includes how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitch, how to knit the purl stitches, and how to knit the rib stitch pattern.

How to make the mattress stitch, short rows, yarn over(yo), knit the slip stitch, how to tink,  use the magic loop technique, how to decrease knitting, how to change yarn colors, and more.

Also included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), a knitting needle size guide, and more.

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

For extra help and to connect with more makers, check out the Handylittleme Facebook group. 

If you also love to crochet, check out easy patterns here – Free Crochet Patterns

You can also find us on social media, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Etsy, and TikTok.  

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