What Is A Stitch Fixer?
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.In this blog post, you will see the answer to the question – what is a stitch fixer?
In the world of knitting, mistakes are a natural part of the creative process, but they don’t have to mean starting over.
One of the most common challenges knitters face is the dreaded dropped stitch, which can unravel your hard work if not caught in time.
Fortunately, there’s a handy tool designed specifically to tackle this issue with ease—the stitch fixer.
Below, we’ll explore what the stitch fixer is, how it works, and why it’s an essential addition to any knitter’s toolkit.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, understanding the stitch fixer will empower you to keep your projects on track and looking flawless.
What Is A Stitch Fixer?
A stitch fixer in knitting is a small, specialized tool often resembling a double-ended crochet hook, designed to help knitters correct mistakes such as dropped stitches, twisted stitches, or misaligned rows.
It’s particularly useful for reaching down several rows to fix a mistake without having to unravel your entire project.
The tool allows you to catch and rework individual stitches with precision, making it easier to maintain the integrity of your knitting while correcting errors.
Stitch fixers are compact and convenient, making them a handy addition to any knitter’s toolkit.
A very popular two-ended hook tool is the Cocoknits stitch fixer.
This tool is made of nickel-plated steel, and it will stick to any magnet.
Cocoknits has accessories like the maker’s keep and the maker’s board, which allows you to keep your tools within reach.
Check out the stitch fixer here – Stitch Fixer – Cocoknits
Do stitch fixers come in many sizes?
Stitch fixers typically come in a standard size because they are designed to work with a wide range of yarn weights and stitch sizes.
However, some brands offer stitch fixers in different sizes to accommodate different types of knitting projects.
Smaller stitch fixers are useful for finer yarns and smaller needle sizes, such as those used in lace or sock knitting.
Larger stitch fixers are better suited for bulkier yarns and larger needle sizes, and they are commonly used in projects like chunky scarves or sweaters.
Most knitters find that a standard-sized stitch fixer (usually around 3-4 mm US size D/G in hook size) works well for most projects, but having a range of sizes can be helpful.
What can you use if you don’t own a stitch fixer?
A stitch fixer is the perfect tool for dropped stitches however, If you don’t own one and you are in a hurry, you can use a few alternative tools to pick up a dropped stitch:
- Crochet Hook: A small crochet hook works perfectly to pick up dropped stitches, allowing you to grab and lift the loops back onto your needle. Most knitter’s keep a crochet hook in their bag just in case.
- Tapestry Needle: While a bit slower, a tapestry needle threaded with a piece of yarn can help you carefully pick up and re-knit dropped stitches.
- Knitting Needle: You can use one of your knitting needles to manually lift the stitch back into place, though it may require more precision.
- Bobby Pin or Safety Pin: In a pinch, a bobby pin or safety pin can help secure a dropped stitch until you have time to fix it properly.
- Paperclip: Unfold a paperclip to create a makeshift tool for picking up stitches, though it might be a bit less smooth to use.
These alternatives can help you fix a dropped stitch effectively until you can use or purchase a dedicated stitch fixer.
How To Pick Up A Dropped Stitch
To pick up a dropped stitch in knitting, first, identify the loose loop that has fallen below the current row.
Insert a crochet hook through this dropped stitch.
Then, one by one, lift the horizontal strands of yarn above the dropped stitch using the crochet hook, pulling each strand through the loop to form new stitches.
Continue this process until the stitch is back up to the current row.
Once you’ve worked the stitch back to the top, place it back onto your knitting needle and continue knitting as usual.
Having a handy little tool like the stitch fixer will rescue any little stitch that dropped.
Learn how to pick up a dropped stitch here – How To Pick Up A Dropped Knit Stitch
For more knitting project repairs, check out this post – How To Fix Common Knitting Mistakes
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