How to Fix a Dropped Stitch in a Flat Row of Tunisian Crochet

Tunisian crochet is a beautiful and versatile technique, but even experienced crocheters encounter the frustration of dropped stitches from time to time. The good news is that you don't always have to unravel your work when this happens. In this tutorial, we'll explore how to fix a dropped stitch in Tunisian crochet without frogging your project.

Why Dropped Stitches Happen

Dropped stitches typically occur during the return pass of Tunisian crochet. They can result from a twisted hook, incomplete yarn hooks, or errors in creating loops.

We’ve all been there. Happily crocheting along in the backward pass and BAM all of the sudden you’ve got several missed stitches and panic sets in. First things first…

Now you’ve got two things to consider: are those dropped loops salvageable or unsalvageable ?

1. Salvageable means that all dropped loops are still present and fully formed – or enough so that you can simply (and CAREFULLY) reinsert the hook in all of the dropped loops.

Tips: Do not create tension on ANY part of ANY of the loops as you reinsert the hook through them as the next loop will simply come undone. Don’t worry though… if this does happen you’ll be able to fix them using method #2.

If you are able to successfully pick up those dropped loops by simply reinserting your hook it is important to make sure that all of the loops are oriented the same direction and not twisted. See what I mean in the video tutorial below.

2. Unsalvageable means that the loops have been so distorted or pulled that there is no hope of simply picking them back up with the hook.

Honestly, this method is almost easier than the first.

To fix unsalvageable dropped stitches, leave the hook where it is. First you’ll pull the working side of loop from the return pass large and leave it there. We’ll grab it here in a second.

Rip out as many stitches as needed, back to where the hook is.

Use the hook to re-crochet those stitches back into action. Tip: Stay on the loose side when redoing those stitches. You can always “settle” them if needed, or let them work out in the wash.

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Once you have picked up all of the dropped stitches, reinsert the hook in the return pass loop (the one that you pulled large a second ago) and pull back down to size.

Resume crocheting!

Now, you can resume crocheting with confidence!

Tunisian Flat Row Dropped Stitch Pattern:

Here's a simple Tunisian square pattern you can use for practice:

Tunisian Simple Square:

• Row 1: Ch-20, pull up a loop in each ch to the end. Backward Pass. (20)
• Rows 2 – 16: TSS in each st to the end, Edge Stitch (ES). Backward Pass. (20)
• Slip stitch across to fasten off and weave in all ends.

Embrace the idea of learning and mastering this technique, even if it means making multiple squares. Tunisian crochet offers versatility and beauty in your projects, and knowing how to correct errors like dropped stitches will make your crafting experience more enjoyable.

Happy crocheting!