[gladsome]

Hi,
This is my first post here, so I hope I am in the right place to ask my question...

I am knitting a seamless vest in garter stitch, and am just about up to the armholes - maybe 2/3’s done? - and now I see way back when, I have a loop showing on the right side, because I split a stitch. I don’t think I could take the stitch off my needle and work down about 12 inches without ruining the whole vest. I have not successfully fixed many dropped stitches, and I have no hope that I could do such a thing...

I read about repairing a split stitch using a duplicate stitch over it. Has anyone tried that? It sounds promising, but it is not just to improve the appearance that I want, but I want it strong...it’s not the strongest yarn to begin with, so something must be done about it.

Is there a better way?

Thanks for any help.

Gladsome

 

[jmcret05]

I think I would take a piece of the same yarn and weave it through a few stitches on each side in that row,(on the back side) catching the loose piece along with the rest of that stitch and fasten in place on both sides.

You could also look for some sites: https://www.alpacadirect.com/blogs/alpaca-direct-blog/how-to-fix-a-split-stitch-knitting-tutorial

 

[WendyMargaret]

I would drop the stitch down unless you are working mohair. It can be done but work slowly back and forth between knits and,purls. Make sure to start correctly. When you block it it should be okay. Take your time and if frustrated, take a break.

 

[crispie]

Can you take a picture? I have done duplicate stitch, but I have also take some sewing thread of the same color and fixed the stitch. However, there are other factors.... is it in a place, ie right in the middle of a smooth knitted section? The fixes may still show up.

 

[gladsome]

That alpaca link is what I read about duplicate stitch repair of a split stitch. Have you or someone else ever tried it? I wonder if it is a repair that will last...

 

[chex]

I agree with Wendy Margaret. Dropping it down and laddering it back up is the best way to do it. Try using 2 crochet hooks and doing it from each side. When you have finished the laddering, use your needle or hook to adjust the tension on either side of each row if you need to. If you don't fix it correctly, the only thing you will be able to see when you look at the sweater is THAT STITCH that you will then wish you had corrected.

 

[GrumpyGramma]

I'd try the duplicate stitch. It's making an actual stitch over the split stitch so it should be as strong as the rest of the stitches. If you're worried about it not holding you could do three stitches with one on each side of the repair. Just make sure to weave the ends in so that they'll hold. Some yarns are slippery and will want to come loose. You could even finish by tacking the yarn ends with a needle and thread. I've done this to make sure ends stay where I want them on a scarf that both sides needed to look good. I'd do it after washing the garment.

A few rows of fixing garter I can and will do. I wouldn't expect dropping down 12" and liking the result is gonna happen.

 

[gladsome]

It is all garter stitch in a heathered brown/tan color combo. I took a photo but I don’t know yet how to upload it (from the iPad I am on). It is actually hard to pick out. I kinda like the idea of repairing it with sewing thread. The yarn is “dry” - I totally didn’t like it at first, but it is growing on me, sort of... Anyway, I am committed now to finishing the vest. Wendy, because it is not stockinette and heathered and dry...I just don’t have the courage to take the stitch down in a run. In fact, it is so hard to read the stitches that I can’t tell for certain which stitch on the needle would lead to it...

 

[gladsome]

Thank you all for your suggestions... I am thinking I will try swatching a piece and split a stitch for a practice repair. I will try both the duplicate stitch method and laddering down...and sewing thread, too. I will then be able to see how well each method works. By then, maybe I will figure out how to upload a photo and show you how it turns out! I really appreciate tapping in to your thoughts and ideas. So good now to have a choice between three different ways to repair the mistake! Thank you!

 

[CatieD]

Welcome to KP, gladsome. Here's a video that may help you if you decide to ladder down -

 

[Irene P]

A way I have used many times to correct the look of a stitch: The way I suggest is mark your split stitch with a pin or paper clip to keep it from ravelling. Transfer the stitches before it to another knitting needle, having the stitches divided onto two needles. Ravel that stitch down to the marker and pick it up using a crochet hook appropriate in size of the yarn (i.e., if it is worsted used a size F or G crochet hook). Since it is the garter stitch you will have to alternate picking up the stitch each row by doing one from the front of the piece and the next from the back of the piece, alternately, to create the garter stitch look for this stitch. Upon completion of the pick up, place the stitch back on the needle and put all of the stitches back on one needle. It's not hard to do, but will take a little time, depending on how many rows you have to ravel. Hope this works for you.

 

[jinx]

When a yarn has gotten snagged and only one of the plies is pulled I cut it off and put the ends on the back side. . Just removing one ply will not make the yarn fail and it will look neat again. However I have only done this on acrylic sweater, mitts, hats for the grands and greatgrands.

 

[klrober]

I'd try the duplicate stitch. It's making an actual stitch over the split stitch so it should be as strong as the rest of the stitches. If you're worried about it not holding you could do three stitches with one on each side of the repair. Just make sure to weave the ends in so that they'll hold. Some yarns are slippery and will want to come loose. You could even finish by tacking the yarn ends with a needle and thread. I've done this to make sure ends stay where I want them on a scarf that both sides needed to look good. I'd do it after washing the garment.

A few rows of fixing garter I can and will do. I wouldn't expect dropping down 12" and liking the result is gonna happen.

Your idea of fixing that st is great....trying to fix garter st is a lot harder than St st imo...

 

[Magna84]

That alpaca link is what I read about duplicate stitch repair of a split stitch. Have you or someone else ever tried it? I wonder if it is a repair that will last...

I've done it successfully. You can't tell it was ever fixed.

 

[aprilla]

I've had good success with duplicate stitch / swiss darning but more because I'm too cowardly to rip, it does leave a bit of extra bulk in the area though.
If you prefer correcting the stitch, especially if you might find more with this yarn, this is a handy tool for latching up stitches in both directions for garter stitch - Double ended latch / Seed Stitch Tool / Fix- It Tool for machine & hand knitting. I got mine on ebay, not expensive, I think 2 for around $4.

 

[Carole Jeanne]

It is all garter stitch in a heathered brown/tan color combo. I took a photo but I don't know yet how to upload it (from the iPad I am on). It is actually hard to pick out. I kinda like the idea of repairing it with sewing thread. The yarn is "dry" - I totally didn't like it at first, but it is growing on me, sort of... Anyway, I am committed now to finishing the vest. Wendy, because it is not stockinette and heathered and dry...I just don't have the courage to take the stitch down in a run. In fact, it is so hard to read the stitches that I can't tell for certain which stitch on the needle would lead to it...

I recently made the decision to never drop down any distance to repair a stitch--exactly what you are saying u need. It is ok for a few rows but it is prone to failure on garter stitch over any length.

I have a lot of experience repairing or correcting my own work--not that that was a Goal--but i make up patterns a lot, change things, and do a lot of messing with knitted work. Im good at reading my own stiitches. But garter is a stitch (bridge) too far.

I would try the duplicate st and I'd do it now, before i wasted any more time worrying with it.

I think you'll be fine. Just try it.

Do use a tapestry needle (with no sharp point). Stretch the stitches so you can see what u r doing.

You will be fine.

 

[JTM]

I would drop the stitch down unless you are working mohair. It can be done but work slowly back and forth between knits and,purls. Make sure to start correctly. When you block it it should be okay. Take your time and if frustrated, take a break.

I would do the same, using a crochet hook in a similar size to my knitting needle.
I find it easiest to use a hook rather than knitting needles when !ore than just a few rows/rounds back.

 

[LizR]

When a yarn has gotten snagged and only one of the plies is pulled I cut it off and put the ends on the back side. . Just removing one ply will not make the yarn fail and it will look neat again. However I have only done this on acrylic sweater, mitts, hats for the grands and greatgrands.

This has been my fix over the years also. If possible I pull the loop to the back and anchor it, otherwise if it's too small I will snip it off. Never had a problem afterwards.

 

[Dsynr]

handy tool for latching up stitches in both directions for garter stitch - Double ended latch / Seed Stitch Tool / Fix- It Tool for machine & hand knitting. I got mine on ebay, not expensive, I think 2 for around $4.

Or a cheapo latch hook from a thrift shop or someplace like Michaels.

 

[Irene1]

I would ladder it down. It takes patience and time, but it’s worth it! I’ve been known to ladder down an almost finished piece to correct a mix-crossed cable near the beginning. It does take a lot of time, but beats frogging the whole piece! This is only one stitch, it it’s garter.