Have you dropped stitches? Twisted yarn? Started a scarf that morphed into a baby blanket? YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Everyone makes mistakes, even the most seasoned knitters do! Below, we are going to help you identify those mistakes and offer simple ways to fix them.
Adding Stitches
You start with 20 stitches… and suddenly you have 27. Magic? No. A sneaky extra loop hiding on your needle.
Why it happens:
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Yarn accidentally wraps around the needle
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You're knitting into the wrong part of the stitch
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You're splitting the yarn and creating a phantom stitch
How to fix it:
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Count your stitches every few rows
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Make sure you're inserting your needle into the full stitch
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If you spot an extra stitch, simply knit two stitches together to get back on track
Dropping Stitches
A dropped stitch looks terrifying, like your whole project is unravelling, but it's one of the easiest mistakes to fix.
How to fix it:
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Grab a crochet hook
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Scoop the dropped stitch up through each ladder rung
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Place it back on your needle
If you're unsure how to do this, pop into Knitting Co and we'll show you in person.
Uneven Tension
Some rows are tight, some are loose, and your fabric looks like it's had a long night out.
Why it happens:
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You're still learning how to hold your yarn
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You're switching between gripping the needles and relaxing
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You're knitting too tightly because you're concentrating
How to fix it:
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Practise on a small swatch
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Relax your hands and shoulders
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Choose a smooth 8ply yarn that glides easily
Twisting Stitches Without Realising
Twisted stitches can make your fabric look uneven or tight.
Why it happens: You're knitting into the back of the stitch instead of the front.
How to fix it:
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Make sure the right leg of the stitch is sitting at the front of the needle
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Insert your needle from left to right through the front leg
Using the Wrong Yarn Weight
New knitters often grab whatever yarn looks pretty, only to discover it doesn't match the pattern.
Why it matters: Yarn weight affects size, drape, and stitch definition.
How to fix it:
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Check the pattern's recommended weight
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Use our Complete Yarn Weight Guide to choose the right yarn
Losing Track of Rows
You're knitting happily… until you realise you have no idea what row you're on.
How to fix it:
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Use a row counter
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Make a tally on paper
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Place a stitch marker every 10 rows
Small tools make a big difference, and you can find them all at Knitting Co.
Forgetting to Check Gauge
Gauge is the difference between a beanie that fits your head and one that fits your cat.
How to fix it:
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Knit a small swatch
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Measure your stitches per 10cm (see our Yarn Weight Guide for how to test gauge properly)
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Adjust needle size if needed
Choose Lightly Coloured, Smooth Yarns
We love mohair, it's too fuzzy for beginners. We love Deep Aubergine colouring, it's too dark for beginners.
Why it's a problem:
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You can't see your stitches
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It's hard to fix mistakes
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It tangles easily
What to choose instead: A smooth, light-coloured 8ply or 10ply yarn.
Not Finishing the First Project Before Starting Another
HA! Join the club! Every knitter has multiple projects on the go! We suggest starting and finishing one before moving on to the next one. Good luck!
How to fix it:
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Choose a small, achievable project
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Celebrate progress, not perfection
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Remember: every stitch is practice
Great beginner projects: Best First Knitting Projects for Newbies
Your first project will not be perfect, and that's exactly how it should be.
Have fun with your first project, it's supposed to be fun. You'll look back and love how far you've come when you're knitting mohair with lace needles in a few projects time!