Skip to content

Together for Breast Cancer Awareness: Oct 1โ€“13, 5% of all sales go to Lifting Hearts Foundation. Every order includes a free pink ribbon magnet.

Crochet Basics

How to Undo Stitches in Crochet

by Okey Dokeys 03 Dec 2024 0 Comments

Made a mistake in your project? Donโ€™t worryโ€”undoing crochet stitches is easier than you might think. Whether itโ€™s a missed stitch, the wrong count, or uneven tension, learning how to undo a crochet project can help you fix errors and keep your work looking polished.

At Okey Dokeys, we know every crocheter makes mistakesโ€”itโ€™s part of the process. So letโ€™s walk through how to undo crochet safely and calmly, whether youโ€™re fixing a few stitches or unraveling a finished piece.


Why You Might Need to Undo Crochet Stitches

There are plenty of reasons you might need to undo crochet stitches or even undo a finished crochet project:

  • Wrong stitch count: You miscounted and your row doesnโ€™t line up with the pattern.

  • Wrong stitch type: Accidentally used a double crochet instead of a single? It happens!

  • Uneven tension: A section is tighter or looser than the rest and changes the look of your work.

Understanding how to fix crochet mistakes by undoing stitches gives you more creative freedom and control over your project.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Undo Crochet Stitches

  • Step 1: Identify the Mistake
    Carefully examine your work and figure out where things went wrong. Count back to the last correct stitch if needed.
first find out where the mistake in your crochet project starts

  • Step 2: Locate the Last Good Stitch
    Find the stitch just before your mistake. This is where youโ€™ll begin undoing.
go back to the last good stitch in your crochet project

  • Step 3: Unravel Stitches One by One

    Gently pull the yarn to undo crochet stitches in reverse. Go slowly to avoid tangles, especially with plush yarns like chenille.

carefully pull out each stitch to unravel stitches back to your mistake

  • Step 4: Secure Your Yarn
    Once the incorrect stitches are gone, pull your yarn to smooth it out and keep it from twisting. You can now reinsert your hook and resume the correct stitch pattern.
after undoing the stitches you can then begin to keep crocheting

  • Step 5: Start Crocheting Again
    Now that youโ€™ve cleaned up the error, continue your project with confidence, like nothing ever happened!

now that you went back to after the mistake keep on crocheting

What About Undoing from the Bottom?

Need to undo crochet from the bottom or unravel an entire project? Itโ€™s possible, but trickier if youโ€™ve already fastened off. Youโ€™ll need to:

  • Snip the yarn at the finishing point

  • Gently tug to pull the yarn back through the stitches

  • Be cautious with tight weaves, especially in amigurumi or plushies

If youโ€™re wondering how to undo a finished crochet project, just know itโ€™s absolutely doableโ€”especially with patience and a pair of small scissors on hand.

What Does โ€œFroggingโ€ Mean?

In the crochet world, youโ€™ll often hear the word froggingโ€”which simply means to unravel crochet. Why โ€œfrogโ€? Because when you โ€œrip it, rip it,โ€ it sounds like โ€œribbitโ€! Whether youโ€™re removing a few stitches or several rows, frogging is just part of the process.

Tips to Avoid Needing to Undo

Even if you know how to undo crochet, prevention is always better! Here are a few tips to reduce mistakes:

  • Use stitch markers to keep track of rounds or pattern repeats

  • Count stitches regularly, especially after complex rows

  • Take breaksโ€”crocheting when tired leads to more errors

  • Review your pattern before starting each section

Okey Dokeys Encouragement

Mistakes happenโ€”even to the most experienced crocheters. What matters is knowing how to spot them, fix them, and move forward. Learning how to undo a crochet project gives you confidence, flexibility, and control over your craft.

Whether you're undoing crochet from the bottom, unraveling a plushie, or just pulling back a few stitches, remember: it's all part of the journey.

Need a beginner-friendly project to practice on? Try one of our crochet kits designed to help you grow your skills without the pressure. Youโ€™ve got this!

Prev Post
Next Post

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification

Choose Options

this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items