How to Undo Stitches in Crochet
Made a mistake in your project? Don’t worry—undoing crochet stitches is easier than you might think. Whether it’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 mistakes—it’s part of the process. So let’s walk through how to undo crochet safely and calmly, whether you’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 doesn’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.
-
Step 2: Locate the Last Good Stitch
Find the stitch just before your mistake. This is where you’ll begin undoing.

-
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.

-
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.

-
Step 5: Start Crocheting Again
Now that you’ve cleaned up the error, continue your project with confidence, like nothing ever happened!

What About Undoing from the Bottom?
Need to undo crochet from the bottom or unravel an entire project? It’s possible, but trickier if you’ve already fastened off. You’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 you’re wondering how to undo a finished crochet project, just know it’s absolutely doable—especially with patience and a pair of small scissors on hand.
What Does “Frogging” Mean?
In the crochet world, you’ll often hear the word frogging—which simply means to unravel crochet. Why “frog”? Because when you “rip it, rip it,” it sounds like “ribbit”! Whether you’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 breaks—crocheting when tired leads to more errors
-
Review your pattern before starting each section
Okey Dokeys Encouragement
Mistakes happen—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. You’ve got this!


