How to stop a dropped stitch

Sep 20, 2026

Short answer: A dropped stitch should be caught the same day, because every movement makes it run further. A few stitches from the inside lock it in two minutes, and the hole then stays where it is instead of growing.

Find where the run ends

Follow the run to the point where the fabric is still whole, and start there. That is where the loop must be locked, or it keeps running while you sew. Use good light and stretch the fabric slightly so you see the run clearly. This applies to bamboo socks for men and women and thin knits alike.

Why stitches run

Knitwear is made of loops that hold each other in long rows. If one loop breaks, the loops above or below lose their hold and slip out one by one as the fabric stretches. That is why a dropped stitch grows with every movement and wash until it is locked with a few stitches.

What you need

A thin needle, thread in the fabric's colour and small scissors are enough. A needle with a rounded tip slides between loops without splitting the yarn. If you have no needle to hand, a small clip or a safety pin can hold the loop until you can sew it properly.

Sew across the run

Place the stitches at right angles to the direction the loop is running, so it cannot continue. First take a stitch through the open loop, then a few stitches into the whole fabric on each side. The method also works on bamboo sweatpants for women, where the soft knit runs easily if not secured.

Keep stitches small and loose

Do not pull the thread too tight, or the fabric around the repair puckers. The stitches must hold the loop, but the fabric should still give when stretched. Small stitches are harder to see and feel less against the skin. Stretch the fabric gently when done and check that the repair moves with it.

Secure and trim close

Finish with three stitches on top of each other on the inside and trim the thread close to the fabric. Tuck the end between the loops first so it does not work its way out in the wash. This applies to bamboo panties too, where the fabric is thin and a loose end is soon felt.

Wash gently afterwards

Wash the repaired garment inside out on a gentle cycle. A laundry bag for thin items stops them catching on zips or buttons from other clothes. Check the repair after the first wash. If a loop has come loose, an extra stitch is quick while the damage is still small.

Prevent dropped stitches

Dropped stitches often start when the fabric catches on a ring, a nail or velcro. Take off jewellery when putting on thin socks or knits, and close velcro before washing. Wash thin items separately. Small habits like these mean you will less often have a loop to catch.