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how to's: knitting at the bottom

Ever knit a garment too short? Well, so long as you've got more of the yarn, it's a simple matter to patiently unravel the cast on row and pick up the stitches, then knit from the top down.

This also works when you hate the rib trim you've knit and want to knit something more tailored. However, These techniques are not recommended for complicated stitch patterns, especially anything with a bias effect.

For all fabrics knit from the top

Fabrics knit from the top are the easiest to deal with. Simply rip out the bind off row and continue ripping until desired length is reached.

Use a circular knitting needle to pick up the upside down loops that remain. Knit these stitches to the more flattering length you want and finish as you wish with ribbing, seed or garter stitch band to prevent hem roll.

For stockinette fabric knit from the bottom

Stockinette stitch with no increases or decreases will be easiest to unravel and add on invisibly. Start by locating the beginning of the yarn. Use a knitting or darning needle to unravel to the point where the slip knot was made. Then unravel the cast on row one stitch at a time. Once you've done that, you will be able to simply rip out as much of the knitting as needed.

If there were any decreases in the knitting, you will need to stop and pull the yarn through before you can continue ripping. If this is the case, do not wind the yarn into a ball, since you can't pull the yarn through with the ball intact.

Use a circular knitting needle to pick up the upside down loops that remain. Knit these stitches to the more flattering length you want and finish as you wish with ribbing, seed or garter stitch band to prevent hem roll.

For textured fabrics

If the fabric you want to rip is ribbing, or any other fabric the combines knit and purl stitches, cables, increases, decreases or lace, you'll prefer this method.

Decide how much you plan to unravel and snip the yarn on that row. Use a circular needle to pick up one loop for each stitch as you unravel the cut end of the yarn. Be sure to keep your stitch count the same or you may make the situation worse than it was before you started.

For ribbing

Ribbing is irritating to unravel, and must be done one stitch at a time. When you pick up the loops and add on more ribbing, there will be a 1/2 stitch jog that will show what you've done.


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