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Dropping stitches

by Megan.cubele@gmail.com
(Ct USA)


I tried submitting this once and it didn’t work so here is my 2nd attempt!

I’m dropping stitches with this pattern:
Cast on 30 stitches.
Row 1: Knit all sts.
Row 2: Purl all sts.
Row 3: Knit 3, *k2tog, yo; repeat from * until the last 3 sts, knit 3.
Row 4: Knit 3, purl until the last 3 sts, knit 3.
Repeat rows 3 and 4 until piece measures about 75"

I find that on rows 3-4 I have 29 stitches or 32. Please help!

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Feb 04, 2026
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by: Ratchadawan

Hi Megan,
Your submission came through! I completely understand your frustration. This is a very common issue when learning lace. I've done this so many times myself.
I’ve checked the pattern math, and it is correct—you should always have 30 stitches at the end of every row.

Here is exactly what is likely happening to cause your stitch count to jump around:

1. Why you have 32 stitches (Gaining stitches): The Row 4 Trap
The culprit is almost certainly Row 4 where you switch between Knit and Purl stitches.

The Mistake: When you finish the first 'Knit 3' and get ready to 'Purl', you must bring your yarn to the front between the needle tips. If you accidentally bring the yarn over the needle to get to the front, you create an accidental Yarn Over (an extra stitch).

The Fix: On Row 4, after the first Knit 3, stop. Bring the yarn forward between the needles. Then Purl. When you reach the last 3 stitches, move the yarn back between the needles before you Knit 3.

2. Why you have 29 stitches (Losing stitches): The Forgotten YO
This usually happens on Row 3.

The Mistake: The pattern repeat is k2tog, yo. Sometimes, especially at the very end of the row right before the final Knit 3, it is easy to do the k2tog and forget the final yo because your brain wants to rush to the edge stitches.

The Fix: Make sure that every single time you knit two together, you immediately wrap the yarn for a yarn over. You should end the center section with a yarn over before you knit the final 3 border stitches.

The Golden Tip: Use Stitch Markers!
This will solve your problem immediately. Place a stitch marker after the first 3 stitches and another marker before the last 3 stitches.

Row 3: Knit 3, slip marker, work your lace pattern to the next marker, slip marker, Knit 3.

Row 4: Knit 3, slip marker, purl to the next marker, slip marker, Knit 3.

If you get to the second marker on Row 3 and don't have enough stitches left, you know you missed a yo immediately, rather than finding out later!

Happy Knitting!
Ratcha

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