MAPIWhy Are There Unexpected Holes in My Knitting?
The Council explains that a yarn over passes the working yarn over the needle to form a new stitch and an eyelet. Its Knit 911 guide also notes that accidental yarn overs can add stitches at an edge or in the middle of a row.
Unexpected eyelet-like holes may be accidental yarn overs; the Craft Yarn Council says a yarn over makes a hole and adds a stitch.
Key takeaways
- Unexpected eyelet-like holes may be accidental yarn overs; the Craft Yarn Council says a yarn over makes a hole and adds a stitch.
- A hole accompanied by an extra stitch points toward an accidental yarn over, not automatically toward a dropped stitch.
- Compare stitch count before and after the hole.
- Inspect the row where the hole first appears and compare it with the pattern’s intended yarn-over instructions.
What it actually means
An accidental yarn over creates an unintended eyelet and an additional loop.
The main explanation
The Craft Yarn Council says a yarn over both makes a hole and adds a stitch. A hole with an unexpected increase therefore suggests checking yarn placement at the relevant row, while a genuinely dropped stitch belongs to a different repair procedure.
Main causes and reasons
1. Accidental yarn over
The working yarn crosses the needle to form an unintended extra loop.
How to recognize it
- A small eyelet appears
- There is an unexpected extra stitch
Why it matters: The Council directly associates a yarn over with an eyelet and added stitch.
2. Yarn position at a row edge
Knit 911 says accidental yarn overs can add stitches on edges or mid-row.
How to recognize it
- Hole appears by first or last stitch
- Stitch count increases at that edge
Why it matters: Where the extra loop appears helps find the point of error.
How to identify your situation
An accidental yarn over fits the Council’s description.
Next: Compare the row with the pattern’s yarn-over instructions.
This is the dropped-stitch problem instead.
Next: Use the existing dropped-stitch article.
What you can do
- Inspect the row where the hole first appears and compare it with the pattern’s intended yarn-over instructions.
- If the pattern deliberately includes an eyelet, leave it as written.
- For a dropped stitch, consult the separate repair procedure rather than applying yarn-over advice.
Common misconceptions
A yarn over intentionally or accidentally makes an eyelet.
Lace patterns intentionally use yarn overs to form spaces.
When it may be a bigger problem
If stitch count falls or a ladder develops instead of an extra eyelet stitch, use the separate dropped-stitch repair guidance. For a hole that does not fit either pattern, ask the pattern designer or a knitting instructor to inspect the affected row.
Frequently asked questions
Does a yarn over make a hole?
Yes. The Council says it creates an eyelet and adds a stitch.
Can accidental yarn overs happen at an edge?
Yes. Knit 911 notes they can appear at edges and mid-row.
Is a dropped stitch the only possible cause?
No. An accidental yarn over is a separate mechanism.
Sources
- Knit 911 — Craft Yarn CouncilOfficial
Written by Mapiance Editorial Team
The Mapiance Editorial Team researches, writes, reviews, and maintains practical guides and explainers for MAPIANCE.
Reviewed by Mapiance Editorial Team
Published Sep 24, 2026 · Updated Oct 1, 2026 · Verified Sep 21, 2026