Hitting a Snag

It's been so hot around the country lately! Most of your sweaters are probably packed away in the closet with the rest of your winter wardrobe. But even here in sunny California, evenings can become chilly fast, with inland temperatures dropping, catching us off-guard. So, we tend to keep a few lighter sweaters handy.

Maybe this has happened to you. You put on your favorite sweater, ready to leave for dinner, and then see one of those unsightly snags! They look so sloppy, don't they? Well, here's a quick little trick that will fix those loose loops. This is so easy--no need for a tailor. And, it works for both your machine and hand-knit sweaters and keeps them looking brand-new.

Such a simple fix!

• Something you must have on hand: two crochet hooks. A smaller one (size 12) for tighter-knit sweaters, and a larger one (size 4) for looser-knit sweaters. Pick one up at Michael's, any knit shop, or a Joann Fabrics. My favorite is Beverly Fabrics in Monterey (be sure to check their flyer for money saving coupons. I do!).
• Stretch your sweater close to the snag just a little so you can see the opening. If you're lucky, this may just pull the loop back into place. But if not, this where the hook comes in.

Or, give this a try!

• Now, take the hook from the back through the loop upfront and just pull it back nice and gently. That should do it. But, with some sweaters, you can just take a knitting needle, or a larger sewing needle, and just ease the loop into the knitted row one stitch at a time until it disappears.

 Voilà!

A selection of crochet hooks stored in a case I made years ago--still comes in handy!