Replacing rows of sc

You can use this procedure to change the color of one or more rows of sc, or to replace damaged rows. You will need to know the approximate size hook used on the original piece.

Example:

You have a crocheted piece that is all blue. You are going to replace the middle 2 rows with green. You will need the green yarn, #3 or #10 cotton thread (the example uses #3 cotton thread), and crochet hooks in 2 sizes; the original hook size from when the piece was worked, and a smaller hook that will pick up the yarn without splitting it. This piece was made of Caron Simply Soft with a size I crochet hook. The second hook is a size F. You will also need a tapestry needle for the cotton thread, and scissors.

Turn the work so that row 5 has the wrong side facing. You will now create a retaining thread on row 5 so those stitches do not unravel when you remove row 4.

Thread a length of cotton thread on the tapestry needle and thread it through the bottom vertical bars of each stitch on row 5. Be careful not to catch any other parts of the stitches when creating the retaining thread. Working near the top of the horizontal bars will make it less likely that you will catch any other threads.

Cut a sc on row 4 about 5 stitches before the end of the row.

Use your tapestry needle to unravel the piece into 2 pieces, each with 2 rows.

Unravel the bottom piece down to 2 lps on the last sc of row. Draw up a lp with the green.

Ch 1, turn, and work 1 sc in each st across for a new row 3.

Turn the top piece upside down and, using the smaller hook, draw the loop on the hook through the first 2 vertical bars on the retaining thread. Then transfer the loop to the larger crochet hook and draw up a loop in the next stitch.

Yarn over hook and through both loops to complete the stitch.

Repeat for second stitch: Use smaller took to get under next 2 vertical bars and draw loop on hook through. Then switch to larger hook and complete the stitch.

Repeat across row and tie off ends. Pull the retaining thread taut when necessary to keep the stitches on row 5 in place.

When the row is complete, remove the retaining thread and knot the 2 ends.