The duplicate stitch can be an incredibly handy stitch for several reasons. The duplicate stitch can be used for three main purposes.

1.         To cover a mistake.
2.         To add a small decoration or initial.
3.         To create a large design, as on the front of a sweater.

            Here’s how to do the duplicate stitch.

1.         Bring the yarn from the back of your work to the front through the bottom of the stitch you
             want to cover.

2.         Next insert the needle under the stitch that is directly above and pull the yarn through loosely.

3.         Bring the yarn from the front of your work to the back by inserting your needle into the same
            place that you first inserted it. Draw the yarn through without pulling it too tight.

            By using this technique and the same color yarn you can cover up a small mistakes
            in your knitting.

            Using a contrasting yarn you can add a small design to your work and it will look as
            though you knitted the design into your work.

            With this technique and several different colors of yarn you can also make a more
            complicated design on a sweater, purse or afghan. A good source of designs for a
            more complicated look would be cross stitch patterns. Each square in the pattern would
            equal one duplicate stitch. Match the colors in the cross stitch pattern with small
            quantities of yarn for embroidery. Be sure to keep the yarns that you use for your duplicate
            stitch the same size as the yarn in the sweater or afghan that you are working on.