At FAIRY SEASON, we design our crochet cover ups to be worn — on the beach, at the pool, through a full vacation day. That means they’ll occasionally encounter the things that cause snags: jewelry, rough surfaces, the zipper on your beach bag. Here’s exactly how to fix it when it happens.
What Is a Snag (and Why It Happens)
A snag occurs when a single thread in the crochet structure gets caught and pulled out of alignment — usually by jewelry, a rough surface, or a zipper. The thread isn’t broken; it’s just displaced. That’s good news, because displaced threads can almost always be fixed.
Crochet is particularly vulnerable to snags because of its open-loop construction — but that same structure also makes it easier to repair than woven fabrics.
What You’ll Need
- A blunt tapestry needle or crochet hook (size 2mm–4mm works for most cover ups)
- Good lighting
- Two minutes
No sewing skills required.
Step-by-Step: How to Fix a Snag
Step 1: Don’t pull the snag.
Pulling tightens the surrounding stitches and makes the repair harder. Leave the loop as it is.
Step 2: Identify which stitch the snag came from.
Look at the loop and trace it back to where it connects to the fabric. You’ll see a stitch that looks looser or more open than the ones around it.
Step 3: Insert your tapestry needle or crochet hook through the center of that stitch.
Work from the back of the fabric if possible — this gives you more control.
Step 4: Gently pull the loop back through the stitch.
Use small, even movements. You’re redistributing the thread back into the stitch structure, not forcing it.
Step 5: Work the tension outward.
Once the loop is back in place, use your fingers to gently ease the surrounding stitches back to their original shape. Work outward from the repair point in small increments.
Step 6: Check from the front.
The snag should be invisible or nearly invisible. If there’s still a slight irregularity, repeat step 5 until the tension evens out.
What If the Thread Is Broken?
If the thread has actually snapped (you’ll see a loose end rather than a loop), the repair is more involved. For a broken thread:
- Thread a tapestry needle with a matching yarn
- Weave the new thread through the surrounding stitches to secure the broken end
- Trim any excess, leaving about 1cm to weave in
If the break is in a visible, structural area and you’re not confident with needle and thread, a local tailor or alterations shop can usually fix it for a small fee.
How to Prevent Snags
- Store your crochet cover up folded, not hung — hanging can stretch the open-stitch structure over time
- Wash in a mesh laundry bag to prevent catching on other items
- Remove jewelry before putting on or taking off your cover up
- Avoid rough surfaces like wicker chairs and unfinished wood when wearing open-stitch styles
The Bottom Line
A snag is not the end of your cover up. In most cases, it’s a two-minute fix that requires nothing more than a blunt needle and a little patience. The open-loop construction of crochet that makes it vulnerable to snags is the same reason it’s so easy to repair — the stitches move, which means they can be moved back.
For full care instructions specific to each style, visit the product page for your cover up. And if you have questions about caring for your piece, our team is happy to help.
