diff --git a/tests/test_stitch.py b/tests/test_stitch.py
index 5939d4a..59e76db 100644
--- a/tests/test_stitch.py
+++ b/tests/test_stitch.py
@@ -2,9 +2,12 @@
 config, preserving the top singular subspace (the microkimi
 closed-form bridge)."""
 
-import torch
+import pytest
 
-from src.gpu.modal_distill import svd_stitch_state
+pytest.importorskip("torch")
+import torch  # noqa: E402
+
+from src.gpu.modal_distill import svd_stitch_state  # noqa: E402
 
 
 def _wide_narrow():