DROPS Alpaca
DROPS Alpaca
100% Alpaca
from 3.40 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 20.40£.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Super Sale
DROPS 97-18
Size: XS- S-– M – L – XL - XXL

Materials: DROPS Alpaca from Garnstudio
250-250-300-300-350-400 g colour no 7238, green mix

Drops pointed needles size 3.5 mm or size needed to obtain the knitting tension.

Drops shell button, no. 525: 3 pcs.

-------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

-------------------------------------------------------

DROPS Alpaca
DROPS Alpaca
100% Alpaca
from 3.40 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 20.40£.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Super Sale

SAVE 30% on 6 cotton favourites!
Valid until 12.04.2024

Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in British English. All measurements in charts are in cm. For conversion from cm to inches - click here. There are different terms for crocheting in British and American English. If this pattern includes crochet, click for "crochet terms" here. For this pattern in American English, please click here.
Knitting tension: 23 sts x 30 rows on needles size 3.5 mm in stocking sts = 10 x 10 cm.

Garter sts (back and forth on needle): Knit all rows.

Decreasing tips-1 (apply for the cut at the sides): All decreases are done from the RS!
Dec as follows after the marking thread: K2 tog.
Dec as follows before the marking thread: Slip a st as if to knit, K1, psso.

Decreasing tips-2 (apply for the armholes and the neck): All dec are done from the RS! Dec. inside 3 edge sts at the armhole and inside 12 sts of garter sts for the neck side.
Dec as follows before 3/12 sts: K2 tog.
Dec as follows after 3/12 sts: Slip a st as if to knit, K1, psso.

Increasing tips: Inc as follows: Pick up 1 st from previous row and K it.
------------------------------------------------------------------

Back piece:
Cast on 94-104-114-126-140-154 sts (incl. of 1 edge st each side) on needles size 3.5 mm in Alpaca. K the 1st row from the WS and continue in stocking sts throughout. Insert a marking thread 24-26-29-32-35-39 sts in from each side (= 46-52-56-62-70-76 sts between the marking threads). When the piece measures 6-7-8-9-10 cm dec by each marking thread for the cut at each side. Dec after the 1st marking thread and before the 2nd marking thread – see decreasing tips-1: Dec on every 6th row a total of 5 times = 84-94-104-116-130-144 sts. When the piece measures 17-18-19-20-21-22 cm inc again by the marking threads – inc after the 1st marking thread and before the 2nd marking thread – see increasing tips. Inc on every 6th row a total of 5 times = 94-104-114-126-140-154 sts. When the piece measures 34-35-36-37-38-39 cm cast off 4-5-6-8-10-12 sts each side for the armholes. Continue to dec 1 st (see decreasing tips-2) each side on every other row 5-7-8-10-13-15 times = 76-80-86-90-94-100 sts. When the piece measures 48-50-52-54-56-58 cm knit 4 rows of garter sts over the centre 52-52-56-56-60-60 sts (continue to knit other sts as before) then cast off the centre 28-28-32-32-36-36 sts for the neck.
Continue to cast off 1 st towards the neck on every other row inside 12 sts of garter sts a total of 2 times – see decreasing tips-2: = 22-24-25-27-27-30 sts left on each shoulder. Cast off remaining sts when the piece measures 52-54-56-58-60-62 cm.

Left front piece:
Cast on 53-58-63-69-76-83 sts (incl. of 1 edge st at the side and 12 sts for the centre front band) on needles size 3.5 mm. K the 1st row from the WS. Continue in stocking sts but knit the 12 band sts in garter sts throughout. Insert a marking thread 24-26-29-32-35-39 sts in from the side. When the piece measures 6-7-8-9-10-11 cm dec 1 st before the marking thread for the cut – see decreasing tips-1: On every 6th row a total of 5 times = 48-53-58-64-71-78 sts. When the piece measures 17-18-19-20-21-22 cm inc 1 st before the marking thread – see increasing tips: On every 6th row a total of 5 times = 53-58-63-69-76-83 sts.
Please read all of the following section before continuing!
Neck shaping: When the piece measures 29-30-31-32-33-34 cm dec for the neck shape inside the 12 band sts – see decreasing tips-2: Dec 1 st on every other row a total of 18 times and then on every 4th row a total of 4-4-6-6-8-8 times.
Armhole: At the same time when the piece measures 34-35-36-37-38-39 cm cast off for the armhole as done for the back piece.
When all dec are completed for the neck and armhole = 22-24-25-27-27-30 sts left on the shoulder. Cast off remaining sts when the piece measures 52-54-56-58-60-62 cm

Right front piece:
Cast on and knit as left front piece but reverse. Note! Dec and inc for the cut after the marking thread. In addition cast off for 3 button holes at the front band edge.
1 buttonhole= cast of the 5th and 6th st from the edge and cast on 2 new sts at the same place on the returning row. Cast off for button holes when the piece measures:
Size XS: 21, 24 and 27 cm
Size S: 20, 24 and 28 cm
Size M: 21, 25 and 29 cm
Size L: 22, 26 and 30 cm
Size XL: 21, 26 and 31 cm
Size XXL: 22, 27 and 32 cm

Sleeve:
Cast 56-58-62-64-68-70 sts (incl. 1 edge st each side) on needles size 3.5 mm. K 1 row from the WS. Continue in stocking sts. When the piece measures 10 cm dec 10 sts evenly distributed on row = 46-48-52-54-58-60 sts. Continue to inc 1 st each side on every 8-7-7-6-5-5 row a total of 15-16-16-18-19-20 times =76-80-84-90-96-100 sts. When the piece measures 50-49-48-47-45-43 cm cast off for sleeve cap each side on every other row: 4 sts 1 time, 3 sts 1 time 2 sts 2 times, 1 st 5-6-8-9-12-15 times, continue to cast off 2 sts each side until the piece measures 57 cm, then cast off 3 sts 1 time each side. Cast off remaining sts when the piece measures approx 58 cm.

Assembly: Sew the shoulder seams, insert the sleeves and sew the sleeve and side seams inside 1 edge st. Sew in the buttons.

This pattern has been corrected.

Updated online: 20.08.2009
Back piece: When the piece measures 48-50-52-54-56-58 cm knit 4 rows of garter sts over the centre 52-52-56-56-60-60 sts (continue to knit other sts as before) then cast off the centre 28-28-32-32-36-36 sts for the neck.

Diagram

diagram measurements

Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.

Do you have a question? See a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size is only meant as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.

The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn calculator, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the calculator will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).

If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be calculated separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.

Click here to see our yarn calculator

Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn calculator, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.

It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.

The yarn calculator will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

If you think it's hard to decide what size to make, it can be a good idea to measure a garment you own already and like the size of. Then you can pick the size by comparing those measures with the ones available in the pattern's size chart.

You'll find the size chart at the bottom of the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read size chart

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a tension/gauge swatch

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder closest to the neckline, and straight down to the bottom of the garment. It is NOT measured from the tip of shoulder. Similarly, the length of yoke is measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down to where yoke is split into body and sleeves.

On a jacket measures are never taken along bands, unless specifically stated. Always measure inside band stitches when measuring the length.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

Pilling is a natural process that happens to even the most exclusive of fibers. It's a natural sign of wear and tear that is hard to avoid, and that is most visible in high friction areas of your garment like a sweater's arms and cuffs.

You can make your garment look as new by removing the pilling, using a fabric comb or a pill/lint remover.

Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days.
In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!

You might also like...

Swing

RabbitandRobot, Spain

Swing

Wendy, United States

Vakiomallitakki

Riina, Finland

Post a comment to pattern DROPS 97-18

We would love to hear what you have to say about this pattern!

If you want to leave a question, please make sure you select the correct category in the form below, to speed up the answering process. Required fields are marked *.

Comments / Questions (137)

country flag Vicki wrote:

My question is on the neck and armhole shaping on the left front piece. I am making the "s" size. My numbers are not adding up. I start with 58 stitches, I decrease 18 + 4 times on the neck shaping and at the same time decrease 8 times for the arm hole. 58-18-4-8=28. I need to decrease 4 more stiches. What am I missing? Also does the arm hole shaping start at 35 cm?

12.01.2021 - 19:05

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Vicki, you decrease and increase = 58 sts again, then decrease for neck 18 + 4 sts and cast off for armhole 5 + 7 sts = 58- (18+4) - (5+7) = 24 sts. Happy knitting

13.01.2021 - 06:55

country flag Minna wrote:

Hihan ohjeessa on virhe, lisäykset tehdään kierroksen välein, ei cm:ien. kLisää nyt 1 s kummassakin reunassa 15-16-16-18-19-20 x 8-7-7-6-5-5 cm:n välein = 76-80-84-90-96-100 s.

20.10.2020 - 09:55

country flag Rhonda🇺🇸 wrote:

I am knitting a size xl and not understanding the instructions. I have just cast off 10 stitches on each side for the arm holes. I don’t understand decreasing tip 2. Do you mean to decrease the first stitch on each end for every other row for 13 times? Then not understanding the next set of instructions-to knit 4 rows over the center 56 stitches. What is meant by continuing to knit other stitches as before? The instructions are difficult to understand.

08.09.2020 - 02:22

DROPS Design answered:

Hi Rhondaus, After you have cast off for the armholes the continued decreases are inside the 3 edge stitches on both armholes, slipping and passing over at the beginning of the row (after the edge stitches) and knitting 2 tog. bat the end of the row (before the edge stitches). Both decreases are worked on each row from the right side 13 times. Then you work the neck (later) by working 4 rows of garter stitch over the middle stitches, then casting them off. Hope this helps and happy knitting!

08.09.2020 - 07:07

country flag Judi Buschlen wrote:

Please clarify the last decreases for the sleeve cap where it says -continue to cast off 2 sts each side until the piece measures 57 cm, then cast off 3 sts 1 time each side. Bind off remaining sts.... Meaning to dec or bind off every 2nd row still?? Knitters online have also found the instructions unclear and have lengthened the sleeve cap. I\\\'m not so brave. But I\\\'d like to how to shape the sleeve cap correctly. :)Thanks , Judi

11.07.2020 - 08:11

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Judi, for the sleeve you will cast off 2 sts at the beg of every row both from RS and from WS (= on each side - make sure you cast off the same number of sts on each side) until sleeve measures 57 cm (the number of remaining sts will depend on your tension in height) then cast off 3 sts at the beg of next 2 rows and cast off the remaining sts. Happy knitting!

13.07.2020 - 09:39

country flag Paula wrote:

Please disregard my comment above, I understand those decreasing instructions only apply to the side panels, not the back panel (aside from the decreasing at both edges). Thanks!

03.11.2019 - 20:57

country flag Paula wrote:

I don't understand Decreasing Tip-2, specifically for the back piece. I'm not sure what is meant by "dec. inside 3 edge sts at the armhole and inside 12 sts of garter sts for the neck side". I assume for the back you mean inside the 3 edge Sts at the armhole and inside (52 Sts for extra small) of garter Sts. Is this correct?

03.11.2019 - 20:47

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Paula, after you have worked 2 rows in garter stitch over the middle 52 stitches, you cast off on next row the middle 28 sts for neck = 24 sts remain for each shoulder. Continue working each shoulder separately with the remaining 12 sts in garter stitch towards neck as before and decrease 1 st every other row 2 times inside these 12 sts in garter stitch = 22 sts remain. Happy knitting!

05.11.2019 - 08:02

country flag Rosita Gyllenhammar wrote:

Efter ökning på bakstycket har jag 104 maskor. St s Vi 35 cm avmaskar jag 5 maskor varje sida och minskar totalt 10 maskor(en i varje sida 5ggr) det bli 20 maskor mindre. I beskrivning står det art det ska vara 80 maskor kvar? 104-20 = 84 ?

09.03.2019 - 23:54

DROPS Design answered:

Hej. Det var lite otydligt skrivet i den svenska översättningen, men du ska minska först 5 maskor i varje sida och sedan 1 maska i varje sida 7 gånger. 104-(5x2)-(7x2)= 80 m.

14.03.2019 - 10:40

country flag Robin Rockwell wrote:

There are several comments about problems (mistakes?) with the armhole/sleeve directions not being correct. Are those problems corrected in the directions? I'm not an improvisational knitter so I hope the current online pattern is correct. Thanks!

17.02.2019 - 16:36

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Rockwell, pattern is correct just make sure you get and keep correct tension. should you have any question you are welcome to ask them here. Happy knitting!

18.02.2019 - 10:11

country flag Triste Longcore wrote:

I don’t understand the instruction “dec for the neck shape INSIDE the 12 band stitches” I’m guessing you mean decrease 3 stitches BEFORE the band...?

08.01.2019 - 17:00

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Longcore, you decrease for neck before the 12 front band stitches worked in garter stitch (on left front piece = from RS): work the RS row until 14 sts remain, K2 tog, K12 (= front band sts. Dec after the 12 front band sts (on right front piece, from RS): work the RS row as follows: 12 sts in garter st, slip 1 as if to K, K1, psso. For armholes, you will dec after the 3 sts (left front piece) and before the 3 sts (right front piece). Happy knitting!

09.01.2019 - 08:02

country flag Margaret McDermott wrote:

What does K the first row from the WS mean?

06.11.2017 - 19:12

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs McDermott, after the cast on row, knit 1 row, this first row will be knitted and will be wrong side of piece, ie row 2 on piece will be worked from right side. Happy knitting!

07.11.2017 - 08:35