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!
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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
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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!
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= K from RS, P from WS |
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= P from RS, K from WS |
Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.
These step-by-step tutorials might also help you:
Why is the knitting/crochet tension so important?
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
How do I know how many balls of yarn I need?
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.
Can I use a different yarn than what the pattern suggests?
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?
What are the yarn groups?
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.
How do I use the yarn calculator?
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.
Why do you show discontinued yarns in the patterns?
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.
What size should I knit?
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
Why do I get the wrong knitting tension with the suggested needle size?
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
Why is the pattern worked top-down?
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.
How do I work according to a knitting diagram?
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
How do I work according to a crochet diagram?
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
How do I work several diagrams simultaneously on the same row/round?
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
Why are the sleeves shorter in larger sizes?
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.
Where on the garment is the length measured?
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
What is a repeat?
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.
Why does the piece start with more chain stitches than it’s worked with?
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.
Why increase before the rib edge when the piece is worked top-down?
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.
Why increase in the cast-off edge?
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)
How do I increase/decrease on every 3rd and 4th row/round alternately?
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
How can I work a jacket in the round instead of back and forth?
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
Can I work a jumper back and forth instead of in the round?
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?
Why is the pattern slightly different than what I see in the photo?
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!
How do I make a women’s size garment into a men’s size one?
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.
How do I prevent a hairy garment from shedding?
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.
Why does my garment pill?
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.
Crisp Autumn Vest |
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DROPS waistcoat in ”Snow”. Size S – XXXL.
DROPS 110-25 |
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Garter st, back and forth on needle: K all rows. Pattern: See diagram M.1 – diagram shows the pattern from RS. Decreasing tip (applies to armhole): Make all dec from RS inside 4 garter sts. Dec as follows after 4 sts: Slip 1 st as if to K, K1, psso. Dec as follows before 4 sts: K2 tog. Increasing tip (applies to front piece): Inc inside 5 garter st. Inc by making 1 YO and work YO into back of loop to avoid a hole. Incorporate inc sts in M.1 as you go along. Back piece: Cast on 43-47-51-59-67-75 sts (includes 1 edge st each side) on needle size 8 mm with Snow. Work 2 rows garter st and continue in M.1 with 1 edge st each side. Remember the knitting tension! When piece measures 8-8-9-9-10-10 cm inc 1 st each side, and repeat the inc when piece measures 13-13-14-14-15-15 cm = 47-51-55-63-71-79 sts – incorporate the inc sts in M.1 as you go along. When piece measures 16-17-18-19-20-21 cm work 2 rows garter st on 6-6-7-9-10-11 sts each side. On next row from RS cast off 2-2-3-5-6-7 sts each side for armhole and now dec to shape the armhole each side at the beg of every row - see Decreasing tip: 1 st 2-3-3-4-7-9 times = 39-41-43-45-45-47 sts. Continue in M.1 with 4 garter sts each side. When piece measures 34-36-38-40-42-44 cm cast off the middle 15-15-15-17-17-17 sts for neck = 12-13-14-14-14-15 sts left on each shoulder. Complete each shoulder separately and cast off when piece measures 36-38-40-42-44-46 cm. Left front piece: Cast on 14-16-18-22-26-30 sts (includes 1 edge st at side and 5 front band sts towards mid front) on needle size 8 mm with Snow. Work 2 rows garter st and continue as follows from RS: 1 edge st, M.1 on the next 8-10-12-16-20-24 sts and 5 front band sts in garter st – at the same time inc towards mid front inside the 5 garter sts – see Increasing tip – on every row a total of 7 times and then on every other row 4 times. At the same time when piece measures 8-8-9-9-10-10 cm inc 1 st at side and repeat the inc when piece measures 13-13-14-14-15-15 cm. After all inc are complete there are 27-29-31-35-39-43 sts on row. When piece measures 16-17-18-19-20-21 cm work 2 rows garter st on 6-6-7-9-10-11 sts at side, work remaining sts as before. On next row from the side cast off 2-2-3-5-6-7 sts for armhole = 25-27-28-30-33-36 sts. Dec to shape the armhole as described for back piece = 23-24-25-26-26-27 sts on row. Continue until piece measures approx 36-38-40-42-44-46 cm. On next row from the side cast off the first 12-13-14-14-14-15 sts for shoulder and work remaining sts on row = 11-11-11-12-12-12 sts left for collar. Continue on these sts as follows: * 2 rows on all sts (continue as before with 5 garter sts and M.1), 2 rows on the 5 garter sts towards mid front only *. Repeat from *-* until collar measures 7-7-7-8-8-8 cm where shortest, measured from shoulder. Cast off. Right front piece: Like left front piece, but mirrored. Also, make 1 buttonhole on front band when piece measures 15 cm as follows: Cast off 3rd and 4th st from mid front and cast on 2 new sts on return row. Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Sew collar tog mid back, edge to edge to avoid a chunky seam, and sew to back piece. Sew side seams inside 1 edge st and sew on button. |
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Diagram explanations |
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Have you made this or any other of our designs? Tag your pictures in social media with #dropsdesign so we can see them! Do you need help with this pattern?You'll find tutorial videos, a Comments/Questions area and more by visiting the pattern on garnstudio.com. © 1982-2024 DROPS Design A/S. We reserve all rights. This document, including all its sub-sections, has copyrights. Read more about what you can do with our patterns at the bottom of each pattern on our site. |
With over 40 years in knitting and crochet design, DROPS Design offers one of the most extensive collections of free patterns on the internet - translated to 17 languages. As of today we count 304 catalogues and 11422 patterns - 11422 of which are translated into English (UK/cm).
We work hard to bring you the best knitting and crochet have to offer, inspiration and advice as well as great quality yarns at incredible prices! Would you like to use our patterns for other than personal use? You can read what you are allowed to do in the Copyright text at the bottom of all our patterns. Happy crafting!
Comments / Questions (30)
Eine Frage: Wenn in der Anleitung so etwas wie „ Nach 8-8-9-9-10-10 cm auf der Seite 1 M. aufnehmen“ steht, heisst es insgesamt bspw. nach insgesamt 8 cm oder zusätzliche 8 cm. zu dem, was man bis dahin schon gearbeitet hat? Vielen Dank für die Hilfe!
17.04.2023 - 23:10DROPS Design answered:
Liebe Marzia, messen Sie diese 8 cm ab der Anschlagskante. Viel Spaß beim stricken!
18.04.2023 - 10:23Jeg skjønner ikke beskrivelsen av hvordan man øker på venstre forstykke. Det står man skal øke på hver p. 7 ganger, og på annen hver 4 ganger. Skal man da først på øke hver pinne 7 ganger og så på annen hver p 4 ganger? For jeg synes det ser feil ut?
31.03.2020 - 17:32DROPS Design answered:
Hei Andrea, Ja du øker hver pinne x 7 og deretter hver 2. pinne x 4. God fornøyelse!
02.04.2020 - 08:52Hei, under VENSTRE FORSTYKKE står det at man skal øke med 7 m på hver p og 4 m på hver 2.p. Betyr det at man øker med 7 og 11 m på annen hver p?
29.03.2020 - 22:28DROPS Design answered:
Hei Andrea, Det betyr at du først øker 7 masker på hver pinner 7 ganger og deretter hver 2. pinne 4 ganger (ikke samtidig). God fornøyelse!
30.03.2020 - 07:39Ik heb eenzelfde soort vraag over het telpatroon. Volgens de omschrijving is het hokje met de zwarte stip "averecht op de goede kant, recht op de verkeerde kant". Maar als je het telpatroon precies volgt (waarbij elke rij hokjes één naald is), komen de hokjes met de zwarte stip alléén voor als een averechte steek aan de goede kant (en dus niet als een rechte steek aan de verkeerde kant). Hoe zit dit nu precies?
05.09.2017 - 23:05DROPS Design answered:
Hallo Mariek, Het klopt precies zoals je het beschrijft. In de uitleg van de symbolen bij de telpatronen van DROPS wordt altijd voor de duidelijkheid aangegeven welke steek je op de voor- dan wel achterkant breit, zodat er geen verwarring ontstaat. Ook zijn alle naalden aangegeven; zowel de heen- als de teruggaande naalden. In dit geval brei je inderdaad altijd de averechte steek als je op de heengaande naald bent.
08.09.2017 - 11:35Ik heb een vraag over breien volgens patroon m1. Ik snode uitleg maar is elk hokje dan een naald die je breid? En lees je hem danvan links naar rechts? Ik ben nog maar eenbeginnend breister en zou graag eens iets voor mezelf proberen te maken. Groetjesmandy
08.02.2013 - 21:47DROPS Design answered:
Je leest de teltekening als volgt: 1e rij = goede kant, lees van rechts naar links, 2e rij = verkeerde kant, lees van links naar rechts. Elk hokje is 1 gebreide steek.
12.02.2013 - 11:45Bonjour Julie, effectivement, les augmentations du devant ont été corrigées, merci pour votre aide.
06.04.2010 - 11:47Il y a un probleme dans la traduction française au niveau de l'explication du demi devant le nombre de mailles ne tombe pas juste après toutes les augmentations.
05.04.2010 - 20:12Hi The repeat is 2 rows on all sts, 2 rows on the outermost 5 sts, 2 rows on all sts, 2 rows on the outermost 5 sts,2 rows on all sts, 2 rows on the outermost 5 sts ... and so on.
03.11.2009 - 02:29Last part of the LEFT FRONT PIECE says: "* 2 rows on all sts (continue as before with 5 garter sts and M.1), 2 rows on the 5 garter sts towards mid front only *. Repeat from *-*' The instructions between *-* seem to be saying the same thing... just to have 5 garter st twrd mid front stay with the M1 pattern until the collar is certain length then bind off?
03.11.2009 - 02:12Susan, As the patter says -At the same time, it means you are doing the inc at side at the same time as the inc towards front continues.
10.03.2009 - 20:10