DROPS Melody
DROPS Melody
71% Alpaca, 25% Wool, 4% Polyamide
from 4.25 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 21.25£.

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 AW2425

River Hill Sweater

Knitted jumper in DROPS Melody. The piece is worked with V-neck and cables. Sizes S - XXXL.

Highlight Size:
DROPS 228-11
DROPS Design: Pattern no ml-072
Yarn group D
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SIZES:
S - M - L - XL - XXL - XXXL

MATERIALS:
DROPS MELODY from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group D)
250-300-300-350-400-400 g colour 03, pearl grey

NEEDLES:
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 7 MM: Length 80 cm.
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 5.5 MM: Length 80 cm.
DROPS CABLE NEEDLE – for cables.

KNITTING TENSION:
13 stitches in width and 15 rows in height with stocking stitch = 10 x 10 cm.
NOTE: Needle size is only a guide. If you get too many stitches on 10 cm, change to a larger needle size. If you get too few stitches on 10 cm, change to a smaller needle size.

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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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DROPS Melody
DROPS Melody
71% Alpaca, 25% Wool, 4% Polyamide
from 4.25 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 21.25£.

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!

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.
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EXPLANATIONS FOR THE PATTERN:

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RIDGE/GARTER STITCH (worked back and forth):
Knit all rows.
1 ridge = knit 2 rows.

PATTERN:
See diagrams A.1 to A.3. The diagrams show all rows in the pattern from the right side.

DECREASE TIP (evenly spaced):
To work out how to decrease evenly, count the total number of stitches on the needle (e.g. 72 stitches) minus the edge stitches (e.g. 2 stitches) and divide the remaining stitches by the number of decreases to be made (e.g. 8) = 8.8. 
In this example decrease by alternately knitting together each 7th and 8th stitch and each 8th and 9th stitch (approx.).

V-NECK:
All decreases are worked from the right side:
Decrease before A.2: Knit 2 together (= 1 stitch decreased).
Decrease after A.3: Slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 1 and pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch (= 1 stitch decreased).


INCREASE TIP (sleeves):
Increase 1 stitch on each side by making 1 yarn over inside the edge stitch. On the next row work the yarn overs twisted to avoid holes. The new stitches are worked in stocking stitch.

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START THE PIECE HERE:

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JUMPER – SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE:
The front and back pieces are worked separately, back and forth with circular needle and bottom up. The sleeves are worked back and forth with circular needle, bottom up. The pieces are sewn together. An i-cord cast-off edge is worked on the back piece to finish.

BACK PIECE:
Cast on 72-80-84-92-104-112 stitches (including 1 edge stitch on each side) with circular needle size 5.5 mm and DROPS Melody. Purl 1 row from the wrong side.
Then work rib from the right side as follows: 1 edge stitch in GARTER STITCH – read description above, * purl 2, knit 2 *, work from *-* until there are 3 stitches left, purl 2 and 1 edge stitch in garter stitch.
Continue this rib for 4 cm.
Knit 1 row from the right side where you decrease 8-10-10-10-14-16 stitches evenly spaced – read DECREASE TIP = 64-70-74-82-90-96 stitches.
Change to circular needle size 7 mm.
Purl 1 row (edge stitches knitted).
Continue with stocking stitch and 1 edge stitch in garter stitch on each side. REMEMBER THE KNITTING TENSION!
When the piece measures 32-33-34-35-36-37 cm, cast off for the armholes at the beginning of each row as follows: 3-4-4-5-6-7 stitches 1 time, 2 stitches 1-1-1-2-3-3 times and 1 stitch 1-2-2-2-2-2 times on each side = 52-54-58-60-62-66 stitches.
Continue with stocking stitch and 1 edge stitch in garter stitch on each side. When the piece measures 52-54-56-58-60-62 cm place the middle 24-24-24-26-26-26 stitches on a thread for the neck and each shoulder is finished separately. Cast off 1 stitch on the next row from the neck = 13-14-16-16-17-19 stitches on the shoulder. When the piece measures 54-56-58-60-62-64 cm, cast off.
Work the other shoulder in the same way.

FRONT PIECE:
Cast on 72-80-84-92-104-112 stitches (including 1 edge stitch on each side) with circular needle size 5.5 mm and DROPS Melody. Purl 1 row from the wrong side.
Then work rib from the right side as follows: 1 edge stitch in garter stitch, * knit 2, purl 2 *, work from *-* until there are 3 stitches left, knit 2, 1 edge stitch in garter stitch.
Continue this rib for 4 cm.
Knit 1 row from the right side where you decrease 8-10-10-10-14-16 stitches evenly spaced – remember DECREASE TIP = 64-70-74-82-90-96 stitches.
Change to circular needle size 7 mm.
Purl 1 row (edge stitches knitted).
Continue with stocking stitch and 1 edge stitch in garter stitch on each side.
When the piece measures 32-33-34-35-36-37 cm, cast off for the armholes at the beginning of each row as follows: 3-4-4-5-6-7 stitches 1 time, 2 stitches 1-1-1-2-3-3 times and 1 stitch 1-2-2-2-2-2 times on each side = 52-54-58-60-62-66 stitches.
AT THE SAME TIME when the piece measures 36-37-38-39-40-41 cm, work A.1 over the middle 8 stitches on the row. When row 2 in the diagram has been completed, divide the piece mid-front and finish the left and right front pieces separately.

LEFT FRONT PIECE:
Work the next row from the right side as follows. Continue casting off for the armhole if you have not finished, work stocking stitch until there are 6 stitches left, decrease 1 stitch for the V-NECK – read description above, work A.2 over the last 4 stitches. When all stitches for armhole are cast off, work with 1 edge stitch in garter stitch towards armhole.
Continue the pattern and decrease for the neck every 2nd row (each row from the right side) 10-10-9-10-10-9 times, then every 4th row 0-0-1-1-1-2 times (= 10-10-10-11-11-11 times in total). When all the decreases for the neck and armhole are finished there are 16-17-19-19-20-22 stitches on the shoulder. When the piece measures 54-56-58-60-62-64 cm, place the outermost 3 stitches by the neck on a thread and cast off the other 13-14-16-16-17-19 stitches.

RIGHT FRONT PIECE:
Work the next row from the right side as follows: A.3 over the first 4 stitches, decrease 1 stitch for the V-NECK – read description above, work stocking stitch to the end of the row – when all stitches for armhole are cast off, continue with 1 edge stitch in garter stitch towards armhole
Continue this pattern, casting off any remaining stitches for the armhole if you have not finished and decreasing for the neck every 2nd row (each row from the right side) 10-10-9-10-10-9 times, then every 4th row 0-0-1-1-1-2 times (= 10-10-10-11-11-11 times in total). When all the decreases for the neck and armhole are finished there are 16-17-19-19-20-22 stitches on the shoulder. When the piece measures 54-56-58-60-62-64 cm, place the outermost 3 stitches by the neck on a thread and cast off the other 13-14-16-16-17-19 stitches.

SLEEVES:
Cast on 42-46-46-50-50-54 stitches (including 1 edge stitch on each side) with circular needle size 5.5 mm and DROPS Melody. Purl 1 row from the wrong side. Then work rib as follows: 1 edge stitch in garter stitch, * knit 2, purl 2 *, work from *-* until there is 1 stitch left, 1 edge stitch in garter stitch.
Continue this rib for 4 cm.
Knit 1 row from the right side where you decrease 0-3-3-5-3-6 stitches evenly spaced = 42-43-43-45-47-48 stitches.
Change to circular needle size 7 mm. Purl 1 row (edge stitches knitted).
Continue with stocking stitch and 1 edge stitch in garter stitch on each side.
When the sleeve measures 26-21-21-21-18-18 cm, increase 1 stitch inside both edge stitches – read INCREASE TIP. Increase like this every 3-3-2-2-2-1½ cm a total of 6-7-9-9-10-11 times = 54-57-61-63-67-70 stitches. Continue working until the sleeve measures 44-42-41-40-38-36 cm (shorter measurements in larger sizes due to wider shoulders and longer sleeve cap).
Now work stocking stitch back and forth for the sleeve cap, casting off at the beginning of each row as follows: 3-4-4-5-6-7 stitches 1 time, 1 stitch 0-0-0-2-4-6 times, 2 stitches 0-3-2-4-3-2 times and 3 stitches 3-1-2-0-0-0 times on both sides = 30-31-33-33-35-36 stitches. Cast off. The sleeve measures approx. 49-49-48-49-49-48 cm.
Work the other sleeve in the same way.

ASSEMBLY:
Sew the shoulder seams with grafting stitches, inside the cast-off edges. Sew the sleeves to the body inside the cast-off edge on the sleeve and the edge stitch on the body. Sew the side seams from the armholes down – sew inside the edge stitches.

V-NECK:
Knit up from the right side 32 to 34 stitches (including the stitches on the thread) between each shoulder and along the back piece, with circular needle size 5.5 mm and DROPS Melody. Cut the strand.
Now work an i-cord-edge as follows:
Place the 3 stitches from the thread on the right front piece on circular needle size 5.5 mm. Work i-cord from the right side as follows:
Knit 2, knit twisted together the next stitch and the first/next stitch on the back piece. Move the 3 stitches from the right to the left needle (in the same order). Continue like this to the end of the back piece. Cast off the remaining stitches. Sew the last 3 stitches together with the 3 stitches from the thread on the left front piece, using grafting stitches. Cut and fasten the strand.

Diagram

symbols = knit from right side, purl from wrong side
symbols = purl from right side, knit from wrong side
symbols = place 4 stitches on cable needle in front of piece, knit 4, knit 4 from cable needle
diagram
diagram

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!

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Comments / Questions (21)

country flag Yvonne wrote:

Als de minderingen voor de V-hals klaar zijn, is er nog een klein stukje voorpand te breien tot de schouder. Brei je dan nog steeds de 4e st vanaf de halsrand averechts (zoals in A2/A3)? Dit staat volgens mij niet met zoveel woorden in het patroon vermeld, maar het lijkt logisch om dit ook het laatste stukje zo te blijven doen? Alvast bedankt!

03.06.2022 - 00:03

DROPS Design answered:

Dag Yvonne,

Ja, dat klopt. De 4e steek brei je dan nog steeds averecht, anders verbreek je de rand.

05.06.2022 - 21:16

country flag Mieke wrote:

Hartstikke fijn 👍

26.02.2022 - 16:11

country flag Mieke wrote:

Hallo, ik vind de beschrijving van de afwerking van de hals moeilijk beschreven, komt mss door de vertaling. Ik kom er niet wijs uit. Kan ik deze afwerking nog ergens anders vinden? Of kan het nog eens uitgelegd worden?

25.02.2022 - 08:41

DROPS Design answered:

Dag Mieke,

Ja, er is een video over deze techniek, zie hieronder. Aan het begin van de video worden er een paar steken bij gemaakt, dat kun je negeren. Je kunt de video starten op 54 seconden.

26.02.2022 - 15:29

country flag Sandra Van Der Veen wrote:

Kan je het patroon river hill ook breien met gewoone breinaalden en niet met rondbreinaalden.

28.10.2021 - 09:16

DROPS Design answered:

Dag Sandra,

Ja, dat kan wel met dit patroon.

Om een patroon aan te passen om op rechte naalden te breien hebben we een instructie gemaakt. Deze vind je hier.

29.10.2021 - 12:55

country flag Anna Paola Majer wrote:

Buongiorno, sto facendo la parte dietro: intrecciando le maglie per gli scalfi, diminuisco solo sui ferri a diritto, o anche a rovescio ( in tutti i ferri) ? Grazie!

27.10.2021 - 06:53

DROPS Design answered:

Buonasera Anna, deve intrecciare le maglie all'inizio di ogni ferro, quindi anche dal rovescio del lavoro. Buon lavoro!

29.10.2021 - 21:17

country flag Tricia wrote:

The perfect V-neck! I wish you made it in hot pink Melody :)

10.09.2021 - 01:31

country flag Alessandra wrote:

Versatile, caldo e leggerissimo. Il più bel filato della collezione

16.08.2021 - 04:31

country flag Mona-Lill Hanssen wrote:

Smyg

05.08.2021 - 11:45

country flag Julia wrote:

Simple

04.08.2021 - 21:21

country flag Mary Pahlke wrote:

"V" for Versatile

04.08.2021 - 14:27