DROPS Cotton Merino
DROPS Cotton Merino
50% Wool, 50% Cotton
from 3.55 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 35.50£.

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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DROPS 220-5
DROPS design: Pattern cm-132
Yarn group B
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SIZE:
S - M - L - XL - XXL - XXXL

MATERIALS:
DROPS COTTON MERINO from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group B)
500-550-600-650-700-800 g colour 01, off white

CROCHET TENSION:
17 treble crochets in width and 9 rows vertically = 10 x 10 cm.

CROCHET HOOK:
DROPS CROCHET HOOK SIZE 4 mm
Hook size is only a suggestion! If you have too many stitches on 10 cm switch to larger hook. If you have too few stitches on 10 cm switch to smaller hook.

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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 Cotton Merino
DROPS Cotton Merino
50% Wool, 50% Cotton
from 3.55 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 35.50£.

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.
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EXPLANATION FOR THE PATTERN:

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PATTERN:
See diagrams A.1 and A.2. A.2 shows how round begins/ends when working in the round.

CROCHET INFO - applies when working back and forth:
At beginning of every row with double crochet begin with 1 chain stitch(this does not replace first double crochet).
At beginning of every row with treble crochet begin with 3 chain stitches (these do not replace first treble crochet). Finish row with 1 treble crochet in 3rd chain stitch, this treble crochet is worked so that the pattern is the same in each side and is skipped on next row.
CROCHET TIP FOR CHAIN STITCH:
If you work at the end of crochet hook the chain stitch will often be too tight.
1 chain stitch should be just as long as 1 double crochet/treble crochet is wide.

DECREASE TIP-1:
Decrease 1 treble crochet by working 2 treble crochets together as follows:
Work 1 treble crochet in first stitch, but wait with last yarn over and pull through (= 2 loops on hook), work 1 treble crochet in next treble crochet, on last pull through pull yarn through all 3 loops on hook (= 1 treble crochet decreased).

DECREASE TIP-2 (for decrease for arm holes):
Always decrease by crocheting 2 and 2 treble crochets together - remember DECREASE TIP-1.
Due to this on 5th and 6th row in A.1; crochet 1 treble crochet in each treble crochet from round below over the stitches which don’t fit in a whole repeat of A.1 (1 report A.1 = 3 stitches in width).

DECREASE/INCREASE TIP (evenly):
To calculate how to decrease/increase evenly, use the total number of stitches (e.g. 156 stitches) and divide stitches by number of decreases/increases to be done (e.g. 6) = 26. In this example work approx. every 25th and 26th stitch together. When increasing work in this example 2 stitches in every 26th stitch.

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START THE PIECE HERE:

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DRESS - SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE:
There is a 10 cm vent at the bottom of dress, first work piece back and forth in 2 parts until vent is done, then work piece in the round but turn on every round and work back and forth on round to make the texture the same all the way. When piece is divided at the armhole, work back and forth again. Finally crochet a decorative edge around the neck and armholes.

FRONT PIECE:
Work 78-84-90-96-108-120 chain stitches - read CROCHET TIP FOR CHAIN STITCH, with Cotton Merino on hook size 4 mm. Turn and work as follows:
Work 1 chain stitch, work 1 double crochet in 2nd chain stitch from hook, then work 1 double crochet in every chain stitch - READ CROCHET INFO! = 78-84-90-96-108-120 double crochets. Turn and work 1 treble crochet in every double crochet. Then work according to diagram A.1 REMEMBER THE CROCHET TENSION! After approx. 10 cm place piece aside and work back piece, adjust so that last row worked is 2nd, 4th or 6th row in diagram, this is important to get the pattern correct from the right side when working in the round.

BACK PIECE:
Work 78-84-90-96-108-120 chain stitches with Cotton Merino on hook size 4 mm. Turn and work as follows:
Work 1 chain stitch, work 1 double crochet in 2nd chain stitch from hook, then work 1 double crochet in every chain stitch = 78-84-90-96-108-120 double crochets. Turn and work 1 treble crochet in every double crochet. Then work according to diagram A.1. Continue until piece measures 10 cm - finish on the same row as on front piece.

DRESS after vent:
Continue the pattern – first work stitches from right side over front piece, then work stitches from right side over back piece, then work round together with a slip stitch in 3rd chain stitch at the beginning of round, work chain stitches in A.2, turn piece and work back from wrong side. Continue piece in the round, but turn piece for every round to work from both right side and wrong side. This is done so that the pattern is the same on the entire garment.
Insert 1 marker thread in transitions between front and back piece = sides.
Continue like this back and forth with pattern according to diagram A.1 and A.2 = 156-168-180-192-216-240 stitches on round (A.2 is not counted in number of stitches). When piece measures approx. 30-31-32-33-34-35 cm – adjust so that next round is round 1, 2 or 3 in diagram, decrease 6 treble crochets evenly– read DECREASE TIP-1 and DECREASE/INCREASE TIP. Decrease like this every time 1st, 2nd and 3rd round are worked, decrease 6 times in total = 120-132-144-156-180-204 stitches.

Continue until piece measures 48-49-50-51-52-53 cm - adjust so next round is 1st, 2nd or 3rd round in A.1. Now increase 6 treble crochets evenly on round by working 2 treble crochets in 1 treble crochet. Increase like this every time 1st and 3rd round are worked, increase 4 times in total - remember DECREASE/INCREASE TIP = 144-156-168-180-204-228 stitches Continue the pattern like this. When piece measures 62-63-64-65-66-67 cm, divide the piece for front and back piece at the armholes, adjust so that next round is 1st, 2nd or 3rd round.

FRONT PIECE:
Work slip stitches over the first 4-5-4-5-6-7 stitches, then work until 4-5-4-5-6-7 treble crochets remain before marker thread in the other side, turn piece. On next row start decrease for arm holes - read DECREASE TIP-2. Work the 4 outermost stitches in each side together 2 and 2. Repeat decrease on every row 0-0-1-1-2-3 more times. On next row work the 2 outermost stitches together, repeat decrease on every row 4-4-4-5-6-7 more times.
After all decreases are done, 50-54-58-60-64-68 stitches remain on row.
When piece measures 70-71-73-74-76-77 cm, finish each shoulder separately - adjust so that the next row is worked from right side. Now finish piece with 1 treble crochet in every treble crochet, pattern A.1 is no longer worked.

SHOULDER:
Continue with treble crochets over the first 15-17-19-20-21-22 stitches from right side, turn and work the first 4 stitches together 2 by 2 for neck, then work the rest of row. Turn and work until 4 stitches remain before neck, work these together 2 by 2, turn. On next row work the first 2 stitches together, then work the rest of row. Turn and work until 2 stitches remain, work these together. Turn, work the first 2 stitches together, work the rest of row = 8-10-12-13-14-15 treble crochets remain on shoulder. Continue until piece measures 80-82-84-86-88-90 cm, fasten off.
Work the other shoulder the same way but reversed. I.e.: Begin from right side, decreases for neck are done at the end of rows from wrong side and at the beginning of row from right side.

BACK PIECE:
Work as front piece.

ASSEMBLY:
Sew shoulder seams edge to edge to avoid a chunky seam.

DECORATING EDGE:
Work a decorating edge around the neck, each armhole and at the bottom of body - as well as up and down each vent.
Work decorative edge on hook size 4 mm with Cotton Merino as follows: 1 double crochet, * 3 chain stitches, 1 treble crochet in 3rd chain stitch from hook, skip approx. 1 cm and work 1 double crochet *. Work from *-* and finish with 1 slip stitch in first double crochet from beginning of round.

Diagram

symbols = 1 chain stitch - if you work at the end of crochet hook the chain stitch will often be too tight 1 chain stitch should be just as long as 1 treble crochet is wide.
symbols = 1 treble crochet in stitch below
symbols = 1 treble crochet between 2 treble crochets below
symbols = 1 treble crochet around chain stitch
symbols = this row is not worked, it has already been worked and only shows how next row should be worked in stitches
symbols = 1 slip stitch in 3rd chain stitch from beginning of round
symbols = 3 chain stitches at beginning of round/row
diagram
diagram
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 (22)

country flag Kris Meys wrote:

Mooi kleedje, ga ik nu maken!!

29.03.2023 - 14:20

country flag Lizzy wrote:

Sigh. I need to know if there is any way i can drop 10 Treble stitches from each side. Although I did the swatch and am using 3.0 mm hook (v recommended 4.0) i realized after 4 rows beyond the join / vent it now is 12 mm too wide on front and on back. Now when I measure 17 TR stitches on the dress it is 12 mm not 10 mm so the width apparently was growing 2 mm every 17. I know this is my issue not the pattern but am unsure even if i start again if it will work.

15.01.2023 - 14:32

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Lizzy, try to keep the correct tension in width to ensure the correct width while working - but also make sure you are following appropriate English pattern - you should have double crochets (US-English) or treble crochets (UK-English). Happy crocheting!

16.01.2023 - 09:27

country flag Elizabeth Hahn wrote:

I want to make sure 'then work round together with a slip stitch in 3rd chain stitch at the beginning of round, work chain stitches in A.2, turn piece and work back from wrong side. Continue piece in the round, but turn piece for every round to work from both right side and wrong side. ' Only means I attach the front to the back on one side. not both and work all the way around ( it keeps saying this is a comment so i resent as a question)

14.01.2023 - 14:51

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Elizabeth, you join the beginning of the round (of the front) to the end of the back and work all the round. When you reach the end of the round, turn the piece and work the next round on the wrong side. This is necessary so that the texture of the front and back, which had been worked back and forth, matches the body worked in the round. Happy crocheting!

15.01.2023 - 12:30

country flag Lizzy wrote:

I want to make sure 'then work round together with a slip stitch in 3rd chain stitch at the beginning of round, work chain stitches in A.2, turn piece and work back from wrong side. Continue piece in the round, but turn piece for every round to work from both right side and wrong side. ' Only means I attach the front to the back on one side. not both and work all the way around

14.01.2023 - 14:50

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Lizzy, you join the beginning of the round (of the front) to the end of the back and work all the round. When you reach the end of the round, turn the piece and work the next round on the wrong side. This is necessary so that the texture of the front and back, which had been worked back and forth, matches the body worked in the round. Happy crocheting!

15.01.2023 - 12:30

country flag Lizzy wrote:

I want to make sure 'then work round together with a slip stitch in 3rd chain stitch at the beginning of round, work chain stitches in A.2, turn piece and work back from wrong side. Continue piece in the round, but turn piece for every round to work from both right side and wrong side. ' Only means I attach the front to the back on one side. not both and work all the way around

14.01.2023 - 14:49

country flag Lizzy wrote:

I am starting Open Country Drops Dress. It is treble crochet. The swatch says 17 treble crochet stitches wide and 9 rows vertically will be 10 x 10 cm or 4 x 4. My first swatch was with 4.0 and way to long. I moved to 3.0 and still the treble crochet stitch are too tall. I am unsure how you can have one treble crochet stitch only 1.1 CM high? What am i missing ?

13.01.2023 - 13:26

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Lizzy, make sure you are reading the appropriate English pattern because UK- and US-crochet terminology are different, so that 1 treble crochet in UK-English is 1 double crochet in US-English - this might help. Happy crocheting!

13.01.2023 - 15:19

country flag Tereza wrote:

Moc hezké šaty.

10.05.2021 - 13:36

country flag Marianne Skoú wrote:

Jeg forstår ikke at læse måleskitsen. 😢

28.04.2021 - 23:16

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Marianne. Kanske detta kan vara till hjälp. Mvh DROPS Design

29.04.2021 - 13:46

country flag Marianne Skoú wrote:

Hvor finder jeg en str. guide, hofte, bryst osv. ?? 🤔

27.04.2021 - 12:01

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Marianne, Du finder kjolens mål i de forskellige størrelser i måleskitsen, som ligger nederst i opskriften. God fornøjelse!

28.04.2021 - 13:27

country flag Irena wrote:

Zapowiada się pięknie !

11.04.2021 - 10:46