DROPS Sky
DROPS Sky
74% Alpaca, 18% Polyamide, 8% Wool
from 5.10 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 15.30£.

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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Knitted jacket for children in DROPS Sky. The piece is worked top down with double neck, textured pattern and saddle shoulders. Sizes 3 – 14 years.

DROPS Children 40-18
DROPS Design: Pattern no sk-018-bn
Yarn group B
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SIZES:
3/4 - 5/6 - 7/8 - 9/10 - 11/12 - 13/14 years
Equivalent to child’s height in cm:
98/104 - 110/116 - 122/128 - 134/140 - 146/152 - 158/164

MATERIALS:
DROPS SKY from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group B)
150-200-200-250-300-300 g colour 02, pearl grey

KNITTING TENSION:
21 stitches in width and 28 rows in height with textured pattern = 10 x 10 cm.

NEEDLES:
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 4 MM.
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 4 MM: Length 60 cm or 80 cm for textured pattern.
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 3 MM.
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 3 MM: Length 60 cm or 80 cm for rib.
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.


DROPS WOOD BUTTONS, Sheep NO 627: 5-6-6-7-7-7 items.

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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 Sky
DROPS Sky
74% Alpaca, 18% Polyamide, 8% Wool
from 5.10 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 15.30£.

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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EXPLANATIONS FOR THE PATTERN:

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

PATTERN:
See diagram A.1. The diagram shows all rows in the pattern from the right side.

INCREASE TIP-1 (evenly spaced):
To work out how to increase evenly, count the total number of stitches on the needle (e.g. 87 stitches) minus bands (e.g. 10 stitches) and divide the remaining stitches by the number of increases to be made (e.g. 18) = 4.3. 
In this example, increase by making 1 yarn over after approx. each 4th stitch. Do not increase on bands. On the next row work the yarn overs twisted to avoid holes.

INCREASE TIP-2 (for saddle shoulders, sleeves and yoke, from the RIGHT SIDE):
BEFORE MARKER:
The new stitch twists to the right.
Use the left needle to pick up the strand between 2 stitches from the previous row, pick up the back strand and knit in the front loop.
AFTER MARKER:
The new stitch twists to the left.
Use the left needle to pick up the strand between 2 stitches from the previous row, pick up the front strand and knit in the back loop.

INCREASE TIP-3 (for saddle shoulders, from the WRONG SIDE):
BEFORE MARKER:
The new stitch twists to the right.
Use the left needle to pick up the strand between 2 stitches from the previous row, pick up the front strand and purl in the back loop.
AFTER MARKER:
The new stitch twists to the left.
Use the left needle to pick up the strand between 2 stitches from the previous row, pick up the back strand and purl in the front loop.

DECREASE TIP (for sleeves): 
Start 2 stitches before the marker thread, knit 2 together, work the marker-stitch as before, slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 1 and pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch (2 stitches decreased).

BUTTONHOLES:
Work buttonholes on the right band (when the garment is worn). Work from the right side when there are 3 stitches left on the row as follows: Make 1 yarn over, knit 2 together and knit 1. On the next row, knit the yarn over to leave a hole.
The first buttonhole is worked when the neck is finished (in the transition between the neck and the yoke). The other 4-5-5-6-6-6 buttonholes are then worked with approx. 7-7-7½-7-7-7½ cm between each one.

CASTING-OFF TIP:
To avoid the cast-off edge being tight you can cast off with a larger size needle. If the edge is still tight, make 1 yarn over after approx. each 6th stitch at the same time as casting off; the yarn overs are cast off as normal stitches.


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START THE PIECE HERE:

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JACKET – SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE:
The neck and yoke are worked back and forth with circular needle, from mid-front and top down. Stitches are increased for the saddle shoulders, then for the sleeves and finally for the yoke.
The yoke is divided for the body and sleeves and the body continued back and forth. The sleeves are worked in the round with double pointed needles, top down.

DOUBLE NECK:
Cast on 87-89-91-93-95-99 stitches (including 5 band stitches on each side towards mid-front) with circular needle size 3 mm and Sky.
Purl 1 row (= wrong side). The next row is worked as follows from the right side: 1 edge stitch in GARTER STITCH – read description above, * knit 1, purl 1 *, work from *-* until there are 2 stitches left on the row, knit 1 and 1 edge stitch in garter stitch. Continue this rib for 7 cm.
When the rib is finished, knit 1 row from the right side, where you increase 18-20-22-24-22-22 stitches evenly spaced – read INCREASE TIP-1 and remember the BUTTONHOLE on the right band – read description above = 105-109-113-117-117-121 stitches.
Purl 1 row from the right side (yarn overs are purled twisted and 5 outermost stitches on each side are knitted = bands). Now work the yoke as described below.

YOKE:
Change to circular needle size 4 mm.
Insert 1 marker after the band at the beginning of the row. The yoke is measured from this marker!
In addition insert 4 other markers, without working the stitches, as follows – each marker is inserted between 2 stitches, is used when increasing for the saddle shoulders and should have a different colour to the marker on the neck.
Marker 1: Start at the beginning of the row and count 21-22-22-22-22-23 stitches (= front piece), insert the marker before the next stitch.
Marker 2: Count 15-15-17-19-19-19 stitches from marker 1 (= shoulder), insert the marker before the next stitch.
Marker 3: Count 33-35-35-35-35-37 stitches from marker 2 (= back piece), insert the marker before the next stitch.
Marker 4: Count 15-15-17-19-19-19 stitches from marker 3 (= shoulder), insert the marker before the next stitch.
There are 21-22-22-22-22-23 stitches left on the row after marker 4 (= front piece).
Allow these 4 markers to follow your work onwards.

SADDLE-SHOULDER INCREASES:
Read the whole section before continuing! Work A.1 with 5 band stitches in garter stitch on each side towards mid-front.
AT THE SAME TIME, on the first row from the right side, increase 4 stitches for the shoulders as follows:
Increase BEFORE markers 1 and 3 and AFTER markers 2 and 4 – read INCREASE TIP-2. You are only increasing on the front and back pieces, the number of shoulder stitches remains the same.
On the next row from the wrong side, increase 4 stitches for the shoulders as follows:
Increase BEFORE markers 4 and 2 and AFTER markers 3 and 1 – read INCREASE TIP-3. You are increasing EVERY row, differently from the right and wrong sides, so the stitches lie neatly.
Continue the pattern and increase every row (both on the right and wrong side) a total of 12-14-16-20-22-26 times = 153-165-177-197-205-225 stitches – the increased stitches are worked into A.1. REMEMBER THE KNITTING TENSION!
After the last increase the piece measures approx. 4-5-6-7-8-9 cm from the marker on the neck. Now increase for the sleeves as follows.

SLEEVE INCREASES:
Continue A.1 with 5 band stitches in garter stitch on each side towards mid-front.
AT THE SAME TIME on the next row from the right side increase 4 stitches for the sleeves as follows:
Increase AFTER markers 1 and 3 and BEFORE markers 2 and 4 – remember INCREASE TIP-2.
You increase only on the sleeves and the number of stitches on the front and back pieces remains the same. The new stitches are worked into A.1.
Increase like this every 2nd row (each row from the right side) a total of 10-10-8-7-8-8 times = 193-205-209-225-237-257 stitches.
The piece measures approx. 11-12-12-12-14-15 cm from the marker on the neck. Now increase for the yoke as described below.

YOKE INCREASES:
Move each marker so they are inserted in the outermost stitch on each side of the front and back pieces. There are 35-35-33-33-35-35 stitches between the marker-stitches on each sleeve.
On the next row from the right side increase 8 stitches, by increasing both before and after all 4 marker-stitches – remember INCREASE TIP-2.
You are now increasing on the front/back pieces and on the sleeves; the increased stitches are worked into A.1.
Increase like this every 2nd row (each row from the right side) a total of 5-5-6-5-5-4 times = 233-245-257-265-277-289 stitches.
When all the increases are finished, the piece measures approx. 15-16-16-17-18-19 cm from the marker on the neck.
Continue working, without further increases, until the piece measures 15-16-16-17-18-19 cm from the marker on the neck.
Now divide the yoke for the body and sleeves as follows: Work the first 38-40-42-44-46-48 stitches as before (front piece), place the next 46-48-50-50-52-54 stitches on 1 thread for the sleeve, cast on 6-6-6-8-8-8 new stitches (= in side under sleeve), work the next 65-69-73-77-81-85 stitches as before (= back piece), place the next 46-48-50-50-52-54 stitches on 1 thread for the sleeve, cast on 6-6-6-8-8-8 new stitches (= in side under sleeve), work the last 38-40-42-44-46-48 stitches (= front piece).
The body and sleeves are finished separately. THE PIECE IS NOW MEASURED FROM HERE.
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BODY:
= 153-161-169-181-189-197 stitches.
Continue A.1 back and forth with 5 band stitches in garter stitch on each side until the piece measures 15-18-21-24-25-26 cm from the division. There is approx. 3 cm left to finished length; try the jacket on and work to desired length.
Change to circular needle size 3 mm. The next row is worked as follows from the right side : 5 band stitches in garter stitch, * knit 1, purl 1 *, work from *-* until there are 6 stitches left, knit 1 and 5 band stitches in garter stitch (the rib should fit A.1 neatly, with knit over knit and purl over garter stitch). Continue this rib for 3 cm. Cast off with garter stitch over garter stitch, knit over knit and purl over purl – remember CASTING-OFF TIP! The jacket measures approx. 36-40-44-48-50-52 cm from the shoulder down.

SLEEVES:
Place the 46-48-50-50-52-54 stitches from the thread on the one side of the piece on double pointed needles size 4 mm and knit up 1 stitch in each of the 6-6-6-8-8-8 stitches cast on under the sleeve = 52-54-56-58-60-62 stitches. Insert a marker thread in the middle of the 6-6-6-8-8-8 new stitches under the sleeve.
Start at the marker thread and work A.1 in the round – make sure the pattern continues the pattern on the yoke.
When the sleeve measures 3 cm from the division, decrease 2 stitches mid-under the sleeve – read DECREASE TIP. Decrease like this every 2½-2½-3½-3½-4-4 cm a total of 7-8-8-9-9-10 times = 38-38-40-40-42-42 stitches.
Continue working without further decreases until the sleeve measures 21-25-30-34-38-42 cm from the division.
There is approx. 3 cm left to finished length; try the jacket on and work to desired length.
Change to double pointed needles size 3 mm and work rib (knit 1, purl 1) for 3 cm, making sure the rib matches neatly over A.1.
Cast off with knit over knit and purl over purl – remember CASTING-OFF TIP! The sleeve measures approx. 24-28-33-37-41-45 cm from the division. Work the other sleeve in the same way.

ASSEMBLY:
Fold the neck double to the wrong side and sew down. To avoid the neck being tight and rolling outwards, it is important the seam is elastic.
Sew together the openings at the top of the bands with small stitches.
Sew the buttons onto the left band.

Diagram

symbols = knit from right side, purl from wrong side
symbols = purl from right side, knit from wrong side
symbols = knitting direction
symbols = increase for saddle-shoulders
symbols = increase for sleeves
symbols = increase for yoke
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 (2)

country flag Rei wrote:

(11~12 size ) Shouldn't the yoke increase be more than 81stitch?

01.09.2023 - 10:19

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Rei, before yoke increases, there are 237 sts on needle in this size, then you increase (like raglan) 8 sts a total of 5 times on every other row = 40 sts increased + 237 = 277 sts before dividing. Can this help? Happy knitting!

01.09.2023 - 15:27

country flag Jennifer Martone wrote:

I am having a hard time understanding stitch pattern used in this sweater. The picture shows a different stitch and the directions say knit every row garter stitch. The sweater is not done in garter stitch.

25.08.2022 - 00:42

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Martone, the pattern in this jacket is worked following diagram A.1, work as follow over 2 sts: from RS: K1, P1, from WS, P2 (read from the left towards the right), repeat these 2 rows, in other words, you will get rib (1 stitch in stocking stitch (1st st in A.1), 1 stitch in garter stitch (2nd stitch in A.1). Happy knitting!

25.08.2022 - 09:36