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Knitting tension – See how to measure it and why here
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 Paris 100% Cotton |
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DROPS Needles & Hooks |
All measurements in charts are in cm.
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= knit from the right side, purl from the wrong side |
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= purl from the right side, knit from the wrong side |
Thank you for choosing a DROPS Design pattern. We take pride in providing patterns that are correct and easy to understand. All patterns are translated from Norwegian and you can always check the original pattern (DROPS 230-27) for measurements and calculations.
Are you having trouble following the pattern? See below for a list of resources to help you finish your project in no time - or why not, learn something new.
Are you having trouble following the pattern? See below for a list of resources to help you finish your project in no time - or why not, learn something new.
Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.
These step-by-step tutorials might also help you:
We have also step-by-step guides for different techniques which you'll find here.
1) 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 only serve 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
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.
3) 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?
4) How do I use the yarn converter?
At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn converter, 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 converter 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 converted 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.
5) 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 gauge tension swatch
6) 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.
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.
9) 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
10) 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
11) 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
12) 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.
14) 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)
15) 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
16) 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!
17) 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
18) 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?
19) 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 converter, 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 converter will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.
20) 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.
21) 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.
22) 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 (usually 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.
See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing
23) 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.
All measurements in charts are in cm.
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= knit from the right side, purl from the wrong side |
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= purl from the right side, knit from the wrong side |
With over 30 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 299 catalogs and 11133 patterns - 11129 of which are translated into English (US/in).
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!
Ich habe die Seiten wie krausrechts gestr. (nach dem Video) zusammen gestrickt. Von der Innenseite (auf links gedreht, die Stelle der Naht liegt, wenn ich es wieder auf rechts drehe so eingesackt und Seiten beulen nach außen. Hätte ich es mit einer anderen Technik zusammennähen sollen?
30.03.2023 - 14:27DROPS Design answered:
Liebe Sandra, Sie können das Top anfeuchten, die Nähte in Form ziehen, flachdrücken und liegend trocknen lassen, damit sollte sich die Ausbeulung beheben lassen. Viel Spaß mit Ihrem Top!
05.04.2023 kl. 10:40Hallo, wird die Schulter am Hals im Muster gestrickt oder Krausrechts? Steht nicht in der Anleitung Danke und Grüße
30.03.2023 - 10:56DROPS Design answered:
Liebe Sandra, Sie stricken die Schultern wie zuvor weiter, d.h. im Muster. Gutes Gelingen weiterhin!
05.04.2023 kl. 10:42Where is diagram A1, it isn’t showing on the website page!
27.03.2023 - 18:35DROPS Design answered:
Dear Nicola, diagram A.1 is right beside the schematic drawing, on its left side. I is only two stitch wide and two stitch high. Happy Crafting!
28.03.2023 kl. 07:30Re Schulter Rückenteil: Kette ich 1 Masche in der Hin oder Rückreihe ab? Bei der Li Schulter Rückenteil habe ich die Rückrunde gestrickt und in der Hinrunde am Hals abgekettet oder muss ich das jetzt andersrum machen - in der Rückrunde am Hals abketten
25.03.2023 - 08:54DROPS Design answered:
Liebe Sandra, für die Rechte Schulter Rückenteil wird man für den Hals am Anfang einer Rück-Reihe (am Anfang der Reihe von Hals bis Schulter) abketten - beim Linken Schulter Rückenteil soll man für den Hals am Anfang einer Hin-Reihe abketten (am Anfang der Reihe vom Hals bis Schulter). Aber beim Vorderteil ketten Sie für den Hals am Anfang einer Hin-Reihe (rechte Schulter) / Rückreihe (linke Schulter). Viel Spaß beim stricken!
27.03.2023 kl. 09:05Guten Morgen, ist der Maschenanschlag schon die Hinreihe oder Zählt der Anschlag nicht mit? Bin Anfänger und weiß nicht ob der Maschenanschlag schon mitzählt
20.03.2023 - 07:29DROPS Design answered:
Liebe Sandra, Anschlagskante zählt nicht als Reihe, wenn die Maschen angeschlagen sind, dann stricken Sie die erste Hinreihe. Viel Spaß beim stricken!
20.03.2023 kl. 09:31Stricke ich das Musterstück zum abmessen in dem Muster re/li? oder einfach nur hin re und rück li?
20.03.2023 - 07:10DROPS Design answered:
Liebe Sandra, ich verstehe Ihre Frage leider nicht, könnten Sie bitte mehr beschreiben, was Sie hier meinen? Danke im voraus für Ihr Verständnis.
20.03.2023 kl. 09:31Schulter beginnen: es wird die li Schulter zuerst angezeit, wenn ich die Arbeit aufteile, ist es egal welche Schulter ich zuerst beginne? Da ich ja den Faden dann an der re Schulter habe wenn ich in einer Hinrunde beginne. In der Anleitung steht zuerst die li Schulter.
14.03.2023 - 08:31DROPS Design answered:
Liebe Sandra, beim Rückenteil werden Sie zuerst den linke Schulter stricken: bei einer Hinreihe stricken Sie die Maschen vom rechten Schulter, und legen Sie sie still, dann ketten Sie die Maschen für den Halsausschnitt ab, und stricken Sie die Maschen vom linken Schulter weiter. Beim Vorderteil stricken Sie zuerst die Maschen vom rechten Schulter und legen Sie sie still, ketten Sie die Maschen für den Hals ab und stricken Sie die Maschen vom rechten Schulter weiter. Viel Spaß beim stricken!
14.03.2023 kl. 10:09Hallo, wenn ich in der Hinreihe am Anfang 4 Ma abgekettet habe und dann auf der linken Seite auch, habe ich eine Masche noch auf der Nadel schneide ich den Faden dann ab? Oder Kette ich die 4 MA auf der RR ab? Randmasche immer noch Kraus re oder re auf der rechten seite und li auf der linken Seite
13.03.2023 - 11:05DROPS Design answered:
Liebe Sandra, für die Armauschnitte soll man nur am Anfang der Reihen abketten, dh am Anfang der nächsten 2 Reihen (= Hin- + Rückreihe) die ersten 4 Maschen abketten , dann am Anfang der nächsten 6 Reihen 1 Masche abketten (1 Masche 3 Mal auf beiden Seite). Viel Spaß beim stricken!
13.03.2023 kl. 11:22Stricken, bis die Arbeit eine Länge von 31-32-33-34-35-36 cm ab dem Anschlagrand hat. gesamtlänge = 50 cm Anschlag bis unter Arm = 31 cm Im Bild 50 dann 18 cm ist aber 32 cm?
09.03.2023 - 10:17Wie folgt stricken: 1 Rand-Masche KRAUS RECHTS – siehe oben, A.1 bis noch 2 Maschen übrig sind, die erste Masche von A.1 und 1 Rand-Masche kraus rechts. Stricke ich die erste re und die letzte? was bedeutet , bis 2 Maschen übrig sind. Warum steht oben Krausippe wenn Perlmuster? Werden die 4 Ma in der Hinreihe hintereinander abgekettet. dann eine Rückreihe und 3 MA wieder hintereinander?
09.03.2023 - 09:38DROPS Design answered:
Liebe Sandra, damit das (gerade Maschenanzahl) Muster über die (ungerade) Maschenanzahl passt soll man die vorletzte der Reihe wie die 1. Masche vom Diagram (bei den Hinreihen) stricken, dh so: 1 Randmasche, die 2 Maschen in A.1 wierdholen bis 2 Maschen übrig auf der linken Nadel sind, die nächste Masche wie die 1. Masche in A.1 stricken und die letzte Masche als Randmasche stricken. Bei den Rückreihen stricken Sie zuerst die 1. Masche A.1 (= 1 M rechts bei der Hinreihe) dann wiederholen Sie A.1 (links nach rechts lesen) zwischen den Randmaschen. Viel Spaß beim stricken!
09.03.2023 kl. 12:05