DROPS Karisma
100% Wool
from 3.00 $ /50g

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DROPS Buttons
Olive wood No. 511

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DROPS Needles & Hooks

Order

Get the yarn to make this pattern from 48.00$.

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!

Evening Star Cardigan

Knitted jacket for men in DROPS Karisma or DROPS Lima. The piece is worked top down with Nordic pattern and double neck. Sizes S – XXXL.

Highlight Size:

DROPS 251-6

#eveningstarcardigan

DROPS Design: Pattern u-986
Yarn group B
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SIZES:
S - M - L - XL - XXL – XXXL

Finished measurements:
Chest measurements: 100-108-116-122-138-154 cm = 39⅜"-42½"-45¾"-48"-54¼"-60⅝"
Full length: 64-66-68-70-72-74 cm = 25¼"-26"-26¾"-27½"-28⅜"-29⅛"
All measurements in charts are in cm.

YARN:
DROPS KARISMA from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group B)
550-600-650-700-750-850 g color 37, dark grey blue
250-250-300-300-350-350 g color 85, light beige

Or use:
DROPS LIMA from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group B)
550-600-650-700-750-850 g color 9016, navy blue
250-250-300-300-350-350 g color 0206, wheat

BUTTONS:
DROPS BUTTONS NO 511: 6-6-6-7-7-7 items

NEEDLES:
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 4 MM = US 6: Length 40 cm = 16" and 80 cm = 32".
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 3 MM = US 2.5: Length 80 cm = 32".
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 4 MM = US 6.
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 3 MM = US 2.5.
The technique MAGIC LOOP can be used – you then only need 80 cm = 32" circular needle in each size.

KNITTING GAUGE:
21 stitches in width and 28 rows in height, with stockinette stitch and Nordic pattern on needle size 4 MM = US 6 = 10 x 10 cm = 4" x 4".
NOTE: Needle size is only a guide. If you get too many stitches on 10 cm = 4", change to a larger needle size. If you get too few stitches on 10 cm = 4", 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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Men Men's Jackets & Cardigans Nordic Jackets colorwork double neck nordic round neck sewn in sleeves stocking stitch top down

DROPS Karisma
100% Wool
from 3.00 $ /50g

Order

DROPS Buttons
Olive wood No. 511

Order

DROPS Needles & Hooks

Order

Get the yarn to make this pattern from 48.00$.

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 American English. All measurements in charts are in cm. Convert from inches to cm here. There are different terms for crocheting in American and British English. If this pattern includes crochet, convert "crochet terms" here. See this pattern in British English here.

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EXPLANATIONS FOR THE PATTERN:

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GARTER STITCH (worked back and forth):
Knit all rows, from both the right and wrong side.
1 ridge in height = knit 2 rows.

PATTERN:
See diagrams A.1 to A.6. The diagrams show the pattern from the right side. The pattern is worked in stockinette stitch.

INCREASE TIP:
Increase 1 stitch by making 1 yarn over, which is worked twisted on the next row/round to avoid a hole. Then work the new stitches in stockinette stitch.

DECREASE TIP:
Decrease 1 stitch on each side of the marker-thread as follows:
Work until there are 3 stitches left before the marker-thread, knit 2 together, knit 2 (marker-thread sits between these 2 stitches), slip 1 stitch knit-wise, knit 1 and pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch (2 stitches decreased).

KNITTING TIP:
To avoid the knitting gauge losing its elasticity when working pattern, it is important that the strands at the back are not tight. Use a size larger needle when working pattern if the piece becomes tight.
When there are large distances in the color-pattern, twist the strands together at the back to carry the strand forward.

BUTTONHOLES:
Work 6-6-6-7-7-7 buttonholes on the right band.
1 buttonhole = work 2 together then 1 yarn over – NOTE: It is neatest if you purl 2 together in a purled section (seen from the right side). On the next row knit the yarn over to leave a hole.
The top buttonhole is worked in the transition between the neck and the yoke, the bottom buttonhole at the transition between body and rib. The other 4-4-4-5-5-5 buttonholes are worked with approx. 10-10½-11-9½-9½-10 cm = 4"-4⅛"-4⅜"-3⅝"-3⅝"-4" between each one.

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START THE PIECE HERE:

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JACKET – SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE:
The pattern uses both long and short needles; start with the length which fits the number of stitches and change when necessary.
The front and back pieces are started separately back and forth, top down as far as the armholes. The piece is then joined and the body continued back and forth from mid-front. Stitches are knitted up around the armholes and the sleeves worked in the round, top down. Stitches are knitted up around the neckline and the neck worked back and forth and, finally, stitches are knitted up along each front piece and the bands worked back and forth.

BACK PIECE:
RIGHT SHOULDER:
Work back and forth on circular needle.
Cast on 38-42-46-46-54-62 stitches with circular needle size 4 MM = US 6 and color dark grey blue DROPS Karisma or color navy blue DROPS Lima.
Purl 1 row from the wrong side, then work 4 rows of pattern A.1 with 1 edge stitch in GARTER STITCH on each side – read explanations above. Lay the piece to one side and work the left shoulder.

LEFT SHOULDER:
Cast on 38-42-46-46-54-62 stitches with circular needle size 4 MM = US 6 and color dark grey blue DROPS Karisma or color navy blue DROPS Lima.
Purl 1 row from the wrong side, then work 4 rows of pattern A.1, with 1 edge stitch in garter stitch on each side. On the next row from the right side, join the two shoulders as follows:
Work row 5 in A.1 across the left shoulder, cast on 39-39-39-47-47-47 stitches with color light beige/wheat, work row 5 in A.1 across the right shoulder = 115-123-131-139-155-171 stitches. Read KNITTING TIP! Work 1 edge stitch, then A.1 until there are 2 stitches left, work the first stitch in A.1 (so the pattern is symmetrical) and 1 edge stitch.
When A.1 is finished, continue as follows:
1 edge stitch, find the start-arrow for your size in A.2, work A.2 until there is 1 stitch left on the row, 1 edge stitch. You will not get complete repeats of the pattern each side but there will be a full repeat middle of the row.
When the piece measures 20-21-22-23-24-25 cm = 8"-8¼"-8¾"-9"-9½"-9¾" from the cast-on edge, insert 1 marker in each side. Note down which row in the pattern this is. Continue A.2 and bind off for the armholes at the beginning of each row: 2 stitches 1 time, then 1 stitch 3 times on each side = 105-113-121-129-145-161 stitches. Finish after a row from the wrong side, cut the strand, lay the piece to one side and work the front pieces.

RIGHT FRONT PIECE:
Cast on 38-42-46-46-54-62 stitches with circular needle size 4 MM = US 6 and color dark grey blue DROPS Karisma or color navy blue DROPS Lima.
Purl 1 row from the wrong side, then work as follows: 1 edge stitch, A.1 across the next 32-40-40-40-48-56 stitches, work the first 4 stitches in A.1, 1-0-1-1-1-1 time, 1 edge stitch. On the 13th-13th-15th-15th-17th-17th row in the diagram, begin increasing for the neckline, casting on at the end of each row from the right side as follows: 1 stitch 1 time, 2 stitches 2 times and 3 stitches 1 time = 46-50-54-54-62-70 stitches (work the new stitches into the pattern). At the end of the next row from the right side, cast on 13-13-13-17-17-17 stitches = 59-63-67-71-79-87 stitches. Continue A.1 with 1 edge stitch on each side. Make sure you continue the established pattern, which will not fit mid-front but will fit towards the side.
When A.1 has been completed in height, work as follows: 1 edge stitch, work the last 9-13-17-21-5-13 stitches in A.3 - see start-arrow for your size - work A.3 across the next 48-48-48-48-72-72 stitches, 1 edge stitch.
When the piece measures 20-21-22-23-24-25 cm = 8"-8¼"-8¾"-9"-9½"-9¾", insert 1 marker at the end of the row from the right side, making sure it is the same row as on the back piece. Continue A.3 and bind off at the beginning of each row from the right side as follows: 2 stitches 1 time, and 1 stitch 3 times = 54-58-62-66-74-82 stitches. Finish after a row from the wrong side. Cut the strand.

LEFT FRONT PIECE:
Cast on 38-42-46-46-54-62 stitches with circular needle size 4 MM = US 6 and color dark grey blue DROPS Karisma or color navy blue DROPS Lima.
Purl 1 row from the wrong side, then work as follows: 1 edge stitch, work the last 4 stitches in A.4, 1-0-1-1-1-1 time, work A.4 across the next 32-40-40-40-48-56 stitches, 1 edge stitch.
On the 14th-14th-14th-16th-16th-18th row in the diagram, begin increasing for the neckline, casting on at the end of each row from the wrong side as follows: 1 stitch 1 time, 2 stitches 2 times and 3 stitches 1 time = 46-50-54-54-62-70 stitches (work the new stitches into the pattern). At the end of the next row from the wrong side, cast on 13-13-13-17-17-17 stitches = 59-63-67-71-79-87 stitches. Continue A.4 with 1 edge stitch on each side. Make sure you continue the established pattern, which will not fit mid-front but will fit towards the side.
When A.4 has been completed in height, work as follows: 1 edge stitch, work A.5 across the next 48-48-48-48-72-72 stitches, work the first 9-13-17-21-5-13 stitches in A.5, 1 edge stitch.
When the piece measures 20-21-22-23-24-25 cm = 8"-8¼"-8¾"-9"-9½"-9¾", insert 1 marker at the end of the row from the right side, making sure it is the same row as on the back piece. Continue A.5 and bind off at the beginning of each row from the wrong side as follows: 2 stitches 1 time, and 1 stitch 3 times = 54-58-62-66-74-82 stitches. Finish after a row from the wrong side. Do not cut the strand, the piece is now joined for the body.

BODY:
From the right side, work across the 54-58-62-66-74-82 stitches on the left front piece (continuing A.5 as far as it goes at the side), work across the 105-113-121-133-145-161 stitches on the back piece (continuing A.2), work across the 54-58-62-66-74-82 stitches on the right front piece (continuing A.5) = 213-229-245-261-293-325 stitches. Work the patterns back and forth with 1 edge stitch on each side until A.2, A.3 and A.5 are finished. NOTE! The pattern does not fit under the armholes; work as far as the pattern goes on each side but have at least 1 stitch with color dark grey blue/navy blue each side when working the "spots". When the patterns are finished, repeat the last 8 rows (marked with x).
Work until the piece measures 35-36-37-37-38-39 cm = 13¾"-14¼"-14½"-14½"-15"-15¼" from the join, adjusting so you have worked a few rounds without "spots" before the rib. Finish the piece with color dark grey blue/navy blue.
On the next row from the right side, change to circular needle size 3 MM = US 2.5. Work 1 edge stitch, then work rib (knit 2, purl 2) AT THE SAME TIME increasing 39-43-47-47-59-63 stitches evenly and until there are 3 stitches left, knit 2 and 1 edge stitch = 252-272-292-308-352-388 stitches.
Bind off when the rib measures 6-6-6-7-7-7 cm = 2⅜"-2⅜"-2⅜"-2¾"-2¾"-2¾". The jacket measures approx. 64-66-68-70-72-74 cm = 25¼"-26"-26¾"-27½"-28⅜"-29⅛".

ASSEMBLY:
Sew the shoulder seams.

SLEEVES:
Use circular needle size 4 MM = US 6 and color dark grey blue/navy blue.
From the right side, knit up 84-88-92-96-100-106 stitches around the armhole, starting at the marker on one side under the armhole and knitting up to the marker on the other side; the bind-off stitches under the armholes will be sewn together to finish. Insert 1 marker-thread at the beginning of the round. In addition, insert 1 marker in one of the 2 middle stitches on the round (mid-top of sleeve).
The marker-thread is used when decreasing under the sleeve, the marker when determining where to start the color-pattern.
Knit 1 round with color dark grey blue/navy blue. Work A.6 in the round – the stitch marked with an arrow in A.6 should match the marker-stitch on top of the sleeve – count back from the marker stitch to determine where to start the color-pattern under the sleeve (which does not fit under the sleeve).
When the sleeve measures 3 cm = 1⅛" from the shoulder-marker, decrease 2 stitches under the sleeve – read DECREASE TIP. Decrease like this every 3-2½-2½-2-2-1½ cm = 1⅛"-1"-1"-¾"-¾"-½" a total of 13-14-14-15-16-18 times = 58-60-64-66-68-70 stitches. When A.6 is finished, repeat the last 8 rounds in the pattern (marked with x).

Work until the sleeve measures 47-46-46-44-41-38 cm = 18½"-18"-18"-17¼"-16⅛"-15" from the marker, adjusting so you have worked a few rounds without "spots" before the rib. Finish the sleeve with color dark grey blue/navy blue. Change to double pointed needles size 3 MM = US 2.5. Work rib (knit 2, purl 2), AT THE SAME TIME increase 10-12-12-10-12-14 stitches evenly on the first round = 68-72-76-76-80-84 stitches. When the rib measures 6-6-6-7-7-7 cm = 2⅜"-2⅜"-2⅜"-2¾"-2¾"-2¾", bind off.

DOUBLE NECK:
Use circular needle size 3 MM = US 2.5 and color dark grey blue/navy blue.
Start from the right side mid-front and knit up 120 to 136 stitches along the neckline, the stitch count should be divisible by 4. Work the first row from the wrong side as follows: 1 edge stitch, rib (knit 2, purl 2) until there are 3 stitches left, knit 2 and 1 edge stitch. Continue this rib back and forth for 9 cm = 3½". Change to circular needle size 4 MM = US 6, bind off.

RIGHT BAND:
Use circular needle size 3 MM = US 2.5 and color dark grey blue/navy blue.
Start at the bottom of the right front piece and knit up 140 to 160 stitches inside the 1 edge stitch and until there is 5 cm = 2" left at the top (the last 5 cm = 2" are folded down later) - the stitch count should be divisible by 4.
Work rib back and forth as follows, starting from the wrong side: 1 edge stitch, * purl 2, knit 2 *, work from *-* until there are 3 stitches left, purl 2, 1 edge stitch. Continue this rib for 1½ cm = ½". Now work 6-6-6-7-7-7 BUTTONHOLES – read description above. When the band measures 3 cm = 1⅛", bind off.

LEFT BAND:
Use circular needle size 3 MM = US 2.5 and color dark grey blue/navy blue.
Start 5 cm = 2" below the top of the left front piece (these 5 cm = 2" are folded down later) and knit up 140 to 160 stitches inside the 1 edge stitch down to the bottom edge - the stitch count should be divisible by 4.
Work in the same way as the right band but without the buttonholes.

ASSEMBLY:
Sew the buttons onto the left band.
Fold the neck double to the inside and sew down. To avoid the neck being tight and rolling outwards, it is important that the seam is elastic. Sew the openings on the bands with small stitches.
Sew the openings under each sleeve.

Diagram

All measurements in charts are in cm.

	= light beige/wheat
	= dark grey blue/navy blue

© 1982-2024 DROPS Design A/S We reserve all rights. This document, including all its sub-sections, has copyrights.
What can you do with our patterns? You can share DROPS patterns online, using the pattern original picture, materials, name and number. But you are NOT ALLOWED to reproduce the complete pattern digitally in any way. Yarn stores are welcome to use the DROPS pattern database to promote the sale of our assortment. You can print out our patterns, make as many copies as you’d like. The only thing we ask is that you don't make any changes / additions to the original printed document. And that the patterns according to the DROPS philosophy are given out to the consumers for free. Editorials that wish to publish our patterns in printed books or magazines can contact us for more information. The sale of garments based on DROPS patterns is permitted as long as they are sold as single items or per order. Further commercial use of the patterns is not permitted. It has to be clearly stated that the garment is made based on a design from DROPS DESIGN. The use of clothing labels of which DROPS DESIGN forms part is conditioned by the inclusion of the following text: “A DROPS DESIGN made by …..”. The use of DROPS photos for marketing purposes/sales is only permitted in connection with the use/sale of DROPS products. The photos may not be cut or edited and the logo should be clearly visible.
We reserve the right to withdraw the permission for use of our patterns at any time, notwithstanding the reason.

Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.

These step-by-step tutorials might also help you:

Do you have a question? See a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)

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

How do I know how many balls of yarn I need?

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

Can I use a different yarn than what the pattern suggests?

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

What are the yarn groups?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

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.

Click here to see our yarn converter

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.

What size should I knit?

If you think it's hard to decide what size to make, it can be a good idea to measure a garment you own already and like the size of. Then you can pick the size by comparing those measures with the ones available in the pattern's size chart.

You'll find the size chart at the bottom of the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read size chart

Why do I get the wrong knitting tension with the suggested needle size?

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

Why is the pattern worked top-down?

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

How do I work according to a knitting diagram?

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

How do I work according to a crochet diagram?

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

How do I work several diagrams simultaneously on the same row/round?

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

Why are the sleeves shorter in larger sizes?

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

Where on the garment is the length measured?

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder (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

What is a repeat?

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

Why does the piece start with more chain stitches than it’s worked with?

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

Why increase before the rib edge when the piece is worked top-down?

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

Why increase in the cast-off edge?

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

How do I increase/decrease on every 3rd and 4th row/round alternately?

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

How can I work a jacket in the round instead of back and forth?

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

Can I work a jumper back and forth instead of in the round?

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

Why is the pattern slightly different than what I see in the photo?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

How do I make a women’s size garment into a men’s size one?

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

How do I prevent a hairy garment from shedding?

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

Why does my garment pill?

Pilling is a natural process that happens to even the most exclusive of fibers. It's a natural sign of wear and tear that is hard to avoid, and that is most visible in high friction areas of your garment like a sweater's arms and cuffs.

You can make your garment look as new by removing the pilling, using a fabric comb or a pill/lint remover.

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