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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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All measurements in charts are in cm.
= K | |
= P | |
= put 3 sts on cable needle in front of piece, K3, K3 from cable needle | |
= put 3 sts on cable needle in front of piece, P3, K3 from cable needle | |
= put 3 sts on cable needle behind piece, K3, K3 from cable needle | |
= put 3 sts on cable needle behind piece, K3, P3 from cable needle |
Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.
These step-by-step tutorials might also help you:
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.
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.
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.
Gone Fishing |
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DROPS men’s sweater with cables in “Fisherman”.
DROPS 39-5 |
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Knitting gauge: 12 sts x 16 rows on needle size 8 mm / US 11 in stockinette st = 4" x 4" (10 x 10 cm) Rib: *K2, P2*, repeat from *-*. Garter st in the round: K 1 round, P 1 round. Pattern: See diagram. The diagram shows the pattern from the RS side. Back and front piece: Knitted in the round on circular needle. Cast on 136-140 sts on circular needle size 4 mm / US 6 and work 6 cm / 2⅜" Rib. Change to needle size 8 mm / US 11 and inc 44-52 sts evenly on first round = 180-192 sts. Continue in pattern as follows: *20-23 stockinette sts, 50 pattern sts, 20-23 stockinette sts* = front piece, repeat from *-* on back piece. Remember the knitting gauge. When piece measures 39-41 cm work next round as follows: bind off 2 sts for armhole, 86-92 sts = front piece, bind off 4 sts for armhole, 86-92 sts = back piece, bind off 2 sts for armhole. Now complete each piece separately. Front piece: = 86-92 sts. Bind off to shape the armhole on every other row: 2 sts 1-2 times, 1 st 2-2 times = 82-84 sts. When piece measures 62-64 cm bind off the middle 28-28 sts for neck and dec to shape the neckline on every other row: 2 sts 1 time, 1 st twice. Bind off remaining sts when piece measures approx 68-70 cm. Back piece: = 86-92 sts. Bind off to shape the armhole as described for front piece = 82-84 sts. When piece measures 66-68 cm bind off the middle 32-32 sts for neck and dec 2 sts on neckline on next row. Bind off remaining sts when piece measures approx 68-70 cm. Sleeves: Cast on 32-32 sts on double pointed needles size 4 mm / US 6 and work 6 cm / 2⅜" Rib. Change to needle size 8 mm / US 11 and continue in stockinette st, at the same time inc 4 sts evenly on first round = 36-36 sts. At the same time after the Rib inc 2 sts mid under arm 17-17 times on every 3rd round = 70-70 sts. When piece measures approx 51-51 cm bind off 4 sts mid under arm and complete sleeve back and forth on needle. Bind off to shape the sleeve cap in beg of every row: 4 sts 4 times each side. Bind off, sleeve measures approx 57 cm / 22½". Assembly: Join shoulders. Pick up approx 80 sts round the neck on double pointed needle size 4 mm / US 6, work 2 rounds stockinette st and then 9 cm / 3½" Rib, bind off. Set in sleeves. |
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Diagram explanations |
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Have you made this or any other of our designs? Tag your pictures in social media with #dropsdesign so we can see them! Do you need help with this pattern?You'll find tutorial videos, a Comments/Questions area and more by visiting the pattern on garnstudio.com. © 1982-2024 DROPS Design A/S. We reserve all rights. This document, including all its sub-sections, has copyrights. Read more about what you can do with our patterns at the bottom of each pattern on our site. |
With over 40 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 304 catalogs and 11422 patterns - 11417 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!
Comments / Questions (23)
Jane wrote:
Thank you ! for all of your help so far - the jumper looks lovely.
10.11.2022 - 13:30Jane wrote:
« Dec to shape the armhole on every other row: 2 sts 1-2 times, 1 st 2-2 times = 82-84 sts. » I am coming up to 80 sts following above. Is your pattern correct for arm decrease
09.11.2022 - 15:16DROPS Design answered:
Dear Jane, there was a mistake in the English pattern, you are supposed to cast off 2 stitches 1-2 times on each side - there are 82-84 sts left. Thanks for noticing. Happy knitting!
09.11.2022 - 16:35Jane wrote:
Cast off 2 sts for armhole, 86-92 sts = front piece, cast off 4 sts for armhole, 86-92 sts = back piece, cast off 2 sts for armhole. Not understanding where the 4sts for armhole is?
02.11.2022 - 08:08DROPS Design answered:
Dear Jane, rounds start on one side, cast off the first 2 sts, work the next 86-92 sts (the first st is already on right needle), cast off the next 4 sts, work the next 86-92 sts (the first is already on right needle), cast off the last 2 sts on the round = you have cast off 4 sts on each side for armholes. Happy knitting!
02.11.2022 - 11:46Jane wrote:
Cable question. When we switch to knitting front and back separately, how does pattern work as it is shown from right side. How does the wrong-side work?
02.11.2022 - 08:04DROPS Design answered:
Dear Jane, when dividing piece, make sure the cables will be still worked from the right side of piece, then read diagrams from the left towards the right from wrong side and P over P and K over P, in other words the cables stitches will be purled from wrong side and the stitches between cables are knitted from wrong side. Happy knitting!
02.11.2022 - 11:44Mary Boone wrote:
I'm struggling with the cable diagram for the sweater. I enlarged it for myself and some of the squares overlap . Is there no space (knit stitch ) there so it immediately goes to a second cable? Row 11 from the bottom up. Thank you!
19.09.2022 - 20:23DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Bone, on 11th row work as follows: P2, (put 3 sts on cable needle behind piece, K3, K3 from cable needle), P2, K3, (put 3 sts on cable needle in front of piece, P3, K3 from cable needle), (put 3 sts on cable needle behind piece, K3, P3 from cable needle), (put 3 sts on cable needle in front of piece, P3, K3 from cable needle), (put 3 sts on cable needle behind piece, K3, P3 from cable needle), K3, P2, (put 3 sts on cable needle behind piece, K3, K3 from cable needle), P2. Happy knitting!
20.09.2022 - 09:52Lydia Siegel wrote:
Er der mulig å få oppskriften på luen?
02.12.2021 - 21:19DROPS Design answered:
Hei Lydia, Hvis du søker lue for menn i søkeboksen finner du flere slike luer. God fornyelse!
03.12.2021 - 08:20Monika wrote:
Enl konvertering av garn för modell 39-5 till Snow behövs 2232 g för stl medium/large. Kollade beskrivningar på liknande tröjor i Snow, t ex modell 0-553 och 219-4, där går det åt betydligt mindre garn, ca hälften. Hur kan det vara sån skillnad?
25.08.2021 - 16:59DROPS Design answered:
Hei Monika. Genseren i DROPS 39-5 er strikket/designet på 80-tallet. Da var plaggene større. Om du sammenligner f.eks str. brystmålet i DROPS 39-6 i str. S/M er den ca 27-38 cm bredere enn DROPS Extra 0-553 og DROPS 19-4. Da går det en del garn. I DROPS 39-5 er det strikket både flette foran og bak, mens i DROPS Extra 0-533 og DROPS 219-4 er det bare flette på forstykket. Da går det også en del garn. DROPS Fisherman hadde også en løpelengde på 93 meter, neste dobbelt så langt som DROPS Snow (50 m), så man må bruke mye mer DROPS Snow enn DROPS Fisherman. mvh DROPS design
27.08.2021 - 12:05Monika wrote:
I beskrivningen till modell 39-5 har mannen en mössa. Finns det beskrivning till den? /Monika
25.08.2021 - 16:13DROPS Design answered:
Hej Monika. Du hittar mönster till den mössan i mönster 40-3, men det har använts 1 tråd svart och 1 tråd koksgrå istället. Mvh DROPS Design
26.08.2021 - 10:51Monika wrote:
Jag tänker sticka en tröja i Drops Fisherman men ser att garnet utgått och kan ersättas med Drops Snow. Enligt garnkonverteraren går det åt nästan dubbelt så mycket garn då, kan det verkligen stämma? Hälsningar Monika
22.08.2021 - 23:24DROPS Design answered:
Hej Monica. Ja det kan stämma. DROPS Fisherman var spunnet på ett annat sätt så det var 93 meter per 50 g men på DROPS Snow är det bara 50 meter per 50 g. Mvh DROPS Design
24.08.2021 - 09:42Ramburger wrote:
Hallo, in was sind die Nadelstärken angegeben? In mm, England oder USA? Danke
02.05.2021 - 11:47DROPS Design answered:
Liebe Frau Ramburger, in den deutschen Anleitungen sind die Nadelstärten immer in mm gegeben. Viel Spaß beim stricken!
03.05.2021 - 08:39