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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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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 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
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 calculator?
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.
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 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.
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 tension/gauge 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 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
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.
Jay bird |
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Knitted DROPS shawl in garter st with short rows in ”Delight”.
DROPS 145-3 |
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GARTER ST (back and forth on needle): K all rows. 1 ridge = 2 rows K. KNITTING TIP: When turning mid piece, slip first st. Tighten thread and continue as before. This is done to avoid holes in the transitions. -------------------------------------------------------- SHAWL: Worked back and forth on circular needle. Cast on 60 sts on circular needle size 4 mm with Delight. Work in garter st as follows - beg from RS: 1 row until 58 sts remain, turn and work back. 1 row until 56 sts remain, turn and work back. Work 2 sts in first st, work until 54 sts remain, turn and work back. 1 row until 52 sts remain, turn and work back. 1 row until 50 sts remain, turn and work back. Work 2 sts in first st, work until 48 sts remain, turn and work back. Continue with short rows until 2 sts less remain on every turn until 2 rows have been worked over the last 2 sts, work 2 rows over all sts. AT THE SAME TIME every 6th row, work 2 sts in first st on row from RS. When 1 whole repetition has been worked (= 60 rows), 10 sts have been inc = 70 sts. Work next repetition as follows from RS: 1 row until 68 sts remain, turn and work back. 1 row until 66 sts remain, turn and work back. Work 2 sts in first st, work until 64 sts remain, turn and work back. 1 row until 62 sts remain, turn and work back. 1 row until 60 sts remain, turn and work back. Work 2 sts in first st, work until 58 sts remain, turn and work back. Continue with short rows until 2 sts less remain on every turn until 2 rows have been worked over the last 2 sts, work 2 rows over all sts. AT THE SAME TIME every 6th row, work 2 sts in first st on row from RS. When 1 whole repetition has been worked (= 70 rows), 12 sts have been inc = 82 sts. Continue the same way upwards, for every repetition worked there are more and more sts in the repetition and the repetition extends over several rows. Continue until 8 repetitions have been worked – there are now approx. 206 sts on row. Cast off. Tighten tog in the middle by pulling a thread through the inner sts and tighten tog. CROCHET EDGE: Work an edge around the entire shawl on hook size 3 mm with Delight as follows: 1 dc, * 3 ch, 1 tr in 1st ch, skip approx. 1 cm, 1 dc *, repeat from *-* and finish with 1 sl st in first dc. |
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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 catalogues and 11422 patterns - 11422 of which are translated into English (UK/cm).
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 (216)
Moni wrote:
Ich habe die ersten 2 Rapporte gestrickt, bin mir aber unsicher wie es nun weitergeht. Nach dem 3. käme ich auf 96 Maschen, nach der 4. Auf 114. Bin ich auf dem richtigen Weg?
12.04.2020 - 20:26DROPS Design answered:
Liebe Moni, ja genau, Sie sind auf dem richtigen Weg. Viel Spaß beim stricken!
14.04.2020 - 15:21Sarah wrote:
Bonsoir, je suis perdue dans les instructions. J'ai 60 mailles. Je tricote le premier rang 58 mailles et 2 restent sur mon aiguille. Je tourne, glisse la première maille, continue jusqu'au bout, retourne, tricote 2 mailles dans la première (bord de mon ouvrage), puis 56 mailles, retourne, tricote jusqu'au bout. Ou, j'ai mes 60 mailles, j'en tricote 2, retourne, retricote les 2+2 autres, retourne, tricote 4, retourne, 2 dans la première maille puis 4+2 ...?
18.10.2019 - 01:56DROPS Design answered:
Bonjour Sarah, vous commencez par tricoter 2 rangs jusqu'à ce qu'il reste 58 m = autrement dit, vous tricotez 2 mailles (+ 58 en attente = 60), vous tricotez ensuite 2 rangs sur les 4 premières mailles (= il reste 56 m en attente), Tricotez ensuite 2 mailles en moins à chaque fois, mais en même temps, tricotez 2 fois la première maille. Autrement dit, vous tricotez des rangs raccourcis (en augmentant aux rangs indiqués) en tricotant 2 mailles en plus à la fin de chaque rang sur l'endroit, jusqu'à ce que 2 rangs aient été tricotés sur les 2 dernières mailles (= 2 rangs sur toutes les mailles). En augmentant en même temps tous les 6 rangs. Bon tricot!
18.10.2019 - 09:08Sarah wrote:
Bonsoir, je suis perdue dans les instructions. J'ai 60 mailles. Je tricote le premier rang 58 mailles et 2 restent sur mon aiguille. Je tourne, glisse la première maille, continue jusqu'au bout, retourne, tricote 2 mailles dans la première (bord de mon ouvrage), puis 56 mailles, retourne, tricote jusqu'au bout. Ou, j'ai mes 60 mailles, j'en tricote 2, retourne, retricote les 2+2 autres, retourne, tricote 4, retourne, 2 dans la première maille puis 4+2 ...?
18.10.2019 - 01:55Janneke wrote:
In het patroon staat dat je nadat je alle steken weer op de naald hebt deze een toer over moet breien, echter dan krijg je niet alle eindes van de punten in één mooie hoek.
16.04.2019 - 09:33DROPS Design answered:
Dag Janneke,
Volgens het ontwerp is het wel de bedoeling om deze toer te breien, maar je kan natuurlijk zelf aanpassingen doen om alle delen meer in een punt te laten lopen.
21.04.2019 - 17:47Kate Barazzuol wrote:
How do you know when to change colours?
25.10.2018 - 22:53DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Barazzuol, there is no colour change, the colours belong to the yarn, see Shadecard. Happy knitting!
26.10.2018 - 09:15Lisbeth Hansen wrote:
Har jeg forstået opskriften korrekt - for hver rapport starter man første vende pind med 10 masker mere end den forrige - altså 3. rapport vender jeg når der er 78 masker tilbage?
09.08.2018 - 11:06DROPS Design answered:
Hej Lisbeth, Når du starter næste rapport har du 82 masker på pinden. Strik til du har 80 masker tilbage og vend, så 78 masker tilbage og vend osv. Du fortsætter med at strikke 2 m i første m fra retsiden på hver 6.pind. God fornøjelse!
15.08.2018 - 09:47Legendre wrote:
Bonjour combien faudrait-il de pelotes pour réaliser ce modèle en big delight ou en Andes. Merci
15.03.2018 - 13:07DROPS Design answered:
Bonjour Mme Legendre, ce châle se tricote avec une laine du groupe A (Delight), or Big Delight appartient au groupe C et Andes au groupe E, il apparaît donc difficile d'avoir le même échantillon pour obtenir un châle similaire et donc calculer la quantité. Regardez ou inspirez-vous des modèles de châles en ciblant les laines du groupe C ou celles du groupe E. Bon tricot!
15.03.2018 - 13:20Coleen Gray wrote:
Re my previous comment, I have done that, I followed the pattern exactly, but it doesn't look anything like the picture, as I said. You can see in the picture where the short rows start, but they work over a large area. Mine are very short, ie 60 stitches, then70, hen 82 and it looks so completely different that I know that something is not right. I am an experienced knitter, so am able to follow a pattern but also able to see when something is not right.
29.01.2018 - 20:23DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Gray, have you also checked your tension? This pattern has been already made several times successfully (see here for example). You could go to your store and show your project, or send them a picture by mail, so that they could provide you any further assistance. Happy knitting!
30.01.2018 - 08:29Coleen wrote:
I'm very confused by this pattern, but it is so lovely that I'd really like to complete it. I am on the third repeat , but each of the short row sections is really small compared with how the picture looks. I've worked exactly to the pattern but have completed 3 repetitions and am still on the first ball of wool. I do have the right number of stitches according to the pattern, 82, but it is very small and might make a scarf but not a shawl the size of the one in the picture. Can you help?
27.01.2018 - 21:18DROPS Design answered:
Dear Coleen, make sure you are working the short rows leaving 2 sts unworked at the end of every other row until you work 2 row over the first 2 sts (increasing at the same time 1 st every 6 rows). First repeat of short rows = 60 rows (= 30 ridges); 2nd repeat of short rows = 70 rows (there are more sts), ie 35 ridges, ie you will have always more sts, so you will work more short rows until 2 sts remain. Happy knitting!
29.01.2018 - 09:38Desirèe wrote:
Buona sera.. Io sto eseguendo questo modello.. ma non mi viene l effetto “ondulato”.. come mai? Potrebbe spiegarmi cosa vorrebbe dire: 2 maglie della prima maglia? Saluti
23.12.2017 - 22:23DROPS Design answered:
Buongiorno Desirèe. Nel video che le alleghiamo viene spiegato come lavorare 2 maglie nella stessa maglia. Buon lavoro!
24.12.2017 - 11:06