DROPS Alpaca
DROPS Alpaca
100% Alpaca
from 4.85 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 63.05$.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Super Sale

Daniella

Crochet DROPS jacket with pockets and skirt with lace and fan pattern, worked top down in ”Alpaca”. Size: S - XXXL.

DROPS 170-31
DROPS design: Pattern no z-729
Yarn group A
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JACKET:
Size: S - M - L - XL - XXL - XXXL
Materials:
DROPS ALPACA from Garnstudio
350-400-450-450-500-550 g color no 2110, wheat

DROPS CROCHET HOOK size 3.5 mm/E/4 – or size needed to get 22 dc x 12 rows = 4'' x 4'' (10 x 10 cm).
DROPS MOTHER-OF-PEARL BUTTON: ARCHED (white), NO 521: 6-6-7-7-8-8 pieces

SKIRT:
Size: S - M - L - XL - XXL - XXXL
Materials:
DROPS ALPACA from Garnstudio
300-300-350-400-400-450 g color no 2110, wheat

DROPS CROCHET HOOK size 3.5 mm/E/4 – or size needed to get 22 dc x 12 rows = 4'' x 4'' (10 x 10 cm).
DROPS MOTHER-OF-PEARL BUTTON: ARCHED (white), NO 521: 4 pieces for all sizes

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Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

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DROPS Alpaca
DROPS Alpaca
100% Alpaca
from 4.85 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 63.05$.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Super Sale

SAVE 30% on 6 cotton favorites!
Valid until 04.12.2024

Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in American English. All measurements in charts are in cm. For conversion from inches to cm - click here. There are different terms for crocheting in American and British English. If this pattern includes crochet, click for "crochet terms" here. For this pattern in British English, please click here.
PATTERN:
See diagrams A.1 to A.15.

CROCHET INFO:
On every dc row replace first dc with 3 ch.
On every sc row replace first sc with 1 ch.

DECREASE TIP:
Work until 5 dc remain before markers in the side, work the next 2 dc tog, work 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc, work the next 2 dc tog, work 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc, work the next 2 tog (= 3 dc dec at each marker = 6 dc dec in total).

INCREASE TIP:
Work until 4 dc remain before markers in the side, work 2 dc in next dc, work 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc, work 2 dc in next dc, work 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc, work 2 dc in next dc (= 3 dc in at each marker = 6 dc inc in total).
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JACKET:
Worked top down, back and forth.

BACK PIECE:
RIGHT SHOULDER:
Work 27-31-35-35-39-42 ch on hook size 3.5 mm/E/4 with Alpaca. Work next row as follows: Work 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (= 2 dc) - READ CROCHET INFO, 1 dc in each of the next 3-2-1-1-0-3 ch, * skip ch 1, 1 dc in each of the next 4 ch *, repeat from *-* = 21-24-27-27-30-33 dc. Then work next row from RS as follows: Work A.4a over the first 4 dc, repeat A.5a over the next 15-18-21-21-24-27 dc (= 5-6-7-7-8-9 times in total in width), A.6a over the last 2 dc. When A.4a and A.6a have been worked 1 time vertically (= last row is from WS). Put piece aside and work left shoulder. REMEMBER THE CROCHET GAUGE!

LEFT SHOULDER:
Work 27-31-35-35-39-42 ch on hook size 3.5 mm/E/4 with Alpaca. Work next row as follows: Work 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (= 2 dc), 1 dc in each of the next 3-2-1-1-0-3 ch, * skip ch 1, 1 dc in each of the next 4 ch *, repeat from *-* = 21-24-27-27-30-33 dc. Then work next row from RS as follows: Work A.1a over the first 2 dc, repeat A.2a over the next 15-18-21-21-24-27 dc (= 5-6-7-7-8-9 times in total in width), A.3a over the last 4 dc. When A.1a to A.3a have been worked 1 time vertically, work left shoulder tog with right shoulder from RS as follows:

BACK PIECE:
SIZE S-M:
Work A.1b over the first 2 dc on left shoulder, repeat A.2b over the next 18-21 dc, 1 dc in last dc on left shoulder, work 39-39 ch for neck, work 1 dc in each of the first 2 dc on right shoulder, repeat A.2b over the next 18-21 dc and 1 dc in last dc over right shoulder as before = 42-48 dc and 39-39 ch on row. On next row work pattern as before but work 1 dc in every ch = 81-87 dc.

SIZE L-XL-XXL-XXXL:
Work A.1a over the first 2 dc on left shoulder, repeat A.2a over the next 24-24-27-30 dc, 1 dc in last dc on left shoulder, work 39-45-45-45 ch for neck, work 1 dc in first dc on right shoulder, repeat A.5a over the next 24-24-27-30 dc and A.6a over the last 2 dc on right shoulder as before = 54-54-60-66 dc and 39-45-45-45 ch on row. On next row work pattern as before but work 1 dc in every ch = 93-99-105-111 dc. When A.1a and A.6a have been worked 1 time vertically, work as follows from RS: Work 1 dc in each of the first 2 dc, repeat A.2b until 1 dc remains, finish with 1 dc in last dc. Repeat A.2b 1-1-2-2 times in total.

ALL SIZES:
= 81-87-93-99-105-111 dc. Work as follows from RS: A.7b over the first 2 dc, repeat A.8b over the next 72-78-84-90-96-102 dc (= 12-13-14-15-16-17 times in total in width), finish with A.9b over the last 7 dc. When A.7b to A.9b have been worked 1 time vertically, repeat A.7 over A.7b, A.8 over A.8b and A.9 over A.9b vertically.

SIZE L-XL-XXL-XXXL:
When piece measures 17-18-16-16 cm / 6 3/4"-7"-6 1/4"-6 1/4", inc 1 dc in each side of piece by working 2 dc in first and last dc (= 2 dc inc). Repeat inc on every row 1-1-5-6 more times (= 4-4-12-14 dc inc in total). Work the inc dc into pattern. Work sts that do not fit pattern as A.7. After inc piece measures approx. 19-20-21-22 cm / 7½"-8"-8 1/4"-8 3/4".

ALL SIZES:
When piece measures 17-18-19-20-21-22 cm / 6¾''-7''-7½''-8''-8¼''-8¾'' – adjust so that next row is from RS and is a row with dc (in diagram A.8), fasten off. Put piece aside and work front piece.

RIGHT FRONT PIECE:
Work 27-31-35-35-39-42 ch on hook size 3.5 mm/E/4 with Alpaca. Work next row as follows: Work 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (= 2 dc), 1 dc in each of the next 3-2-1-1-0-3 ch, * skip ch 1, 1 dc in each of the next 4 ch *, repeat from *-* = 21-24-27-27-30-33 dc. Then work next row from RS as follows: Work A.1a over the first 2 dc, repeat A.2a over the next 15-18-21-21-24-27 dc (= 5-6-7-7-8-9 times in total in width), A.3a over the last 4 dc. Repeat A.1a to A.3a vertically 1-1-2-2-2-2 times in total. Then work A.1b over A.1a, A.2b over A.2a and A.3b over A.3a. Repeat A.1b to A.3b vertically 1-1-1-1-2-2 times in total. Work A.1c over A.1b, A.2c over A.2b and A.3c over A.3b. Cut and fasten the yarn when 1 row remains in diagram. Work 14-17-14-20-17-20 loose ch in hook size 3.5 mm/E/4 with Alpaca, work last row of diagram A.3c to A.1c from WS = 29-32-35-35-38-41 dc and 14-17-14-20-17-20 ch.

On next row work as follows from RS: Work A.7 over the first 2 dc, repeat A.8 over the next 30-36-36-42-42-48 dc/ch (= 5-6-6-7-7-8 times in total in width), A.9 over the next ch 7, finish with 1 dc in each of the last 4 ch (= band). NOTE: Work band as A.7, i.e. on rows with sc work band in sc and on rows with dc work band in dc.

SIZE L-XL-XXL-XXXL:
When piece measures 17-18-16-16 cm / 6 3/4"-7"-6 1/4"-6 1/4", inc 1 dc in the side of piece by working 2 dc in first dc from RS and last dc from WS (= 1 dc inc per row). Repeat inc on every row 1-1-5-6 more times (= 2-2-6-7 dc inc in total). Work the inc dc into pattern. Work sts that do not fit pattern as A.7. After inc piece measures approx. 19-20-21-22 cm / 7½"-8"-8 1/4"-8 3/4".

ALL SIZES:
Continue pattern like this. When piece measures 17-18-19-20-21-22 cm / 6¾''-7''-7½''-8''-8¼''-8¾'', adjust pattern according to back piece, fasten off. Put piece aside and work left front piece.

LEFT FRONT PIECE:
Work 27-31-35-35-39-42 ch on hook size 3.5 mm/E/4 with Alpaca. Work next row as follows: Work 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (= 2 dc), 1 dc in each of the next 3-2-1-1-0-3 ch, * skip ch 1, 1 dc in each of the next 4 ch *, repeat from *-* the entire row = 21-24-27-27-30-33 dc. Then work next row from RS as follows: Work A.4a over the first 4 dc, repeat A.5a over the next 15-18-21-21-24-27 dc (= 5-6-7-7-8-9 times in total in width), A.6a over the last 2 dc. Repeat A.4a to A.6a vertically 1-1-2-2-2-2 times in total. Then work A.4b over A.4a, A.5b over A.5a and A.6b over A.6a. Repeat A.4b to A.6b vertically 1-1-1-1-2-2 times in total. Work A.4c over A.4b, A.5c over A.5b and A.6c over A.6b.

On last row in diagram A.4c to A.6c work 17-20-17-23-20-23 ch (includes 3 ch to turn with) at the end of row from WS = 29-32-35-35-38-41 dc and 17-20-17-23-20-23 ch.

On next row work as follows from RS: Work 1 dc in 4th ch from hook, 1 dc in each of the next 3 ch (= band), A.7 over the next ch 2, repeat A.8 over the next 30-36-36-42-42-48 ch/dc (= 5-6-6-7-7-8 times in total in width), finish with A.9 over the last 7 dc. Continue pattern like this. NOTE: Work band as A.7, i.e. on rows with sc work band in sc and on rows with dc work band in dc.

SIZE L-XL-XXL-XXXL:
When piece measures 17-18-16-16 cm / 6 3/4"-7"-6 1/4"-6 1/4" (adjust according to back piece), inc 1 dc in the side of piece by working 2 dc in first dc from WS and last dc from RS (= 1 dc inc per row). Repeat inc on every row 1-1-5-6 more times (= 2-2-6-7 dc inc in total). Work the inc dc into pattern. Work sts that do not fit pattern as A.7. After inc piece measures approx. 19-20-21-22 cm / 7½"-8"-8 1/4"-8 3/4".

ALL SIZES:
When piece measures 17-18-19-20-21-22 cm / 6¾''-7''-7½''-8''-8¼''-8¾'', adjust pattern according to back piece, fasten off.

BODY:
Now work the parts tog as follows from RS: Work from left front piece, over back piece and then over right front piece. Work 1 dc in each of the first 4 dc (= left band), work A.7-A.9 over left front piece as before, work 9-9-11-11-15-16 loose ch for armhole (insert a marker thread in the middle of these new sts = under sleeve), work A.7-A.9 over back piece as before, work 9-9-11-11-15-16 loose ch for armhole (insert a marker thread in the middle of these new sts = under sleeve), work A.7-A.9 over right front piece as before, work 1 dc in each of the last dc (= right band) = 167-185-199-217-239-261 dc and 9-9-11-11-15-16 ch in each side of piece (= 185-203-221-239-269-293 sts in total).

Insert 1 marker in piece, NOW MEASURE PIECE FROM HERE. Leave marker in piece, move marker threads when working.
Work next row as follows from WS: Work 1 dc/sc in each of the first 4 dc/sc (= right band), A.9 over the next 7 dc, repeat A.8 over the next 168-186-204-222-252-276 dc/ch (= 28-31-34-37-42-46 times in total in width), A.7 over the next ch 2, 1 dc/sc in each of the 4 dc/sc (= left band). NOTE: Work bands as A.7 until finished measurements, i.e. on rows with sc work band in sc and on rows with dc work band in dc. Continue pattern like this. When piece measures 4 cm / 1½'', adjust so that next row is with dc, dec 3 dc at each marker thread in the side – READ DECREASE TIP, repeat dec every 6 cm / 2 3/8'' 2 more times = 167-185-203-221-251-275 dc on row. NOTE: Every time you dec, repeat A.8 1 time less in width. When piece measures 18 cm / 7'' from marker, adjust so that next row is a row with dc, inc 3 dc at each marker thread – READ INCREASE TIP, repeat inc every 3 cm / 1'' 3 more times = 191-209-227-245-275-299 dc. NOTE: Every time you inc, repeat A.8 1 more time in width. When piece measures 33-34-35-36-37-38 cm / 13''-13 3/8''-13¾''-14¼''-14½''-15'' from marker, adjust so that last row is a row with dc from WS, work as follows on next row from RS: Work band as before over the first 4 band sts, A.7a over the next 2 dc, repeat A.8a over the next 174-192-210-228-258-282 dc (= 29-32-35-38-43-47 times in total in width), A.9a over the next 7 dc, work over the 4 band sts as before. Fasten off when A.7a to A.9a have been worked 1 time vertically. Piece measures approx. 54-56-58-60-62-64 cm / 21¼''-22''-22¾''-23 5/8''-24 3/8''-25¼'' in total.

SLEEVE:
The piece is worked top down. Work 21-28-31-38-42-45 ch on hook size 3.5 mm/E/4 with Alpaca. Work 2 dc in 4th ch from hook, 1 dc in each of the next 1-1-2-2-1-2 dc, * skip ch 1, 1 dc in each of the next 6 ch *, repeat from *-* 1-2-2-3-4-4 more times, 1 dc in each of the next 1-1-3-3-1-3 dc, 2 dc in last dc = 18-24-27-33-36-39 dc. Then work as follows from RS: Work A.10 over the first 3 dc, repeat A.11 over the next 12-18-21-27-30-33 dc (= 4-6-7-9-10-11 times in total in width), finish with A.12 over the last 3 dc. When A.10 to A.12 have been worked 1 time vertically, there are 30-36-39-45-48-51 dc on last row. Work next row as follows from RS: Work A.10 over the first 3 dc, repeat A.11 over the next 24-30-33-39-42-45 dc (= 8-10-11-13-14-15 times in total in width), finish with A.11 over the last 3 dc. When A.10 to A.12 have been worked 1 more time vertically, there are 42-48-51-57-60-63 dc on last row.

Work next row as follows from RS: Work A.13 over the first 3 dc, repeat A.14 over the next 36-42-45-51-54-57 dc (= 12-14-15-17-18-19 times in total in width), finish with A.15 over the last 3 dc. When A.13 to A.15 have been worked 1 time vertically, there are 54-60-63-69-72-75 dc on last row. Work next row as follows from RS: Work A.12 over the first 3 dc, repeat A.14 over the next 48-54-57-63-66-69 dc (= 16-18-19-21-22-23 times in total in width), finish with A.15 over the last 3 dc. When last row of A.13 to A.15 remain, cut the yarn. Work 5-5-6-6-8-8 loose ch. Work from RS last row of A.15, repeat last row of A.14 16-18-19-21-22-23 times in total in width AT THE SAME TIME inc 0-0-1-1-0-2 dc evenly, work last row of A.13, finish by working 4-4-5-5-7-8 ch at the end of row = 66-72-76-82-84-89 dc and 9-9-11-11-15-16 ch (= 75-81-87-93-99-105 sts in total).

Work next row as follows from RS: Work A.7 over the first ch 2, repeat A.8 over the next 66-72-78-84-90-96 ch/dc (= 11-12-13-14-15-16 times in total in width), finish with A.9 over the last 7 dc/ch. Insert 1 marker in the piece. NOW MEASURE PIECE FROM HERE. Insert 1 marker thread mid under sleeve. Then work piece back and forth but work every row tog at the end of row with 1 sl st in 3rd ch on row. Turn piece. When piece measures 4 cm / 1½'', adjust so that next row is with dc, dec 6 dc evenly. Repeat dec every 9-7-5-5-4½-4 cm / 3½"-2 3/4"-2"-2"-1 3/4"-1 3/4" 3-4-5-5-6-7 more times = 51-51-51-57-57-57 dc. NOTE: Every time you dec, repeat A.8 1 time less in width. When piece measures 34 cm / 13½", adjust so that next row is with dc, dec 3 dc evenly = 48-48-48-54-54-54 dc. Then repeat A.8a 8-8-8-9-9-9 times in total in width. Work A.8a 3 times in total vertically. Fasten off when piece measures 56 cm / 22'' in total, finish neatly according to pattern. Work another sleeve the same way.

POCKETS:
Cast on 30 ch on hook size 3.5 mm/E/4 with Alpaca. Work 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (= 2 dc), 1 dc in each of the next 2 dc, * skip ch 1, 1 dc in each of the next 5 ch *, repeat from *-* = 24 dc. Work 1 dc in every dc until piece measures approx. 9 cm / 3½''. Work 1 row with * 1 sc, ch 3, skip 1 cm / 3/8'' *, repeat from *-*, adjust to finish with 1 sc in last dc.
Fasten off. Work another pocket the same way.

ASSEMBLY:
Sew the shoulder seams. Sew in sleeves in outer loops of edge sts. Sew pockets in the middle of front piece approx. 8 cm / 3 1/8'' up from edge. Fasten buttons on left front piece, fasten the top button approx. 2 cm / 3/4'' from neck edge, then fasten them approx. 9-9-8-8-8-8 cm / 3½"-3½"-3"-3"-3"-3" apart. Button between 2nd and 3rd dc on band.

NECK EDGE:
Work an edge around the neck as follows (beg mid front): Work 1 sc in first dc, * ch 3, skip approx. 1 cm / 3/8'' *, repeat from *-* around the entire neck, make sure to avoid a tight edge, adjust to finish with 1 sc in last dc. Fasten off.
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SKIRT:

PATTERN:
See diagrams A.16 and A.17. Diagram A.17 shows how every round beg and ends when working A.16 in the round.

CROCHET INFO:
Replace first dc at beg of every dc row with 3 ch.
Replace first sc at beg of every sc row with 1 ch.
Beg every round with dc with 3 ch (= first dc) and finish with 1 sl st in 3rd ch.
Beg every round with sc with 1 ch (replace first sc) and finish with 1 sl st in first ch.

INCREASE TIP-1:
Inc 1 dc by working 2 dc in/around same st.

INCREASE TIP-2 (evenly spaced):
To calculate how often inc should be done on row, use the total no of sts (e.g. 228 dc) and divide the remaining sts by no of inc to be done (e.g. 12) = 18.33. I.e. in this example work 2 dc in approx. 18th dc.
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SKIRT:
Work back and forth, top down to after vent in the side, then work in the round.

Work 176-190-204-232-267-302 ch (includes 3 ch to turn with) on hook size 3.5 mm/E/4 with Alpaca. Work first row as follows: 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (= 2 dc), 1 dc in each of the next ch 4, * skip ch 1, 1 dc in each of the next 6 ch *, repeat from *-* = 150-162-174-198-228-258 dc. Then work back and forth with 1 dc in every dc - READ CROCHET INFO. REMEMBER THE CROCHET GAUGE! When 6-6-4-4-6-6 rows have been worked vertically, insert 6 markers in the piece as follows: First marker after 13-14-15-17-19-21 dc, then there should be 25-27-29-33-38-43 dc between every marker, there will be 12-13-14-16-19-22 dc after last marker at the end of row. Let markers follow in piece. On next row inc 1 dc before all markers (= 6 dc inc) – READ INCREASE TIP-1! Repeat inc every other row/round 12-12-14-14-14-14 more times.
- NOTE: Inc alternately before and after markers = 228-240-264-288-318-348 dc. AT THE SAME TIME when 12 rows in total have been worked vertically, end the vent in the side and continue piece in the round, beg round in the side. When piece measures 28-29-30-31-32-33 cm / 11''-11 3/8''-11¾''-12¼''-12½''-13'', work A.16 (= 6 dc) 38-40-44-48-53-58 times in total on round. On 5th, 10th and 14th round in A.16 (= dc round) inc 12 dc evenly on each round – READ INCREASE TIP-2 = 264-276-300-324-354-384 dc. For every inc, work A.16 2 times more in width. When A.16 has been worked 1 time vertically, piece measures approx. 39-40-41-42-43-44 cm / 15¼''-15¾''-16 1/8''-16½''-17''-17¼''. Repeat A.16 and inc 1 more time = 300-312-336-360-390-420 dc. When piece measures 50-52-54-56-58-60 cm / 19 3/4''-20½''-21¼''-22''-22¾''-23 5/8'' in total, adjust so that last round is a round with dc, work A.16a 50-52-56-60-65-70 times in total in width. Fasten off when A.16a has been worked 1 time vertically. Piece measures approx. 52-54-56-58-60-62 cm / 20½''-21¼''-22''-22¾''-23 5/8''-24 3/8''.

BUTTONHOLE LOOPS:
Along one side of the opening on front piece work buttonhole loops as follows (beg at the bottom): 2 sc in first dc, ch 3, skip 1 dc, * work 2 sc in each of the next 2 dc, ch 3, skip 1 dc *, repeat from *-* 3 times in total and finish with 2 sc in last dc at the top, turn and work back as follows: 1 sc in every sc and 3 sc in every ch-space.

BUTTON BAND:
Along the other side of the opening work 5 rows with sc back and forth (on first row work 2 sc in every dc = 24 sc), cut the yarn. Sew the buttons on to the button band.

Diagram

All measurements in charts are in cm.

symbols = ch
symbols = sc in st
symbols = sc between 2 dc
symbols = sc around ch
symbols = dc in st
symbols = dc around ch
symbols = first row is not worked, it has already been worked, it only shows how next row should be worked in st
symbols = crochet direction
symbols = increase round
symbols = sl st
diagram
diagram
diagram
diagram
diagram
Do you have a question? See a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn 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

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.

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

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

See DROPS lesson: How to read size chart

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

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

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

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

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

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

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

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

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

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

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

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

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

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

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

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

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

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

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

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

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

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days.
In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!

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Comments / Questions (18)

country flag Hannelore Van Hauwermeiren wrote:

Hoe kan ik dan van 17 losse naar 32 stokjes gaan als ik enkel de laatste toer van a3c tot a1c moet haken?

08.03.2023 - 19:07

DROPS Design answered:

Dag Hannelore,

Als ik het goed begrijp ben je bij het rechter voorpand waar staat dat je 17 lossen moet haken en dan de laatste toer van A.3c tot A.1C moet haken. Het is niet de bedoeling om de laatste toer in die 17 stokjes te haken, maar na die stokjes haak je verder in de vorige toer van A.3C tot A.1C, dus de 17 stokjes bungelen ernaast.

08.03.2023 - 20:17

country flag Hannelore Van Hauwermeiren wrote:

Ik zit in de knoop bij het patroon rechtervoorpand. Er staat haal 17 l en dan laatste toer van ac3 tor ac1= 32 st en 17l. Als ik het patroon colg zijn dit enkel stokjes?

08.03.2023 - 00:34

DROPS Design answered:

Dag Hannelore,

Ja dat klopt hoor. De laatste toer zijn enkel stokjes. Let er bij A.3 op dat je de laatste 3 stokjes in 1 steek haakt.

08.03.2023 - 12:00

country flag Melanie wrote:

Bonjour je suis dans le début de la veste aux épaule et la je suis perdu pour faire un épaule à l'autre je ne voit pas comment le sens. Pouvez-vous m'éclairer svp

17.05.2022 - 00:30

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mélanie, Pour le dos, on crochète d'abord l'épaule droite: 1 x les diagrammes A.4a et A.6a et on met en attente après 1 rang sur l'envers. On crochète ensuite l'épaule gauche, et, quand A.1a à A.3a sont faits, on assemble les 2 épaules au rang suivant sur l'endroit en fonction de votre taille vous crochetez les diagrammes a ou b et montez une chaînette de 39 à 45 ml entre les 2 épaules pour l'encolure dos. Vous augmenterez ensuite pour les emmanchures et mettrez en attente pour faire les devants au même niveau et ensuite reprendre les 2 devants et le dos en une seule pièce jusqu'à la fin. Bon crochet!

17.05.2022 - 09:05

country flag Christina Alexander wrote:

L am confused with the term RS ,kindly can l get the meaning of the term.Thanks.

21.11.2020 - 16:11

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Cristina, RS means the right side of the piece. That is the side that will be seen, when the piece is worn. Happy Crafting!

22.11.2020 - 21:28

country flag Anna wrote:

Beste, ik heb geen idee wat ik met de lossen in het armsgat moet doen. Sla ik deze gewoon over als ik het patroon haak? Veel dank vast.

28.11.2019 - 21:28

DROPS Design answered:

Dag Anna,

Je haakt eerst over het linker voorpand, dan haak je 9-9-11-11-15-16 lossen voor het armsgat. Hier doe je eerst verder niets mee , dus je haakt verder over het achterpand en er zitten dus lossen tussen de panden. Op de volgende toer haak je over de lossen.

16.12.2019 - 12:33

country flag Germana wrote:

Grazie per la risposta ma ho ancora un problema ...quando finisco la spalla sx e faccio le catenella e poi mi aggancio alla spalla dx mi dice che dovrei avere in tutto 54 ma e 39 catenella ma io in realtà ne ho 38 di ma...

27.09.2017 - 12:08

DROPS Design answered:

Buongiorno Germana, lei deve avere 27 maglie su ciascuna spalla prima dell'unione. Deve lavorare la spalla sinistra come indicato sotto "Dietro", avviare 39 catenelle e lavorare la spalla destra come indicato: otterrà quindi 54 m.a e 39 catenelle. Buon lavoro!

27.09.2017 - 12:21

country flag Germana wrote:

Buongiorno e aiutoooo...non riesco a capire nel cardigan come si uniscono i due pezzi delle spalle sigh...seguendo le istruzioni mi trovo che sulla spalla sinistra ho 2 giri in più.....quando devo fare le 39 catenella....aiutoooo

26.09.2017 - 18:09

DROPS Design answered:

Buongiorno Germana. Il numero di righe sulle spalle dovrebbe essere lo stesso: catenella di base; prima riga di maglie alte come indicato, poi le due righe dei diagrammi. Su entrambe le spalle l’ultima riga è sul rovescio del lavoro. Unisce adesso le due spalle: lavora la spalla sinistra (seguendo i diagrammi indicati), avvia le 39 cat e poi prosegue con la spalla destra. Ci riscriva se ancora in difficoltà. Buon lavoro!

27.09.2017 - 09:15

Doris wrote:

I'm crocheting the jacket, but I'm having a lot of trouble doing the back. I can't get the number of stitches right, no matter how many times I try. Doing large size, I can't get 105 stitches. I get 93 every time. Please help. Love the pattern, but I'm real frustrated

28.07.2017 - 03:30

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Doris, under Back piece, the number of sts under "SIZE L-XL-XXL-XXXL:" is 93 sts in size L, so that you are doing right - 105 sts applies to size XXL. Happy crocheting!

28.07.2017 - 08:41

country flag Tracey Down wrote:

I am working on the 170-31 pattern. I do not understand two of the symbols. The symbol that looks like a V with a dash in between - please explain what it means - i.e. is it an increase? What does the dash mean? Also the symbol that is a vertical line with a dot near the top - what does this mean? I have searched the internet for these symbols and they are not referenced as standard crochet symbols anywhere. Thank you for your help.

16.05.2017 - 18:00

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Down, do you mean the symbole used on 2nd row in A.2 (= the one with an arrow)? then it is 1 dc, 1 ch (= dash), 1 dc worked in the same dc. Happy crocheting!

17.05.2017 - 08:31

country flag DEB wrote:

I am crocheting the skirt and the instructions say to use A.16 but there is no A.16 on the pattern charts. Help, please!

11.04.2016 - 07:18

DROPS Design answered:

Dear DEB, A.16, A.17 are to the right of A.7 above instead of next to A.15

11.04.2016 - 08:42