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Knitting tension – See how to measure it and why here
Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here
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DROPS Muskat 100% Cotton |
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DROPS Needles & Hooks | Order |
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= knit |
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= between 2 stitches make 1 yarn over |
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= knit 2 together |
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= slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 1, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch |
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= slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 2 together, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted together stitches |
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= between 2 stitches make 1 yarn over, on next round knit the yarn over twisted to avoid a hole |
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= shift the start of the round 2 stitches to the left |
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= shift the start of the round 2 stitches to the left, then start each round here |
Thank you for choosing a DROPS Design pattern. We take pride in providing patterns that are correct and easy to understand. All patterns are translated from Norwegian and you can always check the original pattern (DROPS 191-5) for measurements and calculations.
Are you having trouble following the pattern? See below for a list of resources to help you finish your project in no time - or why not, learn something new.
1) Why is the knitting/crochet tension so important?
Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.
The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size only serve as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.
The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.
See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge
See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch
All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.
3) Can I use a different yarn than what the pattern suggests?
The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.
Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.
See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?
4) How do I use the yarn converter?
At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn converter, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the converter will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).
If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be converted separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.
5) Why do I get the wrong knitting tension with the suggested needle size?
The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.
Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.
See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge
See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch
6) Why is the pattern worked top-down?
Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.
The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.
Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.
9) How do I work according to a knitting diagram?
The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.
When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.
When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.
See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams
10) How do I work according to a crochet diagram?
The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.
When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.
When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.
When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.
The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.
See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams
11) How do I work several diagrams simultaneously on the same row/round?
Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.
The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.
See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams
See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams
12) Why does the piece start with more chain stitches than it’s worked with?
Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.
14) Why increase in the cast-off edge?
It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.
See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)
15) How do I increase/decrease on every 3rd and 4th row/round alternately?
To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.
See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately
16) Why is the pattern slightly different than what I see in the photo?
Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.
Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!
17) How can I work a jacket in the round instead of back and forth?
Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.
See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open
18) Can I work a jumper back and forth instead of in the round?
Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.
See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?
19) Why do you show discontinued yarns in the patterns?
Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn converter, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.
It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.
The yarn converter will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.
20) How do I make a women’s size garment into a men’s size one?
If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.
Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.
21) How do I prevent a hairy garment from shedding?
All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.
Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding
Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:
1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.
2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.
3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.
4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.
22) Where on the garment is the length measured?
The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder 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
23) How do I know how many balls of yarn I need?
The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.
Where do I see a dress size chart so I know what size to make that will fit me? I do not know which size to make that will fit me.
14.04.2022 - 18:20DROPS Design answered:
Dear Robin, you can check the measurements chart after the pattern instructions and diagram, with all measurements in cm, to see which size will fit you best. Happy knitting!
14.04.2022 kl. 18:37Dobrý den, ráda bych se doptala na raglánové zkosení. Pletu velikost S - znamená to tedy, že přidávám pouze v 1. řadě a potom až v každé 4. řadě 6x ? A poté v další 1. řadě již nepřidávam? Děkuji, přeji hezký den :-)
09.04.2022 - 20:17DROPS Design answered:
Dobrý den, Kateřino, pro raglánové zkosení přidáte u velikosti S v 1. kruhové řadě, a pak v každé 4. řadě 6x. Potom v následující kruh. řadě přidáte rovnoměrně 4 oka - tj. podle popisu v odstavci TIP – PŘIDÁVÁNÍ 1. Ať se daří!
23.04.2022 kl. 08:35Hi there! I love this dress but it is a bit too short for my liking. Am I able to add a few extra inches to the body of the dress so it ends at my knees? Thank you, Meaghen
14.02.2022 - 22:53DROPS Design answered:
Hi Meaghan, Yes, this is no problem. Continue working to the desired length before starting the pattern at the bottom of the dress. Happy knitting!
15.02.2022 kl. 08:20Hi DROPS Team! First off, can I just say thank you so much for the amazing free patterns and all of the responses you folks give in these comment sections? You're an awesome company and I'm so grateful to be able to knit them! My question is: Instead of doing my incs with a YO that gets twisted on the next round, can I do a M1L and M1R on either side of the markers? I'm not a huge fan of YO incs unless I *need* the hole and I just think it would look cleaner. Would it pose a problem?
06.02.2022 - 04:13DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Lucas, thank you very much for your feedback! Feel free to use another technique to increase here if you are not ease with the yarn overs increases. Happy knitting!
07.02.2022 kl. 09:52I have followed your instructions, you left for Kim ,"Dear Kim, at the very beg of the round, move the first 2 sts onto right needles without working them, rounds now start here,.. " regarding the arrow A2 however I'm still struggling , cause on row 15 it seems that the pattern is not lining up. Does this mean the NEW beginning would be after I move the 2 stitch to the right needle. Is there a video to demonstrate this please, I'm so confuse, but I'm not giving up
17.09.2021 - 15:17DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Fuad, you have to displace the beg of the round only on the row with an arrow, this means, on row after (= row 15), beg the round as before to make sure the pattern will be lined up. Happy knitting!
20.09.2021 kl. 10:22Where can I find the gauge for this pattern? Thank you.
15.06.2021 - 14:57DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Andrews, gauge is next to the yarn required for each size and needle size, ie 21 sts x 28 rows stockinette stitch with larger needle and 22 sts x 30 rows stockinette stitch with smaller needles. Happy knitting!
15.06.2021 kl. 16:36Dobrý den, nerozumím části, kde se končí sedlo - je napsáno: přízi odstřihneme. A měl by se začínat trup, je napsáno: označíme si začátek kruhové řady. Nerozumím tomu, že dosud jsem pletla tak, že začátek kruhové řady byl v polovině zad, to mám teď ustřihnout a začít na boku - pod rukávem? Jak se to prosím dělá? Děkuji
08.04.2021 - 14:57DROPS Design answered:
Dobrý den, Ilono! Ano, je to přesně tak - přízi ustřihneme, konec začistíme a začneme plést na boku - je to praktičtější, začátek/konec kruhové řady se tak schová v ujímání. Hodně zdaru! Hana
25.04.2021 kl. 08:10I am having a trouble understanding the instructions below. When it says to displcace 2 stitches, does it mean to just move two stitches over to the right without working on them just once in the beginning of the very first pattern? On each round with arrow in A.2 the beginning of the round is displaced 2 stitches towards the left, i.e. lift the 2 first stitches over to the right needle without working them, then work A.2 in the round.
15.07.2020 - 14:13DROPS Design answered:
Dear Kim, at the very beg of the round, move the first 2 sts onto right needles without working them, rounds now start here, work as shown in diagram = the last st each repeat will be worked together with the first 2 sts next repeat (the first 2 sts you slipped at the beg of the round will be worked with the last st last repeat of the round) . Happy knitting!
15.07.2020 kl. 14:28Is het mogelijk om dit jurkje met You#9 te breien? Alvast bedankt
01.04.2020 - 14:14DROPS Design answered:
Dag Dilianne,
Het garen waarmee dit jurkje gebreid wordt valt in garengroep B en You #9 valt in garengroep A, wat dus een andere stekenverhouding heeft. Voor een alternatief garen kun je het beste garen uit dezelfde garengroep uitkiezen.
29.04.2020 kl. 10:52Jeg er igang med denne kjole og kan ikke få maskeantallet til at passe. Jeg har flere masker efter mønster. Nu skal jeg dele til ærmer og ved ikke hvordan de ekstra masker skal fordeles. Det er som om man har glemt at tælle opslagene med i mønstret. Er jeg helt forkert på den?????? Mvh. Heddah
29.01.2020 - 15:09DROPS Design answered:
Hej Heddah, er du der hvor du sætter masker på en tråd til ærmer? Hvilken størrelse strikker du? Hvor mange masker har du? Hvor mange skal du have?
10.02.2020 kl. 16:33