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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 Merino Extra Fine 100% Wool |
from 3.10 £ /50g | Order | ||||||||
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DROPS Needles & Hooks | Order |
This pattern has been corrected. Click here to see the correction/s..
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= light grey blue |
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= off white |
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= black |
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= light grey |
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= between 2 stitches make 1 yarn over, work the yarn over twisted on next round |
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 194-2) 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.
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.
Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.
These step-by-step tutorials might also help you:
We have also step-by-step guides for different techniques which you'll find here.
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.
Ciao, ci sono dei refusi dove dice: " dal momenti che....per evirare..." .
03.04.2022 - 14:25DROPS Design answered:
Buonasera Dea, grazie per la segnalazione, abbiamo corretto il testo. Buon lavoro!
03.04.2022 kl. 22:06I want to start Sheep Happens sweater 194-2 but am having a problem reading the diagram to choose my size.. All pattern directions are in centimeters but the diagram numbers look like inches to me. (Unless the bottom measurement is 9” wide for the adult large which is unlikely!) Please confirm whether or not diagram is in inches. Thank you.
28.02.2022 - 16:07DROPS Design answered:
Dear Colleen, all measurements in chart are in cm but are taken flat from side to side, not around - read more here and convert into inches here. Happy knitting!
28.02.2022 kl. 16:33Bonjour, est-il possible de tricoter ce pull avec la laine Puna ? Si oui les quantités de laines changent-elles ? Merci !
13.01.2022 - 00:06DROPS Design answered:
Bonjour Alex, Puna et Merino Extra Fine appartiennent toutes deux au groupe de fils C, vous pouvez ainsi utiliser notre convertisseur pour laisser calculer les nouvelles quantités nécessaires. Bon tricot!
13.01.2022 kl. 08:43Hei. Hvorfor er ermlemngden 40 cm i str S, og kortest i størst størrelse? Det føles veldig unaturlig å ØKE rett før vrangborden nede på genseren, skal det felles?
09.01.2022 - 18:00DROPS Design answered:
Hei Elisabeth. Man har ikke lengre ermer selv om man bruker str XXXL. I de største størrelsene er overvidden større og da blir ermlengden på plagg kortere. Tidligere var motebildet slik at vrangborden skulle være smal og maskeantallet på vrangborden skulle være mindre enn bolen. Nå ønsker man en jevnere overgang mellom vrangbord og bol, slik at da øker man masker før vrangbord og bytter til mindre pinnestr. (om man strikker nedenifra og opp feller man masker). mvh DROPS Design
14.01.2022 kl. 14:48Jeg har strikka i str 7/8, men virker som str 4. Hvilken str skal jeg strikke i for å få den stor nok? Str guiden stemmer ikke i drt hele tatt!
19.11.2021 - 10:53DROPS Design answered:
Hej Britt, for at få størrelsen som står i måleskitsen, er det vigtigt at du holder strikkefastheden som står i opskriften, altså 21 masker på 10 cm i bredden og 28 pinde på 10 cm i højden. Strikker du i DROPS Merino Extra Fine eller DROPS Lima?
19.11.2021 kl. 13:47Er dette unisex? Tenker å lage denne til herre
08.11.2021 - 20:46DROPS Design answered:
Hej Martine. Om du hittar en storlek som passar så kan du göra denna till även till herr. Se på måttskissen längst ner för att hitta den storlek du ska göra. Mvh DROPS Design
09.11.2021 kl. 09:04Jeg er i gang med å strikke genser Sheep Happens i str. XXL. Jeg har ikke den lyse grå hovedfargen. Hvor, Hvordan og Hvor mange nøster skal jeg bestille ? Vennligst, Nina M.
22.09.2021 - 10:45DROPS Design answered:
Hej Nina, til størrelse XXL skal du bruge 13 nøgler DROPS Merino Extra Fine i hovedfarven uanset hvilken farve du vælger :)
22.09.2021 kl. 15:54Hei 😀 har strikket mye Drops design og har alltid vært fornøyd. Dette mønsteret får jeg ikke til å stemme. Jeg lå mellom XL og XXL i størrelse. Valgte XXL for jeg strikker litt fast. Har målt strikkefastheten, og jeg får 19 masker på 10 cm. Den blir alt for vid, særlig bak på ryggen. Hvorfor blir den så vid på ryggen? Har prøvet den på, og den er ca 20 cm for stor. Nå må jeg rekke opp alt sammen og starte på nytt. Hvilken størrelse bør jeg velge?
19.09.2021 - 09:01DROPS Design answered:
Hei Grethe. Et tips er å ta mål av en genser som passer deg, og sammenlign med målene i målskissen for å finne beste passform. Og det er veldig viktig at strikkefastheten blir overholdt. I denne oppskriften er 21 masker = 10 cm. mvh DROPS Design
28.09.2021 kl. 11:37Is it easy to knit from the top down I have never seen this done
15.09.2021 - 13:11DROPS Design answered:
Hi Janet Green! It is easier than bottom-up. Just follow the pattern. Also, look video tutorial at the bottom of the pattern. Happy knitting!
15.09.2021 kl. 14:29Hi there! I'm having trouble finding the bust measurements in the schematic. I'm ok with arm length, hips circumference and total length. Could you please help?
24.07.2021 - 11:25DROPS Design answered:
Dear Guinevere, see the width of the sweater at the bottom of the drawing, double it and you will get the approximate bust measurements. Happy Stitching!
24.07.2021 kl. 12:18