DROPS Melody
DROPS Melody
71% Alpaca, 25% Wool, 4% Polyamide
from 4.25 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 17.00£.

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!

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Sunny Swing

Knitted jumper with raglan and stocking stitch in DROPS Melody. The piece is worked top down. Sizes XS - XXL.

DROPS 200-29
DROPS Design: Pattern no ml-030
Yarn group D or B + B
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SIZES:
XS - S - M - L - XL – XXL

MATERIALS: 
DROPS MELODY from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group D)
200-200-200-200-250-250 colour 14, vanilla

KNITTING TENSION:
12 stitches in width and 14 rows in height with stocking stitch = 10 x 10 cm.

NEEDLES:
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 8 MM. 
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 8 MM: length 40 cm and 60 cm or 80 cm for stocking stitch.
DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 7 MM.
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 7 MM: length 40 cm and 60 cm or 80 cm for rib. 
Needle size is only a guide. If you get too many stitches on 10 cm, change to a larger needle size. If you get too few stitches on 10 cm, change to a smaller needle size.
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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 Melody
DROPS Melody
71% Alpaca, 25% Wool, 4% Polyamide
from 4.25 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 17.00£.

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 favourites!
Valid until 12.04.2024

Pattern instructions

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

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INCREASE/DECREASE TIP (evenly spaced):
To work out how to increase/decrease evenly, count the total number of stitches on the needle (e.g. 50 stitches) and divide by the number of increases/decreases to be made (e.g. 6) = 8.3. 
In this example, increase by making 1 yarn over after approx. each 8th stitch. On the next round work the yarn overs twisted to avoid holes.
When decreasing knit approx. each 7th and 8th stitch together.

RAGLAN:
Increase 1 stitch on each side of the 2 knitted stitches in each transition between body and sleeves (= 8 stitches increased on round). Increase 1 stitch by making 1 yarn over. On the next round knit the yarn over to leave a hole, then work the new stitches in stocking stitch.

DECREASE TIP (for sleeves): 
Decrease 1 stitch on each side of the marker thread as follows: Work until there is 1 stitch left before the marker thread, knit 3 together = 1 stitch (move the marker thread to before this stitch).

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START THE PIECE HERE:

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JUMPER - SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE:
The piece is worked in the round with circular needle, top down. After the yoke the body is continued in the round with circular needle. The sleeves are worked in the round with short circular needle/double pointed needles.

NECK:
Cast on 50-50-52-56-58-60 stitches with circular needle size 7 mm and DROPS Melody. Work 2 cm stocking stitch, then knit 1 round where you increase 6-6-8-4-6-0 stitches evenly spaced – read INCREASE/DECREASE TIP = 56-56-60-60-64-60 stitches. Change to circular needle size 8 mm.

YOKE:
Insert 1 marker here - THE PIECE IS NOW MEASURED FROM HERE!
Now insert 4 marker threads in the piece (WITHOUT working the stitches) as follows: Insert 1 marker thread at the beginning of the round (= in transition between sleeve and back piece), 1 marker thread after 19 new stitches (= back piece), 1 marker thread after 9-9-11-11-13-11 new stitches (= sleeve), 1 marker thread after 19 new stitches (= front piece) and you have 9-9-11-11-13-11 stitches left to the first marker thread (= sleeve).
The next round is worked as follows: Start the round at the first marker thread (on back piece). Knit 1, make 1 yarn over, work 17 stitches in stocking stitch (= back piece), 1 yarn over, knit 2 (marker thread sits between these 2 stitches), 1 yarn over, work 7-7-9-9-11-9 stitches in stocking stitch (= sleeve), 1 yarn over, knit 2 (marker thread sits between these 2 stitches), 1 yarn over, work 17 stitches in stocking stitch (= front piece) 1 yarn over, knit 2 (marker thread sits between these 2 stitches), 1 yarn over, work 7-7-9-9-11-9 stitches in stocking stitch (= sleeve), 1 yarn over and knit 1.
This was the first increase to RAGLAN – read description above.
Continue with stocking stitch at the same time as you increase to raglan every 2nd round a total of 15-17-18-19-20-22 times (including the first round described above). REMEMBER THE KNITTING TENSION!
After the last increase to raglan there are 176-192-204-212-224-236 stitches on the needle. Continue with stocking stitch as before but without increasing until the piece measures 21-24-26-27-29-31 cm from the marker at the beginning of the yoke.
Now work the next round as follows:
Work 50-54-57-60-63-68 stitches in stocking stitch (= back piece), place the next 37-41-43-43-45-45 stitches on 1 thread for sleeve, cast on 4-4-4-6-8-10 new stitches on the needle (= in side under sleeve), work 51-55-59-63-67-73 stitches in stocking stitch (= front piece), place the next 37-41-43-43-45-45 stitches on 1 thread for sleeve, cast on 4-4-4-6-8-10 new stitches on the needle (= in side under sleeve) and work the last 1-1-2-3-4-5 stitches in stocking stitch (= back piece). Body and sleeves are finished separately.
THE PIECE IS NOW MEASURED FROM HERE!

BODY:
= 110-118-126-138-150-166 stitches. Insert 1 marker thread in the middle of the 4-4-4-6-8-10 new stitches cast on under each sleeve. Continue with stocking stitch. Start the round by one of the marker threads and allow the threads to follow your work onwards
At the same time increase 1 stitch on each side of the 4-4-4-6-8-10 stitches mid under sleeve in each side (= 4 new stitches on the round). Repeat this increase a total of 5 times every 4 cm = 130-138-146-158-170-186 stitches. When the piece measures 25-24-24-25-25-25 cm from the division (approx. 49-51-53-55-57-59 cm from the shoulder) knit 1 round where you increase 16-18-18-20-22-24 stitches evenly spaced = 146-156-164-178-192-210 stitches.
Change to circular needle size 7 mm and work rib (= knit 1 / purl 1) for 3 cm. Cast off with knit over knit and purl over purl – to avoid the cast-off edge being tight you can cast off with a needle size 8 mm. The jumper measures approx. 52-54-56-58-60-62 cm from the shoulder.

SLEEVE:
Place the 37-41-43-43-45-45 stitches from the thread on the one side of the piece on short circular needle/double pointed needles size 8 mm and knit up 1 stitch in each of the 4-4-4-6-8-10 stitches cast on under the sleeve = 41-45-47-49-53-55 stitches. Insert 1 marker thread in the middle of the 4-4-4-6-8-10 stitches and start the round here. Work stocking stitch. When the piece measures 2 cm from the division decrease 2 stitches mid under sleeve – read DECREASE TIP. Decrease like this every 4-3½-2½-2½-2-2 cm a total of 7-8-9-9-11-11 times = 27-29-29-31-31-33 stitches. Continue working until the sleeve measures 36-33-32-31-30-28 cm from the division (shorter measurements in larger sizes due to longer yoke). Knit 1 round where you increase 5 stitches evenly spaced = 32-34-34-36-36-38 stitches. Change to double pointed needles size 7 mm and work rib (= knit 1 / purl 1) for 3 cm. Cast off with knit over knit and purl over purl – to avoid the cast-off edge being tight you can cast off with a needle size 8 mm. The sleeve measures approx. 41-39-39-37-37-35 cm from the division. Work the other sleeve in the same way.

This pattern has been corrected.

Updated online: 15.05.2019
Correction - YOKE: 1 marker thread after 19 new stitches (= front piece) and you have 9-9-11-11-13-11 stitches left to the first marker thread (= sleeve).
Updated online: 03.09.2021
Correction: There has been made corrections in measurements.

Diagram

diagram measurements

Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.

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 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

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 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.

Click here to see our yarn calculator

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.

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 tension/gauge 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 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

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 (43)

country flag Ingrid Warrer Hyldahl wrote:

Ud fra målskitsen kan jeg ikke se brystmål på størrelserne. Venligst oplys mig om dem, hvis muligt, da det er væsentligt for mig. Mvh Ingrid

04.03.2024 - 18:45

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Ingrid, Brystvidden bliver ca 91-98-105-115-125-138 cm

07.03.2024 - 15:16

country flag Karen wrote:

I may have posted this question in the wrong spot. I’m making a small, cast on the 50 stitches and see that there is no way that will fit over my head. Am I starting in the wrong place? Suggestions appreciated!!

08.02.2023 - 01:29

country flag Karen wrote:

I may have posted this question in the wrong spot. I’m making a small, cast on the 50 stitches and see that there is no way that will fit over my head. Am I starting in the wrong place? Suggestions appreciated!!

08.02.2023 - 01:29

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Karen, you can cast on the stitches with the larger needle, with 2 strands (then continue with just one), and make sure your cast on edge is really elastic enough, avoiding a tight edge (and remember to check and keep the tension). Happy knitting!

08.02.2023 - 09:15

country flag Karen wrote:

I’m making a size small and casting on with the 50 stitches. No way will that ever fit over my head. Am I starting at the wrong spot? Any help is appreciated.

08.02.2023 - 01:25

country flag Maria Åhlvik wrote:

50 maskor ger en alldeles för litet hål för huvudet, kan inte stämma?

31.05.2022 - 21:43

DROPS Design answered:

Hej Maria, der er mange som strikker denne opskrift og antal masker stemmer. Hvis du synes det bliver for stramt kan du med fordel slå lidt løsere op med dobbelt tråd og så fortsætte med en tråd. God fornøjelse!

02.06.2022 - 10:50

country flag Francesca wrote:

Bonjour, je souhaite tricoter la taille XL, et comme le modèle commence par le haut il est indispensable de connaitre le tour de poitrine, mais si je fais la somme encolure+épaules tel que c'est indiqué, çà ne fonctionne pas, le tour de poitrine obtenu est plus + que le tour de base, et la laine Melody est une laine qui ne se détricote que très mal, je ne voudrais donc pas avoir à refaire si jamais en suivant les explications çà ne va pas...

26.11.2021 - 10:10

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Francesca, après la division des manches, vous aurez pour le devant et le dos: 110-118-126-138-150-166 mailles autrement dit environ 92-98-105-115-125-128 cm de circonférence. Bon tricot!

26.11.2021 - 16:03

country flag Francesca wrote:

Bonjour, dans les indications de correction, il est écrit "Correction en ligne le: 03.09.2021 Correction de différentes mesures." et il n'est rien dit au sujet de ces corrections de mesures, et effectivement sur le schéma tel qu'il apparait en bas des explcations, les mesures indiquées pour les longueurs de manches/épaules/encolure ne peuvent pas être les bonnes, on obtient un tour de poitrine supérieur au tour de la base....Pouvez-vous me dire comment voir les mesures corrigées?

25.11.2021 - 17:31

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Francesca, les corrections ont déjà été faites et concernaient principalement les hauteurs, la note est juste à titre indicatif si vous avez imprimé les explications avant cette date. Indiquez-nous quelle taille vous voulez réaliser ainsi que nous puissions vérifier ensemble.

26.11.2021 - 07:15

country flag Joan wrote:

I am using a 7mm, 60cm round needle and casting on 52 stitches to knit a jumper from top but my needle seems too big.... should I be using dpns ? Really confused......using drops melody wool......52 stitches does seem I could get my head through that!

24.02.2021 - 16:12

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Joan, you might have to start neck with dpn and then change to 60 cm needle when enough sts will have been increased - remember to check also your tension, you should have 12 sts x 14 rows stocking stitch = 10 x 10 cm. and make sure your cast on edge is not too tight. Happy knitting!

25.02.2021 - 07:00

country flag Limagne Valerie wrote:

Bonjour, Pour tricoter les manches, il faut une aiguille circulaire ou des aiguilles double pointe ou les deux ? Merci

30.12.2020 - 10:25

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Limagne, les manches se tricotent sur aiguille circulaire (40 cm) puis sur les aiguilles doubles pointes quand suffisamment de mailles ont été diminuées - vous pouvez également tricoter avec une aiguille circulaire de 80 cm en magic loop. Bon tricot!

04.01.2021 - 12:58

country flag Karen Ruthenstorfer wrote:

Hello, I often look at your pattern website, but the majority of your Patterns are using Circular Needles which I do not like to use.....do you have any suggestions of patterns which use Straight Needles please?

27.09.2020 - 14:50

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Ruthenstorfer, you will find how to adapt a pattern into straight needles here. Happy knitting!

28.09.2020 - 10:11