DROPS Alpaca
DROPS Alpaca
100% Alpaca
from 3.40 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 20.40£.

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

Lilac Bouquet

Knitted shawl in DROPS Alpaca. Piece is knitted top down with lace pattern and garter stitch.

DROPS 201-17
DROPS design: Pattern z-845
Yarn group A
----------------------------------------------------------

SIZE:
Measurements: Width at top: approx. 144 cm Length measured along middle stitch: approx. 72 cm

MATERIALS:
DROPS ALPACA from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group A)
300 g colour 4050, light purple

KNITTING TENSION:
23 stitches in width and 45 rows vertically in garter stitch = 10 x 10 cm.

NEEDLES:
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 3 mm, length 80 cm.
Needle size is only a suggestion! If you have too many stitches on 10 cm switch to larger needles. If you have too few stitches on 10 cm switch to smaller needles.

----------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------

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

-------------------------------------------------------

DROPS Alpaca
DROPS Alpaca
100% Alpaca
from 3.40 £ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 20.40£.

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.
----------------------------------------------------------

EXPLANATION FOR THE PATTERN:

----------------------------------------------------------

GARTER STITCH (back and forth):
Knit all rows.
1 ridge vertically = knit 2 rows.

PATTERN:
See diagrams A.1 to A.7. Diagrams show all rows in pattern seen from the right side.

----------------------------------------------------------

START THE PIECE HERE:

----------------------------------------------------------

SHAWL - SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE:
Work piece back and forth on circular needle.

SHAWL:
Cast on 5 stitches on circular needle size 3 mm with Alpaca. Work pattern as follows: 1 edge stitch in GARTER STITCH – read explanation above, A.1 over next stitch (= 1 stitch), 1 stitch in garter stitch (= middle stitch), A.1 over next stitch, 1 edge stitch in garter stitch. Insert a marker thread in the middle stitch on row (= middle stitch and marker thread follow upwards in piece). Continue pattern back and forth like this until A.1 has been worked vertically = 81 stitches. REMEMBER THE KNITTING TENSION! Now work pattern as follows: 1 edge stitch in garter stitch, A.2 over the next 11 stitches, A.3 over the next 18 stitches, A.4 over the next 10 stitches, 1 stitch in garter stitch (= middle stitch), A.2 over the next 11 stitches, A.3 over the next 18 stitches, A.4 over the next 10 stitches, 1 edge stitch in garter stitch. Continue back and forth until A.2, A.3 and A.4 have been worked vertically = 153 stitches. Then continue pattern and increase outwards the same way but every time the diagrams have been worked vertically there is room for 2 repetitions more of A.3 between A.2 and A.4 in each side of piece. When piece measures approx. 71 cm measured along middle stitch - adjust to finish after a whole leaf (i.e. finish after 16th row or 32nd row in A.2 to A.4), work an edge as follows: 1 edge stitch in garter stitch, A.5 over the next 29 stitches, A.6 until 28 stitches remain before middle stitch, A.7 over the next 28 stitches, 1 stitch in garter stitch (= middle stitch), A.5 over the next 29 stitches, A.6 until 29 stitches remain on row, A.7 over the next 28 stitches, 1 edge stitch in garter stitch. When A.5 to A.7 have been worked vertically, 8 stitches have been increased on row. Piece measures approx. 72 cm along middle stitch. Cast off. Make sure to avoid a tight cast-off edge, cast off with 1 larger needle size if needed.

Diagram

symbols = knit from right side
symbols = knit from wrong side
symbols = between 2 stitches make 1 yarn over, on next row knit yarn over twisted to avoid holes
symbols = between 2 stitches make 2 yarn overs, on next row drop first yarn over off the needle and knit second yarn over to make a hole
symbols = knit 2 together
symbols = slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over stitch worked
symbols = slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over stitches worked together
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 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!

You might also like...

Post a comment to pattern DROPS 201-17

We would love to hear what you have to say about this pattern!

If you want to leave a question, please make sure you select the correct category in the form below, to speed up the answering process. Required fields are marked *.

Comments / Questions (14)

country flag Iole De Angelis wrote:

Alla fine dello schema A1 ho 39 maglie, ma nella spiegazione dice che ne devo avere 81. Dove sbaglio? Grazie

23.02.2024 - 16:00

DROPS Design answered:

Buonasera Iole, il motivo A.1 si lavora 2 volte sulle prime 5 maglie. Buon lavoro!

25.02.2024 - 16:16

country flag Looklady wrote:

J'ai abandonner le tuto une catastrophe impossible a realisé mal expliquer shema bizarre et faux impossible de faire le debut sur le rang 15 comment faire un jeté en debut de rang je comprend pas

20.01.2023 - 18:11

country flag BIRGIT DANNEMAND LARSEN wrote:

Når jeg starter sjalet med 5 masker og strikker mønster A.1 færdig i højden, så står der i opskriften, at jeg skal have 81 masker. HVORDAN? Jeg har 39 masker, som der står over mønsteret. Jeg kan ikke gennemskue det, så jeg har givet op lige nu. Håber, I kan hjælpe mig. Mvh Birgit

04.09.2021 - 14:43

DROPS Design answered:

Hej. Du ska sticka A.1 2 ganger på pinnen; "1 kantmaske retstrik, A.1 over næste maske (= 1 maske), 1 maske retstrik (= midtermasken), A.1 over næste maske, 1 kantmaske retstrik". Du har alltså 1 kantmaske, 39 m (=A.1), 1 m (= midtermasken), 39 m (=A.1), 1 kantmaske = 81 m när du är färdig med A.1. Lycka till!

07.09.2021 - 09:11

country flag Claudia wrote:

Buongiorno, potreste aiutarmi a comprendere cosa vuol dire la frase seguente: "Poi continuare il motivo e aumentare verso l’esterno nello stesso modo ma ad ogni ripetizione verticale dei diagrammi c’è spazio per 2 ripetizioni in più di A.3 tra A.2 e A.4 a ogni lato del lavoro". Grazie

22.04.2021 - 14:24

DROPS Design answered:

Buonasera Claudia, questo passaggio significa che ogni volta che vengono completati i diagrammi, ci sarà spazio per altri 2 ripetizioni di A.3 ai lati del lavoro. Buon lavoro!

24.04.2021 - 22:02

country flag Sigrid wrote:

Ich habe A1 fertig und 39 Maschen auf der Nadel, laut Beschreibung sollen es 81 Maschen sein, wie geht das?

01.09.2020 - 13:06

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Sigrid, wenn A.1 fertig ist, sind es 39 M in A.1, aber Sie stricken 2 Mal A.1 in der Breite mit 1 Randmasche beidseitig und 1 mittlere Masche kraus rechts, dh so: 1 Randmasche kraus rechts, A.1, 1 Masche krausrechts, A.1, 1 Randmasche (= 5 M bei der 1. Reihe und (1+39+1+39+1=) 81 M wenn A.1 fertig ist). Viel Spaß beim stricken!

01.09.2020 - 13:27

country flag Geeske wrote:

Dankuwel voor uw uitleg. Ik zie het nu. Met vriendelijke groet, Geeske

23.02.2020 - 17:39

country flag Geeske wrote:

Telpatroon A1 heb ik nu gebreid volgens patroon.Als ik de beschrijving lees, zie ik dat ik dit toch dubbel had moeten hebben (maar dan zouden het toch 80 steken moeten zijn?) . Ik zie nergens aangegeven hoe ik dat dan had moeten doen!Ik hoop dat u mij verder kunt helpen. Bij voorbaat dank. Met vriendelijke groet, Geeske Plaisier

23.02.2020 - 13:39

country flag Geeske wrote:

Nog een vraag: In de omschrijving staat dat je na patroon A1 81 steken hebt. In het telpatroon zie ik 39 steken staan. Kunt u me uitleggen wat er precies bedoeld wordt? Alvast hartelijk dank!! Met vriendelijke groet, Geeske Plaisier

22.02.2020 - 16:56

DROPS Design answered:

Dag Geeske,

Je breit 1 kantsteek, A.1, 1 steek in ribbelsteek, A.1 en 1 kantsteek, wat neer komt op 2 keer A.1 en daarnaast nog 3 steken (1 in het midden en aan elke zijkant 1 steek). Hierdoor kom je op een totaal van 81 steken.

23.02.2020 - 13:47

country flag Geeske wrote:

Goedemiddag, Klopt het dat er in dit patroon alleen 2 omslagen tussen 2 steken zitten? In de verklaring van het telpatroon staat n.l. ook een teken voor een enkele omslag tussen 2 steken, maar ik zie dit teken niet terug in de telpatronen. Alvast dank voor uw reactie. Met vriendelijke groet, Geeske Plaisier

22.02.2020 - 16:48

DROPS Design answered:

Dag Geeske,

In de eerste naald van A.1 zijn de enkele omslagen verwerkt. Voor de rest zijn het allemaal dubbele omslagen.

23.02.2020 - 13:45

country flag Serniguet wrote:

Bonjour.Le début de la vidéo ne correspond pas à la photo du châle.Sur la vidéo on augmente au début et fin du rang.tandis que sur la photo on augmente au début du rang (donc biais)et pas en fin de rang , ligne droite Bonne journée

29.01.2020 - 09:07

DROPS Design answered:

Bonjour Mme Serniguet, le principe de ce châle est le même: on tricote 2 fois le même diagramme avec 1 m lis de chaque côté et 1 m au milieu, quand le 1er diagramme et fait, on a approximativement la même forme. Pour toute assistance personnalisée, n'hésitez pas à contacter votre magasin DROPS, même par mail ou téléphone, ce sera fort probablement plus simple pour vous pour obtenir une aide plus efficace sur ce châle. Bon tricot!

29.01.2020 - 09:36