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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 Nepal 65% Wool, 35% Alpaca |
from 2.20 £ /50g | Order | ||||||||
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DROPS Kid-Silk 75% Mohair, 25% Silk |
from 2.65 £ /25g | Order | ||||||||
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DROPS Needles & Hooks | Order |
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= knit from the right side, purl from the wrong side |
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= purl from the right side, knit from the wrong side |
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= from wrong side: knit 2 together |
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= slip 4 stitches on cable needle behind piece, knit 4, knit 4 from cable needle |
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= slip 4 stitches on cable needle in front of piece, knit 4, knit 4 from cable needle |
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 205-24) 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.
I am unsure about the reference to 2 by 2 in the direction below. Could you clarify, please? Is this two leaning decreases? "On next row from right side, knit stitches in the outermost cable towards the side together 2 by 2 (= 4 stitches decreased) = 57-59-60-64-67-70 stitches remain on needle. Then slip stitches on stitch holder for diagonal shoulder as explained below."
30.03.2022 - 19:29DROPS Design answered:
Dear Kathy, Over the stitches of the mentioned cable you knit 2 together, and repeat the decrease until you have half as many stitches as you knitted the cable with. Happy Knitting!
31.03.2022 kl. 01:17Je me pose une question si 14 mailles donnent 10cm, les 134 mailles du dos doivent donner environ 95 cm, hors sur le patron c'est écrit 68cm ???
29.03.2022 - 20:00DROPS Design answered:
Bonjour Mme Bussard, les 14 mailles de l'échantillon sont tricotées en jersey alors que les 134 mailles au début du dos sont tricotées en côtes, vous aurez ensuite 113 mailles tricotées en jersey et torsades - les torsades, tout comme les côtes resserrent l'ouvrage et il faut davantage de mailles qu'en jersey pour la même largeur. Si votre échantillon est juste et que vous conservez la même tension en tricotant la veste; vous aurez la bonne largeur. Bon tricot!
30.03.2022 kl. 07:31I do not understand the decrease for collar you suggest decreasing 4 Sts into cable and this is not possible as the cable pattern would be changed. Why don't you say slip 33 Sts etc rather than two-times and one time? Thanks
22.02.2022 - 11:49DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Caldwell, the 4 sts decreased in the cable on the side (so that you get 57-59-60-64-67-70 sts) won't be worked anymore since they will be slipped on a stitch holder afterwards. You need to decrease in the cable to avoid shoulder getting wider than required. You have then to slip 10-14 sts (see size) 2 times then 11-14 sts 1 time = stitches for collar remain on needle. Happy knitting!
22.02.2022 kl. 13:23At the start of the front right side the grid A2 has a slanting angle saying= from wrong side: knit 2 together. I cannot understand the " knit 2 together" it does not make sense to k 2 together reducing Sts where they are not made again on the right side. Also the first row on the grid should be the right side ? not the wrong side. Thank you
02.02.2022 - 10:38DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Caldwell, diagrams are read bottom up, and this row will be worked from the wrong side (last row in A.2/A.3 is worked from WS), so that you will decrease the number of sts worked P from RS/K from WS by K2 tog when explained. Happy knitting!
02.02.2022 kl. 14:20Thank you
11.01.2022 - 14:41The yarn amounts for M are Nepal 750g and Kid -Silk 150g knitted together two strands. Surely that is not sufficient Kid -silk to complete the garment. Thank you
11.01.2022 - 12:00DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Caldwell, the yarn amount both yarn should be enough and match, note that Nepal is approx. 75 m for 50 g a ball and Kid-Silk is approx. 210 m for 25 g a ball; this means you need 1125 m Nepal and 1260 m Kid-Silk, yardage is almost the same, considering the meterage of a ball. Hope this will help, happy knitting!
11.01.2022 kl. 14:22Hello, I need help with the sleeve. 1. The pattern asks to pick 56 stitches along arm hole inside 1 edge stitch in garter stitch. Which edge stitch is this? 2. A note says: "Do not pick up stitches along the bottom of arm hole." Does this mean I should not pick stitches along the 8 stitches which were cast off for armhole?
18.10.2021 - 10:05DROPS Design answered:
Dear Sony, correct, you don't pick up sts along the 8 sts (size XL + XXL) cast off for armhole on front/back pieces, only pick up stitches from the first row after these 8 sts have been cast off up to shoulder then down before these 8 sts cast off - inside the edge stitch in garter stitch worked towards armhole on front/back piece. Happy knitting!
18.10.2021 kl. 16:07Where do I find the mesurments for the sizes.? I can't fid the size chart.
26.04.2021 - 18:36DROPS Design answered:
Dear Jayne, there is no one general size chart, but you can see the measurements of the finished piece at each pattern on the schematic drawing. Happy Knitting!
26.04.2021 kl. 19:40Sorry, I should have been a little bit more clear with my question. I understand slipping the stitches onto holders, it’s the part after that for working the collar, which in the diagram shows a slant. The person who commented directly below my first comment had the same question but I’m unclear with your answer.
09.11.2020 - 19:42DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Bennett, sorry for misunderstanding, the slant edge of the collar on the chart will be worked with the short rows over the 26 remaining sts for collar - starting from RS (right front piece), you will work 23 sts only (leave the remaining sts unworked), turn and work these 23 sts. Turn and work now 2 rows over all the 26 sts = you have now worked 4 rows over the first 23 sts and 2 rows only over the 3 sts towards shoulder. Repeat these 4 rows will shape this slant edge for shawl collar. Hope it's now more clear for you. Happy knitting!
10.11.2020 kl. 09:06I’m confused on the Part after placing all the stitches on holders. I follow what the pattern says but I don’t get how to get the slant that is shown in the assembly diagram. I also followed your instructions you gave to someone who asked the same question in October but I still don’t get how to get the slant? Am I doing something wrong?
08.11.2020 - 07:47DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Bennet, you will get the slant shoulders by slipping the stitches on a stitch holder while working the remaining stitch, eg on back piece, 1st size work: row 1: work the first 10 sts, slip them on a thread, work row to the end, turn and work the first 10 sts, slip them on a thread, work row to the end. Repeat these 2 rows one more time, then same but slipping this time the first 11 sts on each side on a thread. You have worked more rows over the stitches on the middle (neck) and less over the stitches on each side (on the thread). This gives you a slanted edge - work then SHOULDERS = all sts. Hope this helps. Happy knitting!
09.11.2020 kl. 10:46