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Knitting tips & tricks

Learn lots of useful tips and tricks to aid on your knitting, such as how to knit buttonholes, pick up new stitches, knit stripes, work short rows, recover a dropped stitch and so much more.

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Videos: 109
3:39
How to knit stripes in the round with no jog

In this DROPS video we show how to knit stripes in the round without getting a jog in the transition. Change to a new color and work 1 round. Work the first stitch on the next round like this: Pick up the stitch under the first stitch on the left needle (pick up from behind in the front loop), and put it into the left needle. Knit the stitch together with the next stitch on the left needle. In this way, the transition becomes less visible. You can carry to other color along on the inside of the work. If the stripes are wide, you can twist the colors at the end of round on every 3 cm/ every 1 inch. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
3:16
How to knit stripes back and forth

In this DROPS video we show how to knit stripes back and forth on the needle. When you knit stripes you can carry along the yarn not in use along the edge. This way you don't have multiple thread ends to fasten afterward. Before each new row from RS twist the working yarn around the tread/threads not in use, and then continue. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
4:43
How to change color inside edge stitches

When you knit stripes, it's a good idea to change the color inside the edge stitches, so that the loose ends or long strands behind the work don't run along the outermost front edge. In this DROPS video we show how to change color within 5 edge sts. To make it clear, we knit the 5 edge sts in stockinette stitch, the transition inside the edge sts in garter st and the rest in stockinette st. Finally, we show how the transition looks like when you work the front edge in seed stitch, and how it looks like when you work the whole piece in garter st using a finer yarn. There will always be more or less of a notch at the color change. With this bulky yarn it shows more. If you work in a finer multicolored yarn the transition will not be visible. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns using this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
5:31
How to knit stripes with no jog / Helix knit

In this DROPS video we show how to knit stripes in the round without getting a jog in the transition, also called Helix knitting. In this video we use 3 colors and knit 13 stitches before changing color. Be sure to keep the colors separated and do not let the skeins cross when changing color. Every round there is one color knitted over 26 stitches. Do not tighten too much when changing color. We use the yarn DROPS Snow in the video.
6:02
How to work 1st row with color changing in a rib

In this DROPS video we show how we can avoid "dots" on the parties of purl stitch (from right side) when changing color. On the row with change color, knit all stitches, but on next row continue working rib (in this video; knit 2, purl 2). We use the yarn DROPS Snow in the video.
4:02
How to work 1st row with color changing with knit and purl stitches

In this DROPS video we show how we can avoid the "dots" on 1st row when changing color, seen from the right side (RS). On the RS row, where it changes color, we purl 10 stitches and knit 10 stitches, so you can easily see the difference. On next row knit all stitches, from the wrong side (WR). We use the yarn DROPS Snow in the video.
1:45
How to avoid getting a large stitch when changing thread

In this DROPS video we show one way how to avoid getting a large first and last stitch when changing thread. Tie the new thread into the old thread, but do not tie it with a knot but with a loop. Tighten the loop and push it to the knitting piece. Now continue working with the new thread, knit a few rounds and then pull on the loop to loosen it. Then you will get a nice transition where it changes thread. Fasten the threads as usual when the work is done. We use the yarn DROPS Snow in the video.
1:14
How to pick up a dropped stitch

In this DROPS video we show how to pick up a dropped stitch. Did you drop a stitch and did it run, then this is how you easy can fix it with the help of a crochet hook.
2:52
How you can undo knit and purl stitches (aka tinking)

Sometimes at the end of a row you realize you made a mistake. Then it's time to go back and un-knit your recently worked stitches, aka tink i.e knit backwards. In this DROPS video we show how to tink your K and P sts. From front stick left needle into the stitch below the 1st stitch on your right needle. Slip stitch off right needle and pull out the strand of yarn and move stitch back to left needle. Same procedure no matter if the stitch is K or P.
3:53
How to pick up a dropped garter stitch

Did you drop a stitch in your garter stitch piece? In this DROPS video we show how you can fix this with the help of a crochet hook. Put the hook into the dropped stitch. Make sure to look if next row above is knit or purl. If it's a knit row then the stitches on that row are rounded, and if it's a purl row, then you can see that bump in front of the stitch. So if it's a knit row then you pick up the strand going into the stitch from the front, and if next row is purl, then move the hook to go into the stitch from the back. A bit hard to explain in words, but hopefully the close up shots in this video will help.
1:53
How to unravel garter stitch safely

In this DROPS video we show how you can unravel a garter stitch safely. You are working in garter stitch and you realize that you knitted too far, or maybe you see a mistake a few rows down. To knit backwards takes time, and for some slippery yarns it's not a great idea to pull out the needle to start unravel. In this video we show how to unravel safely, by putting your needle into the stitches on the row you want to unravel to. Then you can pull out the needle and start unravel with no risk of loosing any stitches in the process. Decide how far you want to unravel. Pick up the right leg of each stitch from the behind. This way all stitches will turn the right way when you are ready, and you can start knitting again.
5:52
How to fix a lost knitted stitch

In this DROPS video we show a tip on how to attach a lost stitch in a knitted work. We use a different color to sew the stitch with. Sew the stitch from the backside and start some stitches to the side of the hole/ lost stitch. Follow the thread to the hole / lose stitch and sew in the stitch. Continue to sew a little after the hole / lost stitch. In this video we use the yarn DROPS Snow
2:15
How to unravel stocking stitch safely

In this DROPS video we show you how to unravel stocking stitch safely. You are working in stocking stitch and you realize that you knitted to far, or maybe you see a mistake a few rows down. To knit backwards takes time, and for some slippery yarns it's not a great idea to pull out the needle to start unravel. We show how to unravel safely by putting your needle into the stitches on the row you want to unravel to. Then you can pull out the needle and start unravel with no risk of loosing any stitches in the process. Decide how far you want to unravel. Pick up the right leg of each stitch from the behind. This way all stitches will turn the right way when you are ready, and you can start knitting again. If the working yarn end up in the wrong side, just move stitches over to the other needle.
3:05
How to fix English rib and place work back on the needle

In this DROPS video we show how to fix English rib and place your work back on the needle. In the video we have knitted English rib like this: ENGLISH RIB (back and forth on needle): Row 1: 1 st in garter st, * K 1, 1 YO, slip 1 st as if to P *, repeat from *-* until 2 sts remain, finish with K 1 and 1 st in garter st. Row 2: 1 st in garter st, * 1 YO, slip 1 st as if to P, K tog YO and slipped st *, repeat from *-* until 2 sts remain, finish with 1 YO, slip 1 st as if to P, 1 st in garter st. Row 3: 1 st in garter st, * K tog YO and slipped st, 1 YO, slip 1 st as if to P *, repeat from *-* until 3 sts remain, K tog YO and slipped st, 1 st in garter st. Repeat 2nd and 3rd row upwards. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns using this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
2:33
How to pick up a dropped stitch in English rib in two colours.

It's always frustrating to drop a stitch in your work. In this DROPS video we show you how to pick up a stitch knitted in English rib with two colours. Use a crochet hook, * insert the hook into the stitch with colour -1, "skip" 1 thread in colour -2 and insert the hook under the 2 next threads with colour -2. Pick up the thread with colour -1 and pull it under the 2 colour -2 threads and through the stitch on the hook * (= 1 stitch fixed). Repeat * - * to the top, pick up the last colour -2 thread and placed it on the left needle (= 1 yarn over). We use the yarn DROPS Snow in this video.
1:34
How to avoid a jog at the beginning of circular knitting

In this DROPS video we show how to create an invisible join when starting your circular knitting and in this way avoid a jog in your work. Note! Cast on 1 additional stitch than what pattern tells you. Join, making sure not to twist stitches on row. Slip 1st stitch on left needle purl-wise over to right needle. Slip the 2nd stitch on right needle over the 1st. Move the slipped stitch back to left needle. Tighten yarn ends. Place a marker to mark beginning of the round and start knitting. You must read the pattern and maybe look at the chart to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
2:01
How to fix a jog when casting off your circular knitting

In this DROPS video we show how to correct the jog that you will end up with when casting off your circular knitting. This is easily corrected when you weave in the end at the very end. You must read the pattern and maybe look at the chart to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
3:47
How to get invisible transitions when using double pointed needles.

In this DROPS video we show a knitting tip to get invisible transitions when using double pointed needles. KNITTING TIP (with double pointed needles): To avoid the stitches in the transitions between needles being too large, always work 3 stitches from the next needle before changing needles; all the transitions between needles are then moved 3 stitches each time. We use the yarn DROPS Snow in the video You’ll find a pattern where you can use this technique by clicking on the picture below.
1:16
How to use a marking thread (MT) between two stitches

In this DROPS video we show how to place and use a marking thread (MT). It's often a good idea to use a marking thread to mark where to make inc, or dec, the start of the round or the sides when working in the round on double pointed needles or circular needles etc. You can let the thread follow your work and then just pull it out afterward. In our video we are inc 1 st each side of the marking thread. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
5:17
How to knit in the round on two circular needles

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit in the round on two circular needles. When you knit a smaller piece in the round like a sock or a cuff, and you don't want to use or you don't have double pointed needles, you can knit in the round using two circular needles. Cast on with one circular, divide sts by moving half the sts to another circular. Pull needles through to the side where you have the working yarn. Make sure sts on round are not twisted when joining. Start knitting sts on the needle not attached to working yarn. Always make sure to tighten first stitch on needle. Knit with the same needle as the worked sts are on, let the other needle rest. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
4:09
How to knit a pleat

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit a pleat. Making pleats on the waistline, or at an empire cut cardigan creates very elegant and feminine knitwear design. This video first shows a pleat that opens up to the left and then a pleat that opens up to the right. This pleat is worked over 10 sts and we are slipping 5 sts onto cable needle to front of piece, K first st from cable needle tog with first sts from needle, 5 times in total. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
8:45
How to knit a wrap collar or front bands

In this DROPS video we show how to make a wrap collar or front bands. To make a wrap over mid front on a knitted garment you start by picking up new sts behind the existing mid sts. If you want the collar/front band to be 14 sts wide you beg 7 sts before marker mid front. Knit 14 sts in desired stitch pattern and stockinette st on the remaining sts. At the end of the round pick up 14 new sts behind the front band and then turn. Next row from WS: knit first 14 sts in stitch pattern and stockinette st on the remaining sts until you reach the 14 sts on right front, work these in pattern, turn. Continue back and forth on needle with 14 front band sts in stitch pattern each side. It's a good idea to use markers to seperate the sts for collar/front band from the other sts. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
6:18
How to knit magic loop

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit the magic loop technique. If a pattern requests both double pointed needles and circular needle in the same size, then you can use a circular needle and work with the magic loop technique. This means you can knit a smaller tubular piece using a circular needle instead of double pointed needles. The circular needle should be long (at least 80 cm) and have a flexible cord. Cast on your number of sts and push the sts to the middle of the cord. Separate and pull out the cord in the middle of the sts. Slide sts to the needle tips each side, make sure sts don't get twisted. Your working yarn is on the back needle and you start working the sts on your front needle. Draw out the back needle to work the front needle. When front needle is done, turn work and slide sts back to the other tip and work that side the same way. Continue in the round, make sure to always pull out the needle at the side where you have the working yarn. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
2:32
How to knit a flounce

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit a flounce. When making a flounce you knit it separate. To make wrinkles on the flounce, on the last row (from WS if working back and forth on needle) knit sts together 2 by 2 alternately (to go by what the video is showing). If you want more or less wrinkles, then you knit more or less sts together, or according to instructions. Then lay the flounce outside the other piece and knit sts together 2 and 2. I.e 1st stitch on flounce together with 1st stitch on the other piece, 2nd with 2nd and so on. Keep working in the round or back and forth and you now have added a wrinkled flounce. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns where you can use this technique by clicking on the pictures below.