Knitting tips & tricks

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Videos: 109
6:35
How to knit up stitches for the neck to a jumper with European shoulder

In this DROPS video we show how to knit up stitches around the neck to a jumper with a European shoulder, using a knitting needle or a crochet hook. Then follow the description in the pattern. There are many different ways to work a rib (e.g knit 1 / purl 1, knit 2 / purl 2, knit 1 twisted / 1 purl etc.). And you can work a single neck, double neck or a high neck. In this video we work a double neck with a rib worked like this: knit 2, purl 2, cast off with knit over knit and purl over purl and then fold the neck double to the inside and fasten down. In this video we work with 2 yarn qualities: DROPS Lima colour no. 9029 sage green and DROPS Kid-Silk colour no. 45 soft mint, needle size 5 mm. You must read a pattern to be able to follow this video properly. You’ll find patterns by clicking on the pictures below.
5:17
How to work German Short Rows – with a double stitch back and forth on the needle

German short rows = The work is turned in the middle of a row. When working short rows, there will be a small hole - this can be closed by tightening the thread or using the German short row technique. Row 1 (= right side): Knit until where the piece is to be turned, turn, when it is knitted further there will be a small hole at the turn - this hole can be closed like this: Row 2 (= wrong side): Slip the 1st stitch from the left needle as if to purl, have the thread at the front towards you, place the thread over the right needle and tighten the thread well before purling the next stitch = the first stitch on the right needle has now become a double stitch (with a stitch and a thread). Purl until where the work is to be turned. Turn the work. Row 3 (= right side): Slip the 1st stitch from the left needle as if to purl, have the thread at the front towards you, place the thread over the right needle and tighten the thread well before knitting the next stitch = the first stitch on the right needle has now become a double stitch. Knit until the double stitch from the previous row and knit the double stitch so that the thread that was placed over the needle and the stitch is knitted together = 1 stitch. Knit until where the work is to be turned. Turn the work. Row 4 (= wrong side): Slip the 1st stitch from the left needle as if to purl, have the thread at the front towards you, place the thread over the right needle and tighten the thread well before purling the next stitch = the first stitch on the right needle has now become a double stitch. Purl until the double stitch from the previous row and purl the double stitch so that the thread that was placed over the needle and the stitch is purled together = 1 stitch. Purl until where the work is to be turned. Turn the work. Repeat 3rd and 4th row. We use the yarn DROPS Snow in the video. This technique is used in several patterns - you can find patterns by clicking on the pictures below:
8:41
How to work German Short Rows – with a double stitch round on the needle

German short rows = The work is turned in the middle of a row. When working short rows, there will be a small hole - this can be closed by tightening the thread or using the German short row technique. Row 1 (= right side): Knit until where the piece is to be turned, turn, when it is knitted further there will be a small hole at the turn - this hole can be closed like this: Row 2 (= wrong side): Slip the 1st stitch from the left needle as if to purl, have the thread at the front towards you, place the thread over the right needle and tighten the thread well before purling the next stitch = the first stitch on the right needle has now become a double stitch (with a stitch and a thread). Purl until where the work is to be turned. Turn the work. Row 3 (= right side): Slip the 1st stitch from the left needle as if to purl, have the thread at the front towards you, place the thread over the right needle and tighten the thread well before knitting the next stitch = the first stitch on the right needle has now become a double stitch. Knit until the double stitch from the previous row and knit the double stitch so that the thread that was placed over the needle and the stitch is knitted together = 1 stitch. Knit until where the work is to be turned. Turn the work. Row 4 (= wrong side): Slip the 1st stitch from the left needle as if to purl, have the thread at the front towards you, place the thread over the right needle and tighten the thread well before purling the next stitch = the first stitch on the right needle has now become a double stitch. Purl until the double stitch from the previous row and purl the double stitch so that the thread that was placed over the needle and the stitch is purled together = 1 stitch. Purl until where the work is to be turned. Turn the work. Repeat 3rd and 4th row. We use the yarn DROPS Snow in the video. This technique can be used in many patterns; you’ll find pattern by clicking on the pictures under:
8:00
How to work a wavy neck edge – back and forth

In this DROPS video we show a way to work a wavy neck edge back and forth. We have already cast on, knitted 1 row from WS and 6 row with stocking stitch + 3 edge stitch in each side. In the video we work like this: 3 edge stitch, 6 stocking stitch, * place the yarn in front of piece, insert the right needle down under the piece and up in front, then knit 6, work from * until there are 4 stitches left, knit 1 + 3 edge stitch. Then work a rib (purl 1, knit 1) with 3 edge stitch in each side to finish measurement. We use the yarn DROPS Snow in the video. You must read a pattern using this technique to be able to follow this video properly. You’ll find a pattern by clicking on one off the picture below.
6:11
How to do twined knitting

In this DROPS video we show how you do twined knitting - aka two-end knitting, a traditional Scandinavian knitting technique that is several hundreds year old . You use two strands of yarn (even when knitting in solid color). Knit each strand alternately and twisting them between each and every stitch. The resulting fabric is firmer and denser than regular stockinette stitch and creates a warm, dense and wind-resistant fabric. As perfect today for mittens, hats and socks, as it was back in the 17th century. When working twined knitting most common is to be knitted in the round and with the yarn held in the right hand as an opposite to regular Scandinavian knitting where you hold the yarn in your left hand. In other fair-isle techniques the strands are running parallel instead of being twined as in twined knitting. Fair-isle is creating a much less dense fabric than what you get with twined knitting.
6:21
How to knit a pattern in double knitting

In this DROPS video we show how to knit a pattern in double knitting. In double knitting every other stitch belongs to the front and every other to the back. In this video we have a red and a green side, i.e stitches are red and green alternating and you should look at them as pairs. In our example we work a very basic pattern, where you work the stitches in opposite colors. So when we come to the 1st stitch marked in chart, that means next 2 stitches should be switching colors. We therefore work the first stitch red instead of green on the green side, and the following stitch we work green instead of red. On the next row where we shall switch 3 stitches in a row, that means 6 stitches should be worked alternating. We did not use stitch markers in our video, but for some more complicated patterns it can be a good help.
4:08
How to knit up stitches under sleeve

In this DROPS video we show how to knit up 1 stitch in each of the new stitches that was cast on under the sleeve. We knit 8 new stitches and put a marker (or a marker thread) in the middle of these stitches. In many patterns, you should decrease 1 stitch on each side of stitch of this marker (or marking thread). We use the yarn DROPS Snow in this video.
13:07
How to work a sleeve to a garment with European shoulder with short rows

In this DROPS video we show how to knit up stitches to one sleeve, working short rows, decrease under the sleeve, increase stitches before the rib, switch to smaller needle and a little bit of the cast off (knit over knit, and purl over purl). Insert 1 marker on the top of armhole (NB: This is not where the stitches were knitted up for the front piece, but a few cm down on the front piece, this is the middle of the shoulder). Start in the middle of the new stitches cast on under sleeve and pick up the number of stitches it says in the pattern around the armhole – adjust so that there are the same number of stitches along armhole on each side of the marker. Now work stocking stitch back and forth with short rows over sleeve cap, to give the sleeve a better fit. Then work in the round with decreases under the sleeve. Follow the description in the pattern on how to work short rows, how and how many decreases, how long the sleeve should be and the rib. In this video we work with 2 yarn qualities: DROPS Lima colour no. 9029 sage green and DROPS Kid-Silk colour no. 45 soft mint, needle size 5 mm. You must read a pattern to be able to follow this video properly. You’ll find patterns by clicking on the pictures below.
2:06
How to knit short rows (basic method)

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit short rows (basic method). Sometimes a pattern may call for short rows to shape the garment. When knitting short rows you can make soft curves or create a better fit by creating bust darts. Short rows are only partially knitted before turning. Work number of sts told in pattern, turn, lift the first stitch, tighten thread, work the row back. When knitting next row and passing the short row turn, make sure to tighten thread to avoid a hole. 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.
3:36
How to knit short rows with wrap on right side (RS)

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit short rows with a wrap on the right side (RS). When knitting short rows you can shape the garment by making soft curves or give a better fit by creating bust darts. Short rows are partially knitted rows before turning. By turning with a wrap you avoid a hole at the turning point. Short row from RS: Work number of sts told in pattern, slip following st purl-wise, place yarn in front of work, slip st back on left needle, turn and work the row back. When knitting next row and getting to the st with wrap; work wrap and stitch together as one stitch and then finish row. 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.
4:17
How to knit short rows with wrap on wrong side (WS)

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit short rows with a wrap on the wrong side (WS). When knitting short rows you can shape the garment by making soft curves or give a better fit by creating bust darts. Short rows are partially knitted rows before turning. By turning with a wrap you avoid a hole at the turning point. Short row from WS: Work number of sts told in pattern, place yarn in back of work, slip following st purl-wise, place yarn in front of work, slip st back on left needle, turn and work the row back. When working next row and getting to the st with wrap; work wrap and stitch together as one stitch and then finish row. 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.
5:12
How to knit basic short rows in garter stitch

In this DROPS video we show how to knit basic short rows in garter stitch. Sometimes a pattern may call for short rows to shape the garment. When knitting short rows you can make soft curves or create a better fit by creating bust darts. Short rows are only partially knitted before turning. Knit the number of sts told in pattern, turn, lift the first stitch, tighten thread, work the row back. When knitting next row and passing the short row turn, make sure to tighten thread to avoid a hole. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns with this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
2:21
How to knit short rows in garter st with wrap

In this DROPS video we show how to knit short rows in garter st with wrap. When knitting short rows you can shape the garment by making soft curves or give a better fit by creating bust darts. Short rows are partially worked rows before turning. By turning with a wrap you avoid a hole at the turning point. Short row in garter st: Knit number of sts told in pattern, slip following st purl-wise, place yarn in front of work, slip st back on left needle, turn and work the row back. When knitting next row and getting to the st with wrap; knit wrap and stitch together as one stitch and then finish row. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns with this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
11:13
How to knit an elevation mid back

In this DROPS video we show how to knit an elevation with short rows. This technique is frequently used in our patterns for pants or in back of neck on jumpers and jackets. In this video we work from beginning of round (= marker / mid back) as follows: K10 sts, turn piece (to avoid holes, we slip first st on return and tighten the thread). K20 st, turn piece, K30 st, turn piece and K40, turn piece. Finally we work one round in stocking st over all sts. We now have an elevation (= more rows) mid back of the piece. You must read the pattern and look at the charts to be able to follow. You’ll find patterns using this technique by clicking on the pictures below.
9:57
How to knit Japanese short rows

In this DROPS video we show how to knit Japanese short rows. We have already knitted a piece in stocking st, and continues like this in the video: Work stocking st until 5 st remains, turn, put a mark (or a safety pin) on the working yarn close up to the work (the mark will hang on wrong side of work), slip the st with the mark purl-wise, purl until 5 st remains, turn, put a mark on the working yarn close up to the work (the mark will hang on wrong side of work), slip the st with the mark purl-wise, knit until 10 st remains, turn, put a mark on the working yarn close up to the work (the mark will hang on wrong side of work), slip the st with the mark purl-wise, purl until 10 st remains, turn, put a mark on the working yarn close up to the work (the mark will hang on wrong side of work), slip the st with the mark purl-wise. Know you knit, even the st with the mark, lift the loop with the mark on left needle, remove the mark, knit this loop and the next st straight together as one st. Do the same with the next mark on the right side row and finish the row. Turn, purl, even the st with the mark, slip the next st purl-wise from left to right needle, lift the loop with the mark on left needle, remove the mark, slip st from right needle back on left needle, purl st and loop together as one st, do the same with the next mark. Purl out row.
3:41
How to pick up stitches along edge

In this DROPS video we show how you can pick up sts along the side of your work. Pick up sts along the cast on or bind off edge. Hold the yarn as if you would knit. Put your needle through every stitch, wrap yarn around the needle, and pull through. You could also use a crochet hook to grab the yarn, and then put the st on the needle. 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.
1:40
How to knit a small buttonhole

In this DROPS video we show how you easily can knit a small buttonhole. You knit as follows: K2 tog, yo. On return row work yo as a stitch. 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.
2:33
How to pick up stitches along garter edge

In this DROPS video we show how to pick up sts along the side of a piece worked in garter st. Between each "bump", there are two rows/holes to pick up in. To make an even pickup it usually works well to pick up alternating two and one stitch between every two knots. 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.
2:22
How to make a medium sized buttonhole

In this DROPS video we show an easy way to create a medium sized and elastic buttonhole in a knitted garment. Knit as follows: K2 tog, make a double yo. On return row work first yo as a stitch and drop the following yo. 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.
2:48
How to pick up stitches along sides

In this DROPS video we show how you can pick up sts along the side of your work. Hold the yarn as if you would knit. Put your needle through the holes inside your edge stitch. Wrap yarn around the needle, and pull through. You could also use a crochet hook to grab the yarn, and then put the st on the needle. If you have worked your edge sts every row e.g in garter as on this piece, every hole represents 1 row. If you intend to knit stockinette on your new sts, typically you pick up 3 sts for every 4 rows, garter 2 sts for every 3 rows and rib 1 st in each hole. 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.
2:28
How to make a large buttonhole

In this DROPS video we show an easy way to create a large buttonhole in a knitted garment. Adjust the number of sts that you bind off/cast on to the size of your button. In a thinner yarn you need to cast of more sts and in a thicker yarn less. 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.
13:02
How to knit vertical button holes

In this DROPS video we show how to knit a vertical button hole. These type of buttonholes are in a double-knit stockinette band. Because it's double knit, the band may be too thick if it's heavier than fingering, but we are using a DK weight to show the technique better. The body of the sweater can be any yarn, just match the yarn for the band. The hole is built around a small length of yarn the same as the band. Put as many sts on the doubled extra yarn to match width of the button, start and stop with a P st. Then cast on the same number of sts as replacement around the other side of the extra yarn. After you worked a few more rows, take the 2 open ends on the extra yarn and pull trough loop, and then tighten up the hole, don't over tighten, then ends are weaved in later.
2:48
How to knit a front edge in double yarn

In this DROPS video we show how you can knit a front edge in double yarn (using 2 strands of yarn). You can use 2 strands of yarn to make the front edge nice thick and firm on e.g. a knitted cardigan and using this on the first two sts towards the edge. After the 2 sts let go of one of the threads, and then pick it up again on the way back. 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.
1:42
How to pick up stitches from a garter stitch edge

In this DROPS video we show you an easy way to pick up stitches from a garter stitch edge, without using the working yarn. You must read the pattern to be able to follow. You’ll find the pattern by clicking on the picture below