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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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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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!
All measurements in charts are in cm.
= knit from the right side, purl from the wrong side | |
= knit from wrong side | |
= between 2 stitches make 1 yarn over | |
= slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over stitch worked | |
= knit 2 together | |
= slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over stitches worked together | |
= bind off 1 stitch | |
= bind off 1 stitch, make 1 yarn over, bind off yarn over, this is done to avoid a tight bind-off edge |
Each of our patterns has specific tutorial videos to help you.
These step-by-step tutorials might also help you:
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
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.
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?
What are the yarn groups?
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.
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.
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.
What size should I knit?
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
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
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.
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
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
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
Why are the sleeves shorter in larger sizes?
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.
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 (usually 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.
See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing
What is a repeat?
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.
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.
Why increase before the rib edge when the piece is worked top-down?
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.
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)
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
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
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?
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!
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.
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.
Why does my garment pill?
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.
Majesty |
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Knitted shawl with lace pattern, wave pattern and garter stitch. Piece is knitted in DROPS Merino Extra Fine.
DROPS 187-23 |
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INFORMATION FOR PATTERN: GARTER STITCH (back and forth): 1 ridge = knit 2 rows. PATTERN: See diagrams A.1 and A.2. Diagrams show all rows in pattern seen from the right side. ---------------------------------------------------------- SHAWL: Work back and forth on circular needle. Cast on 61 stitches on circular needle size 4 mm / US 6 with Merino Extra Fine. Insert 1 marker 3 stitches in from each side (= 55 stitches between markers). Work as follows: ROW 1 (= from right side): Work 2 stitches in GARTER STITCH – see explanation above, 1 yarn over (= 1 stitch increased), work in garter stitch until 1st marker, 1 yarn over before marker (= 1 stitch increased), work 55 stitches in garter stitch (2nd marker is here), 1 yarn over after marker (= 1 stitch increased), work in garter stitch until 2 stitches remain, 1 yarn over (= 1 stitch increased), finish with 2 stitches in garter stitch (= 4 stitches increased in total on row). ROW 2 (= from wrong side): Work in garter stitch over all stitches, the first and last yarn over is not worked twisted, they should make holes, the 2 middle yarn overs are worked twisted, they should NOT make holes. I.e. there is 1 eyelet row inside 2 stitches in garter stitch in each side of piece. Repeat rows 1 and 2. REMEMBER THE GAUGE! Work 31 ridges in total (= 62 rows in total), i.e. 62 stitches have been increased on each side of the 55 middle stitches = 185 stitches on row. Piece measures approx. 15 cm / 6" measured along the knitting direction. Work next row as follows from right side: Work 2 edge stitches in garter stitch, A.1a over next stitch, work A.2a (= 6 stitches) until 2 stitches remain (= 30 times in total in width), finish with 2 edge stitches in garter stitch. Continue pattern like this. When A.1a and A.2a has been worked 1 time in height, work A.1b above A.1a and work A.2b above A.2a. When all stitches have been increased in A.2, there are 575 stitches on needle. bind off as explained in diagram, bind off with 1 needle size bigger if the bind-off edges are tight. |
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Diagram explanations |
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Have you made this or any other of our designs? Tag your pictures in social media with #dropsdesign so we can see them! Do you need help with this pattern?You'll find tutorial videos, a Comments/Questions area and more by visiting the pattern on garnstudio.com. © 1982-2024 DROPS Design A/S. We reserve all rights. This document, including all its sub-sections, has copyrights. Read more about what you can do with our patterns at the bottom of each pattern on our site. |
With over 40 years in knitting and crochet design, DROPS Design offers one of the most extensive collections of free patterns on the internet - translated to 17 languages. As of today we count 304 catalogs and 11422 patterns - 11417 of which are translated into English (US/in).
We work hard to bring you the best knitting and crochet have to offer, inspiration and advice as well as great quality yarns at incredible prices! Would you like to use our patterns for other than personal use? You can read what you are allowed to do in the Copyright text at the bottom of all our patterns. Happy crafting!
Comments / Questions (25)
Marie wrote:
Bonjour. Est-ce normal qu’il n’y ai qu’une seule augmentation à gauche dans le A2b la 3ème fois. Merci pour votre réponse
01.04.2024 - 23:36DROPS Design answered:
Bonjour Marie, tout à fait, on n'augmente ici qu'une seule maille. Bon tricot!
02.04.2024 - 16:00Morel wrote:
Bonjour Je voudrais savoir si ce magnifique châle peut être transformé en cape ( fermé autour du cou ) Merci beaucoup et bravo pour votre travail 🥰
07.02.2024 - 08:22DROPS Design answered:
Bonjour Mme Morel, probablement, il vous faudrait juste faire les ajustements nécessaires. Bon tricot!
08.02.2024 - 08:05Amanda Karlsson wrote:
If I am supposed to increase 2 every other row, and knit 62 rows. How does that become 62 increased stitches, wouldn't it be double the amount of rows?
04.03.2023 - 13:48DROPS Design answered:
Dear Amanda, since you increase 2 stitches every other row you only increase on every 2 rows (for example, on even rows - work 1 row with no increases, work 1 row with increases, work 1 row with no increase, 1 row with increases...). So you increase 2 stitches on 31 rows = 62 stitches increased. Happy knitting!
05.03.2023 - 19:18Anna wrote:
Hei, eg har lagt opp til sjalet, men e usikker på hvordan man øker etter pinne 1 og 2. Skal man strikke 2 masker kast, så strikke 3 masker eller skal man øke 2 masker, kast, strikk 1 og så et kast
26.04.2022 - 20:57DROPS Design answered:
Hei Anna, Du gjentar pinner 1 og 2. Så pinne 3: 2 masker rille, 1 kast, strikke riller fram til 1. merket, 1 kast, riller fram til 2. merke, 1 kast, riller til det gjenstår 2 masker og 2 masker rille. God fornøyelse!
27.04.2022 - 07:06Uschi wrote:
Hallo, sind im Diagranm die Hin- und Rückreihen gezeigt, oder stricke ich die Rückreise wie sie auf der Nadel erscheint? Viele Grüße Uschi
25.02.2021 - 23:21DROPS Design answered:
Liebe Uschi, die Hin- sowie die Rückreihen sind im Diagram gezeichnet, Rückreihen lesen Sie links nach rechts. Viel Spaß beim stricken!
26.02.2021 - 08:24Brenda wrote:
The graph is wrong. I had to work the pattern to prove it to some one else. Never mind.
06.01.2021 - 19:01Brenda wrote:
Ok to follow up. When you look at the pattern of adding and decreases the stitches it looks right but with actual knitting the increase is on the inside between the middle SKP and YO. Thus stitches get moved over one and then the YO misses a stitch. Gee this is hard to explain. When I added the extra row. The holes now flowed continuously across the shawl. Maybe you have to do a trial run to figure out what I mean. I repeated mine 3 times. We can zoom?
05.01.2021 - 17:29DROPS Design answered:
Dear Brenda, the diagrams just should be worked as follows, ie the yarn overs should be worked as shown in the diagram - on which row do you have this kind of worry? To get any individual assistance please feel free to contact your yarn store - even per mail or telephone, showing them your work so that it might be easier for them to see what you did. Happy knitting!
06.01.2021 - 08:13Brenda wrote:
Hi. I rewrote... You need an extra row so that the YO’s all follow in a row. When you did the extra stitches the yo is ok. The next row after adding the stitches you miss a stitch with the yarn over. Therefore you have to repeat the last row over once more . Ok look at it this way. What I did to get it....Forget the pattern. Just do the YO to follow that pattern to hold the line. The line after the yarn over and on the pattern you miss the continuing the YO holes. You m
05.01.2021 - 15:14Brenda wrote:
I do have every pattern sectioned off with markers. When you add a stitch there’s a yarn over missing. I can send a picture. There’s a spot where there’s a stitch and no yarn over. The pattern has to be adjusted I think. Unless the yarn over flow shows a separation? Is that it? I know I commented on this before and I’m trying once more to get it to work. I can not
05.01.2021 - 13:39DROPS Design answered:
Dear Brenda, I'm sorry, I'm not following you - as examples showing the increases: you will increase 2 sts on row 3 in A.2a (= there are 4 yarn overs but only 2 sts are decreased); you will increase 2 sts on row 11 in A.2b working a total of 4 yarn overs but decreasing also only 2 sts. Hope this can help. Happy knitting!
05.01.2021 - 14:43Brenda wrote:
I am making the shawl and the yarn over lines don’t flow properly. When you add a stitch the pattern gets thrown off and doesn’t like like the shawl you have pictured. Is the pattern incorrectly written?
03.01.2021 - 20:54DROPS Design answered:
Dear Brenda, try to add markers between each repeat in width, it might help you to check the number of stitches in every repeat on every row. Happy knitting!
05.01.2021 - 09:36