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European shoulder (front pieces)
In this lesson, we show you step-by-step how to work the right and left front pieces for European shoulders. We follow the pattern for a children’s sweater Sweet Peppermint (DROPS Children 47-12) in size 2 years, but remember to follow the stitch numbers/increases for your chosen size!
At the bottom of the page you'll find a video which might be of help. as well as a form where you can ask our experts for help if you were to need it!
Let’s get started!
We have already worked the first part of the back piece and are now going to work the front pieces.
We are working with 2 yarn qualities, DROPS Lima color no. 9029, sage green and DROPS Kid-Silk color no 45, soft mint, using needle size 5 MM = US 8. We are using 1 strand of each quality.
Knit up 14 stitches inside the outermost stitch along the left shoulder on the back piece (knit up evenly from the neck to the marker on the side, see D in the measurements sketch). Work stockinette stitch back and forth.
When the piece measures 4 cm = 1½" from the knitted-up stitches, increase for the neck.
Increase towards the left at the beginning of each row from the right side, after the first 3 stitches. Use the left needle to pick up the front loop between 2 stitches from the previous row.
Knit the back loop of this picked-up stitch.
Increase 1 stitch a total of 4 times = 18 stitches.
Work back from the wrong side. Cut the strand, place the stitches on a thread or stitch holder. Now work the right shoulder as described below.
Knit up 14 stitches inside the outermost stitch along the right shoulder on the back piece (knit up evenly from the marker on the side to the neck, see E in the measurements sketch).
Work stockinette stitch back and forth. When the piece measures 4 cm = 1½" from the knitted-up stitches, increase for the neck.
Increase towards the right at the end of each row from the right side, before the last 3 stitches. Use the left needle to pick up thread between 2 stitches from the previous row, pick up thread from behind.
Knit the front loop.
Increase 1 stitch a total of 4 times = 18 stitches. After the last increase, work back from the wrong side.
Both the front pieces are finished and ready to be joined.
Both shoulders have now been worked.
The next step is to cast on stitches for the neck and join the two front pieces. See how in our next lesson: European shoulders (joining the piece).
Do you need help?
If you require further information about different stitches or techniques, you will find a list of videos and lessons here, which might be of help:
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