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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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All measurements in charts are in cm.
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.
DROPS 1-21 |
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DROPS jumper with 3 neck alternatives in “Ardesia”. Size S - M.
DROPS 1-21 |
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Rib: * K1 into back of loop, P1 *, repeat from *-*. Body piece, all versions: Worked in the round on circular needle. Cast on 110-120 sts on needle size 3 mm / US 2.5 and work 10-12 cm / 4"-4 3/4" rib. Change to needle size 6.5 mm / US 10½ and continue in stockinette st, at the same time inc to 120-130 sts evenly on first round. When piece measures 28-28 cm / 11"-11" divide piece in 2 and complete front and back pieces separately. Version A, boat neck: Front piece: Continue in stockinette st until piece measures 53-55 cm / 21"-21½". Change to needle size 3 mm / US 2.5 and work 3 cm / 1'' rib, bind off. Back piece: Like front piece. Sleeve: Worked in the round on double pointed needles. Cast on 36-40 sts on needle size 3 mm / US 2.5 and work 10-12 cm / 4"-4 3/4" rib. Change to needle size 6.5 mm / US 10.5 and continue in stockinette st. Inc 2 sts mid under arm on every 2 cm / 3/4'' a total of 16 times = 68-72 sts. Bind off when piece measures 43-45 cm / 17"-17 3/4". Assembly: Sew shoulder seam = 12.5-14 cm / 5"-5½". Set in sleeves. Version B, round neck: Front piece: bind off for armhole each side at the beg of every row: 3 sts 1 time, 2 sts 1 time and 1 st 1 time = 48-53 sts. When piece measures 53-55 cm / 21"-21½" bind off the middle 16-18 sts for neck and complete each side separately. Bind off to shape the neckline on every other row: 3 sts 1 time and 2 sts 1 time. Bind off the remaining 11-12 sts on shoulder. Back piece: Like front piece, but bind off the middle 16-18 sts for neck when piece measures 55-57 cm / 21½"-22½". Bind off 5 sts on neckline on next row. Bind off as described for front piece. Sleeve: Worked in the round on double pointed needles. Cast on 36-40 sts on needle size 3 mm / US 2.5 and work 10-12 cm / 4"-4 3/4" rib. Change to needle size 6.5 mm / US 10.5 and continue in stockinette st, at the same time inc evenly to 68-72 sts on first round. Bind off when piece measures 48-50 cm / 19"-19 3/4". Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Pick up approx 55-60 sts round the neck on needle size 3 mm / US 2.5 and work 3 cm / 1'' rib, bind off. Set in sleeves. Version C, turtle neck: Front and back piece: As described for Version B. Sleeve: As described for Version B. Assembly: Sew shoulder seams. Pick up approx 55-60 sts round the neck on needle size 6.5 mm / US 10.5 and work 35 cm / 13 3/4'' stockinette st, bind off. Set in sleeves. |
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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. |
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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 (7)
Catherine wrote:
I am planning to knit this using Drops Melody, as Ardesia is discontinued. In order to get the correct tension, I need to size up from 6.5mm to 8mm needles. Should I also increase the width of the smaller rib needles, or stay at 3mm? What would you recommend to achieve the right fit?
02.05.2024 - 00:31DROPS Design answered:
Dear Catherine, if you cannot match the gauge with the substitution yarn for stitch count as well as row count, you need to recalculate both. The rubbing is knitted with smaller needles, so the knit fabric is more dense and holds its shape better. You will need to use a somewhat smaller needles. Pleae do make a gauge swatch for theribbing as well, and compare to the schematic drawing and see from there which size of needles you will need. Happy Knitting!
02.05.2024 - 06:25Monica Wahlberg wrote:
Hej igen. Jag läste svaret på min tidigare fråga om detta med delning av fram och bakstycke så nu har jag en j fråga angående det, stickas denna tröja med rundsticka för det står vad jag kan se inte någonstans att det är det utan det står bara stickor ? Sen undrar jag också om det finns något annat garn som man kan byta till förutom dessa som anges? Skulle hellre sticka den i ett garn som går att tvättas på annat sätt än för hand. Mvh Monica
28.11.2022 - 11:17DROPS Design answered:
Hej Monica, du må gerne strikke den frem og tilbage på almindelige pinde :) Hvis du vil strikke den i garn som kan vaskes i maskine, så kan du feks vælge 2 tråde DROPS Big Merino eller DROPS Paris (bomuld), MEN den vil blive tung og se helt anderledes ud. ...
30.11.2022 - 14:44Monica Wahlberg wrote:
Hej. Jag har en fråga vad gäller denna tröja då jag inte förstår detta med att lägga upp maskor och sedan sticka en bit och efter det sticka fram och bakdel för sig? Stickar man både fram och bakstycke på vanliga stickor då och sen delar ???
23.10.2022 - 11:27DROPS Design answered:
Hej Monica, du sætter halvdelen af maskerne på en tråd og fortsætter med at strikke den anden halvdel frem og tilbage på rundpinden :)
27.10.2022 - 10:44Vivian Paisley wrote:
I would like to use merino extra fine woo 21 sts x 28 rows do i double the amount of stitches or double the strings of yarn or use bigger needles or all of the above thx
14.01.2021 - 14:02DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Paisley, you should then use 2 strands DROPS Merino Extra Fine and check first that you get the correct tension - read more about alternatives here. Do not hesitate to contact your DROPS Store for any individual assistance choosing the best yarn - Happy knitting!
14.01.2021 - 15:58Vivian Paisley wrote:
Can I knit this sweater on singular kneedles
13.01.2021 - 14:53DROPS Design answered:
Dear Mrs Paisley, you will find how to adapt a pattern onto straight needles here. Happy knitting!
13.01.2021 - 15:41Letailleur Élisabeth wrote:
Bonsoir. Est il possible de faire ce pull avec des aiguilles non circulaire. Si oui comment ? Merci d avance.
27.12.2020 - 00:42M Reyero wrote:
Hello, I want to knit this pattern with 2 threads of Drops Sky, but I don't know the amount of yarn I will need for the S size. Could you help me? Thank you in advance.
21.11.2020 - 21:45DROPS Design answered:
Dear M Reyero, you can replace DROPS Ardesia with 3 strands DROPS Sky - try our yarn converter to get the new amount in Sky - read more about yarn alternatives here. Happy knitting!
23.11.2020 - 09:10