German Short Rows

One of the things I really like about knitting is that there is next to never, only one way of performing a technique.  Take short rows for example. Ask several different knitters and you will find several different ways of adding fabric to your work without adding overall length.  (Particularly useful if you want to add more ease in the front of a pullover or are working fitted sleeves, top down having picked up sts around the armhole.)  Today we will look at German Short Rows.

Note that when using this method, you will work up to and including the turning st. In the w&t method, you’re technically working to one st before the turning st.  There are no wraps to pick up, instead we will create and then reduce doubled sts.

Materials

Two hands and some knitting.

Steps For The Double Stitch

Step 1 (RS): Work in pattern to the st specified in your pattern (for my swatch I worked to 4 sts from the end).

Step 2: Turn your work so the WS is facing you.

Step 3: Sl the turning st from the left needle to the right needle p-wise, with your yarn in front.

Step 4: Pull the yarn to the back of the work OVER TOP of the right needle – in this example you’re bringing the yarn to the RS. (This will distort the st, making it look as if there are 2 sts instead of 1.)

Step 5: Bring the yarn to the front (the WS in this case) BETWEEN the needles to begin purling. (This st is now “doubled” it has two loops of yarn, the actual st and the yarn you placed over the top of the needle.)

Step 6 (WS): Keeping a slightly tighter tension than usual for the first few sts work to the next turning st specified in your pattern (again I worked to 4 sts from the end).

Step 7: Turn the work so the RS is facing you.

Step 8: Bring the yarn to the front BETWEEN the needles.

Step 9: Sl the turning st from the left needle to the right needle p-wise with the yarn in front.

Step 10: Pull the yarn to the back of the work OVER top of the right needle. This will distort the st making it look as if there are 2 sts instead of one.

Keep performing Steps 1 – 10 until you have completed your short row section.

Steps for Reducing the Double Stitch

Step 1 (RS): Work to the doubled st.

Step 2: K both strands of the doubled st together (like a k2tog).

Step 3 (WS): Work to the doubled st.

Step 4: P both strands of the doubled st together (like a p2tog).

Repeat Steps 1-4 until all doubled sts have been used.