Short Rows: Wrap + Turn
Short Rows tend to strike fear into the hearts of first-timers, but, like all knitting techniques, once you try short rows, you’ll see they’re not so hard after all, and our Short Rows: Wrap + Turn Tutorial will give you the confidence to try!
Short Rows are used to create triangles or wedges within your knitting. They shape everything from bust darts to ear flaps. Basically, a Short Row is just that: a row that you don’t knit to the end of the needle. There are lots of ways to turn your work partway through a row, but one very common way is called a Wrap + Turn (wrp-t). This simple method prevents holes along the Short Rows and works well with many different stitch patterns.
Note that there are a few stitch patterns, including Garter Stitch, that don’t require any sort of special technique when it’s time to work back the other way. For these stitch patterns, you just turn the piece and work back the other way. Easy!
Video Tutorial
Click To See Video Transcript
Hey guys, this is Laura from Purl Soho, and I’m going to demonstrate how to work short rows using a Wrap + Turn technique. Short rows are used to create triangles or wedges within your knitting. As you can see here, it’s a shaping technique that’s commonly used to turn a heel of a sock or to create a nice smooth slope along the shoulder of a sweater.
Okay, so I’ve knit across this swatch to just past halfway point, and I’m going to demonstrate how to do a Wrap + Turn on the knit side or the right side of this fabric. The first step is to simply slip this first stitch, purlwise, from the left needle to the right needle. The next step is to take your working yarn from the back of your work between your needles to the front of your work. The next thing you’re going to do is slip that slipped stitch from the right needle back over to the left needle, and then once again, move your working yarn this time from the front of your work to the back of your work.
Now that we’ve completed all the wrapping steps, the only thing left to do is turn. So keeping your orientation how it is, just switch the needles in your hands. And when you do that, you’ll see that your working yarn is here on the near side of your work and you’re ready to begin purling across this row, I’m going to take a few purl stitches and then we’ll go into how to do a Wrap + Turn on the purl side of the fabric.
So here I am ready to do a Wrap + Turn on the purl side or wrong side of this stockinette stitch swatch. The first thing I’m going to do is use the tip of my right needle and slip this first stitch, purlwise, from the left needle to the right needle. The next thing I’m going to do is take my working yarn from the front of my work between my needles to the back of my work. Then I’m going to bring that slipped stitch back over to the left needle from the right needle and move my working yarn from the back of the fabric between my needles to the front of the fabric. And once again, now that I’ve done all the wrapping steps of this Wrap + Turn, all that’s left to do is turn and I just switch the needles in my hand, and here you can see my working yarn is in the back and I’m ready to knit across this row.
So here I’ve knit across this row until I’ve reached this wrapped stitch. This was the stitch I wrapped on my previous right-side row. What I need to do is pick up this wrap. You can see it right here. I want to pick up that wrap and knit it together with this wrapped stitch. Here’s how you do it on the right side: I’m going to insert the tip of my right needle into the wrap knitwise, as if to knit. And then I’m going to stick my needle into this first stitch as if to knit. And then I’m going to knit these two together. When you do this, your wrap should fall to the backside of your fabric and it’ll be hidden from view. Picking up the wraps also closes any tiny holes that might appear during the wraps and turn portion of this technique.
So I’ve purled up until I’ve reached this wrapped purl stitch. This is the stitch we wrapped on that previous purl row we worked, and the goal here is the same. I want to work the wrap of this stitch together with the stitch itself. It can be a tiny bit trickier to identify the wrap on the purl side of the fabric, but here I’m pointing to it with my thumb here. And this is the back side of the wrap. I’ve just put my needle through. So just want to identify the wrap.
So in order to work these together, I’m going to insert the tip of this right needle into the back of this wrap here and then into this first stitch all purlwise, in order to purl these two together like so. And when you do this, that wrap will fall to what is the near side for you right now. But when you turn the work around, it’ll be on the wrong side of the work. In any case, now I’m ready to just continue purling.
I have a bonus clip. I want to show you guys how to work or pick up a wrap stitch that’s been wrapped on the wrong side, but is then picked up on the right side. Let me explain a bit more. So you can see here I have a top-down sweater started. I threw it on scrap yarn, so it’ll lay nice and flat. I’ve worked a number of short rows here to shape around this front neckline area. And my last short row, I worked on the wrong-side row, so I wrapped this stitch. I turned my work. I’ve knit all the way back around, and now I’m about to encounter this wrong-side wrapped stitch, but I’m going to encounter it and pick it up on the right side. Let me show you how.
So I’ve knit up to this wrapped stitch. The first thing I’m going to do is use the tip of this right needle to kind of pick up that wrap. I’m just slipping this right needle into the front of that wrap, and I’m going to place it on the left needle. Now, when you place it on the left needle, you’ll want to kind of get it, it’ll go there naturally probably, but you just want to get it so it’s the actual stitch first and then the wrap next. The next thing that you’re going to want to do is slip this knit stitch, the actual stitch knitwise, and then slip the wrap purlwise. Then insert the tip of the left needle into the front legs of both of those stitches, both the wrap and the stitch. And now just knit them together. And when you do this, you’ll find that the wrap perfectly falls to the back of your fabric.
TIME STAMPS
(Just click the “Chapters” icon in the lower right corner of the video to skip to any of these topics!)
00:00 – Intro
00:23 – Wrap + Turn on the Knit Side
01:40 – Wrap + Turn on the Purl Side
02:34 – Picking Up the Wrapped Stitch on the Knit Side
03:30 – Picking Up the Wrapped Stitch on the Purl Side
04:33 – Bonus Clip: Picking Up a Purl Wrap on the Knit Side
Step-By-Step Tutorial
Here’s the same information as our Short Rows: Wrap + Turn video tutorial, but this time shown with still photos and text…
Wrap + Turn On The Knit Side
Keeping the yarn in back, slip the next stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle.
Bring the yarn forward as if to purl.
Slip the stitch from the right needle back to the left needle.
Bring the yarn to the back of the work as if to knit.
Turn the work so the purl side is facing you, ready to purl.
Wrap + Turn On The Purl Side
Keeping the yarn in front, slip the next stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle.
Bring the yarn back as if to knit.
Slip the stitch from the right needle back to the left needle.
Bring the yarn to the front of the work as if to purl.
Turn the work so the knit side is facing you, ready to knit.
Once you’ve completed your Short Rows, you’ll notice gaps in the knitting where you wrapped the stitches. To rectify this, you work across the entire row, closing the gaps by “picking up the wrapped stitches”.
Picking up the Wrapped Stitch on the Knit Side
Pick up the wrap with the right needle from front to back.
Then insert the right needle into the stitch that is wrapped.
Knit the wrap and the stitch together.
Picking up the Wrapped Stitch on the Purl Side
Pick up the wrap with the right needle from back to front
.
Place the wrap onto the left needle, over and behind the stitch it was wrapping.
Purl together the wrap and the stitch that is wrapped.
That’s Short Rows! Not so scary!
Bonus: How To Pick Up A Purl Wrap On The Knit Side
NOTE: See this particular situation in action at minute 4:33 of the Short Rows: Wrap + Turn Tutorial video tutorial, above.
When working in the round, you may encounter a stitch that was wrapped on the purl (or wrong) side and needs to be picked up on the knit (or right) side. Here’s how to pick up a purl wrap on the knit side…
Work up to the wrapped stitch.
Use the tip of the right needle to pick up the wrap, inserting the needle from front to back. Place the wrap onto the left needle. Note: If necessary, nudge the wrap so it is after the next stitch on the needle.
Next, slip the first sitch knitwise, then slip the wrap purlwise. Insert the tip of the left needle into the front legs of those two slipped stitches. Wrap your working yarn around the right needle to knit the two together.
The wrap will fall to the wrong side of your fabric… Nice!
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Thank you so much. I have been trying to knit a skirt for my daughter and it has short rows. I understood the concept of W^T but the only info I could find told me to bring the yarn to the front every time, but I was sure you had to do something different if you were purling.
So helpful! Your tutorial was great–very clear and concise. In the past I had been scared of W & T because I’ve encountered several different methods and didn’t know what to do. I finally felt comfortable with the W&T and didn’t avoid a pattern that incorporated short rows, when I got confused by how to pick up wraps on the purl side. Thanks for the help!
Thanks this was totally useful. M.
It would be helpful if there was an illustration of how this looks in a project.
Thank you for this! I was having a hard time finding an online tutorial on short-rowing while purling. Perfect. Pictures are so helpful. I also adore your header image!
W & T has been driving me insane (not that I’m not already there). I have been trying to learn via videos and, although they are useful, it is hard to watch the video and do the stitch at the same time.
This tutorial is excellent. I am able to print it out and really concentrate on each step and I am pleased to say I have conquered this technique.
Thank you.
So so glad you had some pics!! The word only directions were not working for me, but it looks like this did!
Thank you!! These are the first directions (video, photo or written only) that have helped me to get it!
Thank you! I was struggling with how to pick up the wrap on the purl side row. Your explanation and picture made all the difference. I can finish my dress now. 🙂
Can u please send a picture of your dress?
This was very helpful, The pictures are great! I was scratching my head as to what to do. Like cables to me, looked hard but it really wasn’t. Thanks
Thank you so much for this! I have done other kinds of short rows, but this pattern (for a friends newborn) called for wrap & turn & I'm not comfortable enough with short rows to substitute. Thank you!
I've been avoiding patterns that use short rows that require W&T's. But after your tutorial I'm going to give them another try. Thanks for sharing this!
Thank you – exactly what I needed!
What a beautiful tutorial! Thank you for posting! Excellent pictures which just might get me through my first toe-up socks!
thank you for this. gives me hope that I will be able to figure this out. I've been working on sloping the shoulders for a sweater and not getting it. This is complicated by the fact that I am left-handed. I'm hoping that by carefully looking at your pictures, I can figure out the mirror image for how I can do it.
I think I can try a pr of socks now. The directions were clear & easy.
I'm not sure if the following is considered a short row but I desperately need some help because I ended up with a mess.
The pattern says: 5/3 RPC Dec sl 3 to cn, hold to back, ssk, k1, k2tog; turn, p3, turn, k3tog; p3 from cn.
I fully understand the concept but I think I get messed up with the turning of my work and stitches get in a bunch. Also i wondered what the RPC means. Thanks for any help.
Hi Denise,
No, this doesn't have anything to do with short rows. It actually looks like you have a pretty complicated cable pattern going. The RPC Dec stands for “right purl cable decrease.” The 5/3 refers to the number of stitches you put on your cable needle (3) and the number of stitches you work after that (5).
So here's what I think you have to do: Slip 3 stitches onto your cable needle and hold the cable needle to the back of the work. Then working the next 5 stitches that are on your left needle, ssk, k1, k2tog. Now turn the whole piece and p3 (the ssk, k1, k2tog stitches), turn again and knit those same 3 stitches together. And finally, purl the 3 stitches off your cable needle.
If you keep getting your stitches in “a bunch” you may need to remember to always use your right needle to work the stitches from the left needle.
It's definitely a doozie of a move! But if you just go step by step I think you'll get it and I'm sure it will be beautiful!
Good luck!
Whitney
I have a similar instruction that’s got me stumped “5/3 RPC Dec.” Any recommendations?
This is a pretty complicated cable pattern. The RPC Dec stands for “right purl cable decrease.” The 5/3 refers to the number of stitches you put on your cable needle (3) and the number of stitches you work after that (5).
Slip 3 stitches onto your cable needle and hold the cable needle to the back of the work. Then working the next 5 stitches that are on your left needle, ssk, k1, k2tog. Now turn the whole piece and p3 (the ssk, k1, k2tog stitches), turn again and knit those same 3 stitches together. And finally, purl the 3 stitches off your cable needle.
If you keep getting your stitches in “a bunch” you may need to remember to always use your right needle to work the stitches from the left needle.
Best of luck on the pattern and let me know how it goes!
-Adam
When I do w+ t, it turns out correct, when picking up wraps, the wrapped stitch is tight to deal with on the k2together ing, is this common. And correct?
HI Carroe,
The wrapped stitch shouldn't be tight, so I do wonder if you're wrapping and turning correctly. Make sure you're following the steps very carefully, and if that doesn't work, I wonder if maybe the rest of your knitting is really tight? In that case, I would say to just ease up on the wrap a little.
I wish I could walk through the steps with you in person! Good luck with the photos and please let us know if you need more help!
Whitney
The best I have found. Explained the whole process , not just bits and pieces. Hooray!
I'm making a cardigan with a shawl collar. How would I do Wrap & Turn in a 1×1 ribbing?
Hi Erin:
I am a little confuse. After, I wrap the stich, do I continue to knit until the end of the row or I turn and working back on the purl side of the first 42 knitted stithces?
Hi Henrietta-
For the Bandana Cowl you will turn the work after the wrap and work the purl side. With all short rows the wrap is a wrap and turn, its purpose is to prevent a hole in your knitting when you switch sides on your work mid-row.
Thanks for the great question!
Erin
This is the best wrap & turn tutorial I have seen!
Thanks so much for the excellent pictures & clear steps.
Very clear pics and directions–thanks! However, the pattern I'm working on is in garter stitch. I've read some comments that indicate the w& t method will give the best results, but where does the yarn end up if you aren't going to purl on the reverse side? It needs to be on the back, not the front; does this require another wrap?
Hi,
I'm working on the Short Row Sweater – so excited! But, I'm a bit confused still. If starting on the RS, the stitch that you W + T on, do you count that as part of the WS stitches (so, part of the P36)?
ie) if the pattern reads:
RS: K171, wrap and turn (<--- does this stitch count as part of P36?)
WS: P36, wrap and turn
Thanks for any guidance!
Hi Kaltlyn, so happy to hear you are enjoying the Short Row Sweater. the wrap and turn does not count as part of the next row's stitch count. Hope this helps. -Laura
Barbara. Hello. Short Rows in garter are super similar to those in stockinette. Here is the best thing to think of when you are about to wrap and turn… where do I want the yarn to end up after I have wrapped and turned?
If you are knitting, and your yarn is in the back and you'd like to wrap the next stitch… slip the next stitch from the left to the right, bring your yarn to the front, slip that same stitch from the right to the left and then turn your work.
Hope this helps Barbara. If I get a chance, I will post a garter stitch short row tutorial. -Laura
Hello! Thank you so much for all of your tutorials, they are amazing!! I do have a question in regards to the bandana cowl. Im having trouble understanding rows 5 – 8… I understand how to do the actual wrap and turn but for example, in row 5 I knit 42 then I do the wrap and turn…row 6 says purl 3 then wrap and turn then it goes to row 7….. Do I only do those few stitches in row 6 or do I continue the 42 stitches? When I knit the wrapped stitch do I continue with the entire row and then come back to the wrapped stitch? My apologies if I am wayyyy confusing. Hope to hear from you soon 🙂
Hi Kareena,
You just do those few stitches. Then after you wrap, you turn your work and will be facing the other side of the fabric. Do not continue for the entire row.
The idea of short rows is to work a portion of the stitches, back and forth, back and forth with out working the entire row.
I hope this helps!
Keep us posted.
Laura
Thanks for such a clear tutorial! Im knitting a gorgeous cabled shawl using short rows and was really worried about holes forming when I come to knit the wrapped stitches, but now I know what to do!
I am kind of new to knitting… I get how to do the wrap and turn, but once I have done it however…”:turn the work so the knit side is facing you, ready to knit…” and then what, knit to the end of the row ?? I am on row 5 of the Bandana Cowl, but I am very confused about what row 6 means… guess I need to find someone who knows how to do this, because it makes no sense to me at all. Any suggestions ?
Hi Lisa-
Short rows can definitely be a bit tricky at first! For the Bandana Cowl pattern after you wrap and turn you won't be knitting to the end of the row, you'll only be working until you come to the previously wrapped stitch (or in the case of row 6, which is a setup row, you're only purling 3 stitched before wrapping and turning the work again). I think about it like I'm building an inverted pyramid, with every row being just a stitch longer than the row before!
Thanks for the great question! Keep us posted on your progress!
Erin
I have mastered short rows but after making 4 bandana cowls I looked again at the photos & find that my decreases start much closer to the first garter stitches, which makes the whole cowl shorter… I don't think I understand the “knit 1” after the w & t?
Did not do that? I simply continued across to the previous w & t picked up the wrap & did next w & t & so forth. The shape is shorter & more bowed…. Why is yours longer in the body before the decreases?
Help… Although I am wearing the ones I've made … I would really like to get this down correctly.
Thanx, joan
After re reading the pattern & checking the photos given, I realize I'm not doing the knit 1 after I pick up the previous wrap & before I w & t again…. Ripped out. & find I have a much wider & longer cowl…. Like yours! Wal-ah finally, after making 4-5 wrong, I did it! Love the pattern & am making gifts for Xmas presents for men & women on my list! Thanks so much!
Joan from PA
I just finished a bandana cowl with short rows and I could not have done it without your directions on short rows. It turned out Perfect!!! I am such a visual person and your directions were perfect! Thank you so much!!!
I am struggling with the bandana cowl….I will now take my knitting and follow the pictures…..I know short rows, but the wrap part goofed me up…thus I put it away last night….attempt again..! Thanks in advance and hope to get this right…Love the cowl…
I have a question ! I am making the Aviatrix hat by Justine Turner. This is my second one, and just want to make sure I am picking up my W & T's correctly.
Your tutorial is great, by the way !!! I know how to pick them up when on a Knit Row or a Purl Row……
I am working stockinette up until my last row of the “section”.
Row 10 is purled (last row to make a W & T), Row 11 is knitted to the end and picking up the last 2 W & T's in that direction.
Row 12 (last row in section) is ALSO Knitted, making a ridge on right side.
On this last row, can you explain how to pick up those W & T's ?
This is what I've been doing: I knit across and when I get to the W & T, I lift it as if to pick up a purled W&T and knit it, still having yarn in back. It looks okay from the other side.
Is this correct ?
Thank You !!!
Hi Julie…
If you are satisfied with how it looks… then it's ok! The beauty of knitting is that there are several ways to accomplish the same thing. I have actually never worked short rows in garter before, which is essentially what is happening there in that last row. But again, if you like how it looks… go with it!
Thanks for the kind words about the tutorial!
Laura
Holy COW, that's EASY!!!!!
I've been knitting since July — this is one of the first cowl patterns I found, but I was afraid of the short rows.
Purchased some really nice merino at my LYS this evening and decided to take the plunge.
I LIKE it!
This is definitely helpful, I'm knitting my first pair of toe-up socks and the toe is looking great. Just out of curiosity though, what are the wraps for??? I understand the short rows now, and what they create, but not what the effect of wraps is…
Thanks! 🙂
Hi Mariana,
The wraps are not just there to be difficult, they actually prevent holes in your finished knitting, so keep them up!
Thanks for asking!
Whitney
Thank you so much for your clear instructions and excellent photos.
The wrap and turn has been driving me crazy. I've been making a top down sweater and wanted to use short rows along the back. I managed to get the knit side correct however the purl side wasn't so great. I created a big hole and I knew that I was missing something.
Now I think I will be able to continue and I have bookmarked this wonderful page.
Thanks again
Sincerely
Vickie
Yuppie!!! Finally my short rows look great! Thank you s much!!!
This a wonderful tutorial. I was afraid of short rows before because they seemed so difficult but they couldn't be more simple! Thank you for putting together an easy to follow and comphrensive tutorial!
Hi! I love these clear instructions! I, too, have a question though. When I finish a knit (RS) row and I grab my wrap front to back, then I grab my wrapped stitch I knit them together without having to put the stitch on the needle and I kinda have to eek the yarn thru the wrap but it works fine and it looks sooooo good. However when I finish a purl row and go to pick up the wrap it seems like putting it on the needle twists it and so that side of my cowl has a different look than the left side, not that there are holes but there are little crossovers of the yarn. I have tried every imaginable way to pick it up, like picking it up backwards of how I do on the knit side, for example, but it still has a little yarn bar going straight across the fabric. Is that just the way it looks? The back of the cowl is kinda bumpy on that edge too unlike the side where the wraps are picked up knit-wise which are very smooth on the backside. Sorry for the long explanation. Wish I could just post a pic :)). Thank you in advance for any words of wisdom!
Hi! I love these clear instructions! I, too, have a question though. When I finish a knit (RS) row and I grab my wrap front to back, then I grab my wrapped stitch I knit them together without having to put the stitch on the needle and I kinda have to eek the yarn thru the wrap but it works fine and it looks sooooo good. However when I finish a purl row and go to pick up the wrap it seems like putting it on the needle twists it and so that side of my cowl has a different look than the left side, not that there are holes but there are little crossovers of the yarn. I have tried every imaginable way to pick it up, like picking it up backwards of how I do on the knit side, for example, but it still has a little yarn bar going straight across the fabric. Is that just the way it looks? The back of the cowl is kinda bumpy on that edge too unlike the side where the wraps are picked up knit-wise which are very smooth on the backside. Sorry for the long explanation. Wish I could just post a pic :)). Thank you in advance for any words of wisdom!
Hi Jonna.
Do not apologize! It's great to get your feedback.
Eliminating those dashes is tricky. The method I have posted above is how I find it best to hide them. The purl side is definitely more challenging than the knit side. No arguments there.
After you place the wrap onto the needle, have you tried purling the two through the back loop? It is a little uncomfortable, but it will force that wrap-stitch to the back of your fabric.
Let me know how it goes!
Laura
I am doing Grace Akhrem's Olana Slouch hat and it requires that I wrap and turn a previous wrap. How do I to this?
Hello Nancy,
I was not familiar with Grace Akhrem's Olana Slouch, but I've looked it up on Ravelry and am trying to decipher what these instructions might mean. Could you write back in with the exact wording? I am assuming that rather than working past the previous wrap, you wrap the same stitch again and then turn your work. Would this make sense in the context of the pattern?
Laura
Go to google and search : how to short rows, easier written instructions. Craftsy has a free video class on short rows.
I think I am not understanding row 5. When I K42 I arrive at the point in the front and from your description is sounds like the wraps occur at the back. So what am I missing? The wraps are challenging and the instruction is great; but this has me totally stumped.
Hi Natasza,
I am assuming you are talking about the Short Row Sweater pattern. Let's try and figure this out together. You are correct, in the pattern, when you are working 42 stitches up to the wrapped stitch, you should be purling across the wrong side. On the previous rows, did you work one stitch pasted the wrapped stitch and then wrap and turn? Have you double checked that you casted on the correct number and that you did your first wrap and turn in the right place?
Please write back. Hopefully we can get this figured out.
Laura
Fantastic tutorial,the only one really useful . You are great,thank uou so much.
Hugs
Mimma
Excellent Clear pictures and instructions Thank you so much
Just a little confused with short rows in garter stitch. I am making the Imagine When shawl by Toji as seen on Ravelry. Your tutorial is great!
Did you figure it out for the Imagine when? I
am concerned about the two st before the last wrap.
I am totally confused about the instructions for making the ear flaps for the Garter Ear Flap Hat. Left flap: Once I execute the famous wrp-t on the correct stitch (in my case, 8 stitches before the second marker), what happens? Do I purl back to the beginning-of-the-round marker or to the first marker? And then what? Turn work so I am knitting again (right side) and go to instructions for “Next Row?” If I do that, the working yarn is on the left rather than the right needle, so that’s a problem. Can you offer some clarification? Many thanks.
Hi Nita.
I am so sorry I did not see this comment until now!
Are you still struggling with the short rows? I would love to help you figure this out.
After you wrap and turn, you go to the next line of instructions and so you’ll be knitting back until you’re told to do another wrap and turn. And yes, your working yarn will be on the left needle, like at the beginning of a row, a short row.
Please let me know if you have any questions and again, I apologize for the delayed response.
Laura
Do instructions say (wrap when you turn ) or as my instructions just say turn?
Hi Karen!
Most of the time, instructions for short rows will tell you “Wrap and Turn” or “W & T” at the end of each short row. Sometimes, the directions are included separately, as in, “Wrap the next stitch. Turn.” Very rarely, there are some cases where wrapping is unnecessary, and the directions will just say to turn. For instance, when turning the heel of a sock, you will just turn without wrapping because the gap is closed on the next row with a K2tog.
Thanks for your comment! I hope this clarifies short rows for you! Let me know if you have further questions!
Thomas
Hi Cheryl!
I think the best thing to do in this case is to follow the directions based on what your last stitch is. In other words, it does not matter whether the stitch you are wrapping is a purl or knit; it only matters what your previous stitch is. If you have just made a knit stitch, follow the directions for “on the knit side.” If you have just made a purl stitch, follow the directions for “on the purl side.”
When you come back to the wrap, if you need to pick it up, you need to decide whether to treat the wrapped stitch as a knit or purl based on which side you would like the wrap to hide on. If the wrap is found in one of the “garter” columns, you don’t need to pick it up. If it is in one of the “stockinette” columns, you will want to pick up the wrap based upon whether the wrapped stitch is a purl or knit.
I hope this helps! Please let us know if you have further questions!
Thomas
I’m having trouble with a sweater that has 6 short rows at the start. I finished the first short row as directed, which leaves me in the middle of the stitches. The directions are:
Rows 1 and 2
CO 153 stitches
moss stitch 22, pearl 15, moss stitch 11, pearl 15, moss stitch 27, wrap next st and turn, moss stitch 27, wrap next st and turn.
I’m fine up until the end of that short row, but it leaves me in the middle of the work. Do I start row 2 from the middle, or do the stitches in reverse order for row 2 to make it symmetrical? There are no instructions as to where row 2 starts. My concern is that if I repeat row 2 from that last wrap and turn, one far side of the work will have 22 stitches, and the other will have 27. In the picture the work is even on both sides.
Hi Kelley,
Let me see if I can help. It’s hard to say without looking at the actual pattern. My guess is that when you turn the second time, the next thing would be to do a third set of 27 in moss stitch. Especially if this is a top-down sweater, I can only imagine that you will reverse the beginning of the row after finishing the 27 moss stitch section the third time.
Thanks for your question; I hope I’ve clarified this for you.
Thomas
HI! I’m working on Fine Tune by Joji and the pattern refers me to this tutorial for doing short rows. I’m confused b/c after I wrap the stitch then turn the work, I need to knit (garter stitch) but the yarn is in the front of my work. What should I do?
Hi Megan!
After turning the work, you should have the “wrapped” stitch on the right-hand needle. If not, go ahead and slip it to the right needle as if to purl. You are correct that your yarn should be in the front; all that is needed is for you to move the yarn between the tips of the needles so that it is ready to knit!
Hope this helps!
Thomas
Wow – so just move it back between the needles? Thank you – this site will stay in my favorites/twitter/etc. Can’t believe I just discovered Purl Bee:). Thanks for the help!
Trying to make the banana cowl. Row 5 says to knit 42, wrap and turn. Do you wrap and turn the 43 stitch? Do you wrap and turn the 42nd stitch? Thank you for your help.
Hi Joan!
Thanks for your question! You should wrap the 43rd stitch. This should almost always be the case in patterns with short rows: you’ll knit a certain number of stitches, then wrap the next stitch.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Thank you for your reply, Thomas.
hi
I have a question about the short rows.
When on row 7 – do I knit all the way across to the wrapped stitch on row 5? or just to the purl wrapped stitch of row 6?
The directions for wrapping and turning are clear – would love to see a bit of this part of the pattern videoed. rows 5-8 and a few repeated …
Maybe picked too advanced of a pattern.
thanks
Any hints on how to see the wrapped stitch with darker,knubby wool?
Hi Kate!
Whenever you are turning back, you will always be past the wrapped stitch from the previous row. On a knit row, you’ll knit to the wrapped stitch from the previous knit row.
Hope this helps!
Thomas
Hello everybody! You are great! I’m an italian girl and I’ve learned knitting by tutorial on the net, mostly in english. The italian knitting is really old-fashioned and it doesn’t stimolate to learn! Therefore, you are fantastic and your tutorial are usefull for me. Now one little question: is it possible to work short-rows with seed stitch?! I can’t immagine it! Thank you so much! Chiara from Florence
Hi Chiara!
We’re so glad that you enjoy our tutorials! Short rows can certainly be done in seed stitch. It’s very possible, however, that the short rows will interrupt your usual pattern. Just be sure to continue knitting in pattern, which I usually do by basing the pattern off of any columns not interrupted by the short rows.
Hope this helps!
Thomas
Hi! The tutorial was great and I was hoping I could get some help on my pattern. The pattern had me increase to 27 stitches (on double pointed needles 9 on each) then says to k3 w1 p6 k3 for round 8. This is 12 stitches total. How do I do this? Any help would be appreciated. A link to my pattern is below.
http://library.ravelry.com/saraek/272084/Bluebird_of_Happiness.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAJNNSUP6J3RN4WZYQ&Expires=1419007725&Signature=rdfS7klUUFVpoepMsTFu47YBp%2Bk%3D
Hi Haley!
The important things about short rows is that you are not going to be going around the whole round. It looks like you will knit 3, wrap and turn, then going the other direction you’ll purl 6 past the beginning of round, wrap and turn, and then going back forward again you’ll knit the 3 stitches back to the beginning of the round.
Hope this helps!
Thomas
I am very confused with a pattern given to me for Christmas. It is Carol Feller’s Penrose Tile. The pattern says to w&t in the middle of a row (short row), purl to the end for the following row. My question is for the next row. The pattern says “knit 2 stitches before the previous wrapped stitch, w&t.” Does this mean I knit past the previous w&t (making the rows longer) or before I get to the wrapped stitch (making the rows shorter)? I hope this makes sense to you… Thank you for your help!! Happy New Year!
Hi Morgan!
From you description, it sounds like you are stopping each row before getting to the previous stopping place, so the rows are getting shorter.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Hi! I’ve found your tutorial very useful. I’m knitting Joji’s Inner Peace and have problem : having in pattern “knit to 2 st before last wrapped st” should I count previously wrapped st as one of this 2 ? I hope you can help me:-)
Hi Joanna!
I can’t be completely certain, but it sounds like you need to knit to 2 stitches before, not counting the wrapped stitch. You stop with 2 unwrapped stitches and then the wrapped stitch on your left needle.
Hope this helps!
Thomas
If the pattern says to knit to within 2 sts of last wrapped st. Does it mean overall you are only wrapping every second stitch?
Hi Judith,
Thank you for the comment! Yes, I would assume that the pattern is saying that the short rows will be in increments of 2 stitches which will make every other stitch a wrapped stitch.
I hope that helps and feel free to respond if you have anymore questions!
Good Luck!
Jake
Hi,
I am trying to knit the garter stitch short row hat with ear flaps. I understand the wpt-t concept but I’m trying to figure out how to do it in garter stitch throughout. The directions tell me to slip the stitch purl wise, bring the yarn forward, slip the stitch back to the left hand needle and then bring the yarn back as if to knit. But when I turn the piece as required by the turn part of the wrap the yarn is then in front as if to purl. If I purl that row then I am doing a stockinette row instead of a garter row. How do I keep it in garter stitch throughout?
Hi Lori!
After turning, it is always acceptible (if needed) to bring the yarn through between the two needles to stet yourself up for knitting (or purling as necessary). You should continue knitting all rows to get garter stitch on this pattern.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
my pattern from Cleonis, “Moussaillon, Little cropped cardigan” is translated from French and I’m not sure what this measurement means: Work for 8 , 3″ (8 , 6″ / 9″)
I’m sure this is simple and I’m making it harder than it is, but I want to make sure I’m reading the pattern correctly.
Thanks so much
Hi Betsy!
Here’s my guess (but I can only guess) – I think those numbers are a conversion from a metric measurement. For the three different sizes you would knit for 8.3, 8.6 or 9 inches before continuing. A lot of times, European writing uses commas instead of a period for the decimal.
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
HI I JUST found your pattern for the bandana cowl. It is lovely however, being a visual person, I making these short rows at the point in the front of the cowl, correct?
can you tell me how many stitches i will have on needles after all short rows are complete?
one last question: I am basically doing 40 short rows? Is that right?
thanks
Linda
Hi Linda!
The short rows are indeed centered around the point at the front of the cowl. The stitch count does not change throughout the entire short row section. Also, 40 short rows is correct!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I learned to knit when I was little, but unfortunately have been avoiding trying out some sock and sweater patterns because of my lack of short row knowledge. I’m finishing up the Garter Ear Flap Hat for a gift and then I’ll be ready to tackle something larger! Thank you for all you do to help out the knitters of the world 🙂
Excellent instructions and visuals.
Thanks
W
Wales, UK
I’m working on the Boxy sweater be Joji. Please explain what knit row without picking up wraps means.
Thank you,
Yvonne
Hi Yvonne!
I’m not familiar with the pattern, but a lot of times, you can knit past any wraps you’ve made! A lot of times this happens in garter stitch because the wraps “hide” well in garter. If you are knitting in stockinette, however, you usually have to “pick up” the wraps to hide them on the wrong side.
Thanks for your question!
Thomas
Thank you for the great tutorial. I am about to use short rows on the upper back of a sweater to accommodate a slight hunchback posture. The pattern is cabled. Can I do this without disrupting the cable pattern too much? And how? Any tips you can provide will be appreciated. Thanks!
I am knitting the Bandana Cowl but when I have. Done the ‘repeat Row 7 and 8 eighteen more times’ I still have at least 18 more stitches before the marker? Is there an error in the pattern? Angela
Hello Angela,
Did you repeat both Rows 7 and 8 eighteen more times each for a total of 36 rows? Once you do that, you shouldn’t have any more stitches before the marker. Let me know if you have any other questions so we can get you sorted out!
Alyson
Me gusta mucho el gorro
I am having trouble with the bandana pattern. Row 6, P3 wrap and turn then row 7 how many stitches do you knit 3?then k1, Sorry I’m not understanding this part. Do you do row 7 and 8 , 18 times but how far do you go back to the end of the row?
When you get a chance, please shoot me an email Thanks
I really love this pattern but I’m at a loss.
Sara
Hi Sara,
Glad to hear your enjoying the pattern. Short rowing can be a little confusing in the beginning but it’s really quite simple. When you get to row 7 you will knit to the wrapped stitch (3 stitches) and then knit 1 (4 total). Then in row 8 you will knit to the wrapped stitch again (4 stitches this time) and then knit 1 (5 total). Each row will be 1 more stitch than in the previous row until you’ve repeated it 36 times. You will know when you finish the repeated rows when you reach your stitch markers if you lose count.
Hope this helps and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Jake
So confused. Really wish there was a video for this. Ive tried it 3 times but once on row 7 and on, Im lost. Any chance you can give a specific count, like in the beginning. Help
Hello Summer!
We’re sorry you’re having trouble with the short rows on the Bandana Cowl. Once you start the short rows, you won’t be changing the number of stitches that you have until all the stitches have been incorporated into the short rows and the point of your bandana is formed. The structure of short rows is hard to imagine at first, since you’re not knitting in a round spiral, but instead back and forth (as if you were knitting on straight and not circular needles).
The “wrap and turn” technique allows you to wrap a stitch so that the yarn is oriented correctly to begin knitting or purling in the opposite direction after turning the work to view the opposite side. Once you reach any further wrapped stitches, don’t forget to knit the wrap along with the stitch. Please write back if you are still having questions! Best of luck!
Alyson
I’m knitting the Garter Ear Flap Hat. Love it, but am finding the instructions challenging. Once I have the short rows done I am told to purl the next row, and knit the following row, alternating these two for the rest of the body of the hat. If I am knitting in the round how do I do that? Wouldn’t I end up with a seam needing to be stitched? Why can’t I just keep knitting (no purl rows)…does alternating knit and purl rows allow for the lovely design when decreasing?
Hello Pat!
After you finish the short rows, you will go back to knitting in the round. You won’t be knitting back and forth anymore. In order to keep the garter stitch pattern, you will need to purl one round then knit one round. Don’t forget that the rules for Stockinette and Garter stitch are reversed when knitting in the round! You won’t end up with a seam. If you kept knitting, then you would end up with a portion of the hat in stockinette stitch and the garter pattern would be interrupted.
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Alyson
If I’m knitting in the round and switch between stockinette and garter I will have ridges on my hat. What do you mean that the rules for stockinette and garter stitch are reversed when knitting in the round? I love this hat and haven’t given up but I have ripped this out countless times, trying to figure this out. Thanks for your help!
Hi Pat,
Thanks for the response! What we mean is the stitch pattern for stockinette and garter stitch are the opposite when knitting in the round than when knitting flat. When you knit flat to create garter stitch you knit every row. This is because when you knit flat you are turning the work so when you knit on the wrong side of the work it creates the garter ridges on both sides of the fabric and when you knit stockinette you knit the right side and purl the wrong side to make the two sides of the fabric different. When knitting in the round the stitch pattern is opposite. So when you knit every row you are not turning the work so you are never knitting on the wrong side of the work (except when doing short rows!) which will create stockinette. That means that to create garter stitch in the round you have to alternate between knitting a row and purling a row to create garter! So basically the short rows in the pattern are actually considered knitting flat while the rest of the hat is knit in the round.
I hope this clarifies things and please don’t hesitate to write back if you are still confused!
Goodluck!
Jake
Love your video tutorials. Hope you make one for turn and wrap. The pics tutorial is good, but a video would be super. Thanks for all yor knitting guidance.
Hello Peggy,
Thank you for your kind comment! I will be sure to recommend that we do a video!
Happy Crafting!
Jake
Je voudrais réalilser ce petit bonnet mais le texte est en anglais.
Pouvez vous me l’envoyer à l’adresse mail suivante en français.
Merci de votre gentillesse.
[email protected]
Hi Chastillon,
Thank you for the comment! Unfortunately we do not have the pattern translated into french. None of our staff are proficient in the language to accurately translate the pattern. I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. If there’s anything else we can help you with please let us know!
Jake
Merci pour le commentaire! Malheureusement nous ne avons pas le modèle traduit en français. Aucun de nos employés sont compétents dans la langue à traduire fidèlement le motif. Je me excuse sincèrement pour les désagréments. Se il ya autre chose que nous pouvons vous aider avec se il vous plaît laissez-nous savoir!
Hello,
I’m confused when doing wrap & turns in double seed stitch. The seed stich pattern isn’t uniform. Is it possible? I’m not sure if my problem is where I position the working yarn when picking up the wraps. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Hello Rebecca,
Thank you for the question! Figuring out short rows with these kinds of stitch patterns can be rather tricky. Where you position your yarn should be according to the stitch pattern, so bring the yarn in front when you are purling and bring it in back when knitting. I think it will look cleanest if you try and do all your wrap and turns around stitches that will be purled in the next row. That way when you go to pick up the wraps if you are doing a purl stitch the wrap will disappear better.
I hope that clarifies things a little! If you have anymore issues with it or would like more assistance feel free to contact us directly!
Good Luck!
Jake
Thank you. Very well illustrated and explained. I found it easy to understand. I’ve just started a short row project of my own design but wasn’t sure of the best way to deal with the holes at the wrap and turn points.
This tutorial was a great help. I felt like I was wrapping a child in a beach towel! Thank you so much.
Hello,
I need some help with a pattern please. I am fairly new to knitting and I have grasped the wrap and turn however I am confused when the pattern is a complex set of stitches and the pattern says turn what am I supposed to stitch on the way back?
my example is as follows
1st Row — Slip first stitch [K2, *yfw sl 1, K2, psso
the 2 knit stitches, rep from * to * a further two
times, K1], K10, turn
I know how to execute the first set of instructions but what should I do when I turn? do I do these stitches in reverse? I did try that and it didn’t look right.
Thanks for any help that you can give.
Sophie
Hi Sophie,
Thank you for the comment! Generally patterns should give instructions on the stitch pattern for the next row after turning a short row. Is this a Purl Bee pattern your working with and if so which one? If it’s not a Purl Bee pattern your welcome to bring it to the shop or call us at 212 420 8796 and we are happy to try to help you figure it out!
Good Luck!
Jake
hello, im from chile i speak spanish and i want to know if you can send me the bandana cowl tutorial in spanish???
please
thank you
karina
Hi Karina,
Thank you for the comment! Unfortunately we are unable to translate our patterns into other languages because the design team isn’t able to accurately translate all the patterns. I would recommend reaching out on ravelry to see if anyone has already translated it or would be willing to do so!
I apologize for the inconvenience and feel free to write us back if you have any questions about the projects!
Good Luck!
Jake
Thank you for your tutorial on short row, it was well explained.
Great to read all the questions and responses.
I am confused by the following as I am not used to US patterns. I would appreciate any help: work the hood shaping with shortened rows. To do this, in RS row, work in pattern up to last st before centre, turn with 1 yo, and work WS row to the end. Place stitches of the left half on a holder. In the foll RS row, work up to 2 sts before the turning stitch {what is this??} and again turn with 1 yo. Then in every 2nd row, shorten row by 2 sts once more, by 3 sts twice, and by 4 sts twice, always turning with yo.
Second query – where do I begin the left side which has reverse shaping? Do I knit across and do the shaping on a purl row?
Hi Cheryl, thanks for writing. The instructions you share here use a slightly different method for working short rows than our tutorial does. In our tutorial, we demonstrate the “wrap and turn method” for short rows and your instructions here use the “yarnover method” which may be causing your confusion! Each short row has a turning point, or turning stitch, which is simply the spot where the knitting is turned without completing the row. A useful tutorial for the yarnover method can be found here: http://nonaknits.typepad.com/nonaknits/2005/04/yarn_over_short.html. Reversing shaping on the left side will mean beginning on a WS row or purl row to start, and working just as you did for the righthand side, except switching “knit side (RS)” for “purl side (WS)” and vice versa in the instructions. Hope this helps and let us know if it makes sense! Good luck!
I just wanna say thank you for this tutorial!
Hi,
I am trying to learn to us wrap and turn techniques for opening of neck and shoulder shaping for bottom up sweaters.
I use lock markers to shape opening of the neck, and use wrap and turn method. But I would like to use t,e same method for shaping of the shoulders, but, it is difficult for me to understand if I can knit some rows without shaping at all and then shape the shoulders. Then, when I would join the whole row, would not there be a gap?
Hello Gabriella,
Sounds like you’re planning a beautiful design! As long as you do the wrap and turns consistently, they should prevent any unwanted gaps or holes. You definitely can knit some rows without shaping in between to make the shaping more gradual. Don’t hesitate to write again if you still have any questions!
Hi Gabriella,
Thanks for writing in. There are many ways to short row, each giving a different shape. If you decide to do short rows without wrapping and turning this would mean that you will knit up until your wrap and turn and then wrap and turn just before it. This creates a “dart” or triangle insert into the fabric because you knit back and forth over the middle of the fabric more often. After you are done wrapping and turning you will knit all the way around the work and pick up the wraps as you go. This is, for example, how you turn a heel of a sock. It’s very drastic. The most common short row method for shoulders is where you pick up the wrap, knit beyond the pick up a few stitches and then wrap and turn again. This creates a gentle arc that cups the shoulder area and gives room for the wearer. With this method you can do a few rounds in between but it will create a very, very gentle short row. It might not be worth it, but it depends on your design! I hope this was clear!
Best,
Adam
i am so confused about the ear flaps. I’m working on the kids size. After I finish my last wrp-t, I am on the wrong side of the knitting. If I knit to the end, I am then knitting back over the ear flap I just did. The first marker after the end of round marker is the 4th marker. Something is off. Can you please help?
Hello Wendy!
We’re so sorry about the confusion! I’m assuming you’re referring to this pattern: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/01/23/lauras-loop-garter-ear-flap-hat/. Since you’re in garter stitch, don’t worry about knitting on the right or wrong side at this moment, since it will essentially be reversible up to this point.
Which marker exactly are you calling the 4th one? Are you including the marker at the join as the first? Feel free to send over a photo of your project if you think that may help you illustrate the issue to customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com.
Thank you for writing in! -Alyson
Hi, I am new to W&T (wrap and turn), your photos in conjunction with a demonstration on YouTube helped tremendously thanks. All the demos only show W&T then knitting to the end, it was when I read your post that I realised your turned row needed a W&T too! All I can say to anyone facing this for the first time is, keep at it. It does look good. Happy knitting
What does it mean when directions say…..(Short Row) K12,Turn,P9, K2? Then go to next row.
Hello Ellie,
What pattern are you working on? It seems like there is a short row section in your pattern but the instructions “Then go to the next row” seem very vague. Feel free to write me at customerservice AT purlsoho DOT com if you want to discuss this further!
Best of luck! -Alyson
when working in the round – circular needles, are the W & T instructions the same ?
Yes! Make sure that you follow the instructions specifically for the wrong and right side of the work. The instructions for wrap and turns are different for knitting and purling.
Best of luck with your project! -Alyson
I am wondering if you can help me solve a problem I am having with W&Ts. I am working a pattern in the round making essentially a curved tube in reverse stockinette. Half of the W&T are with purls and half with knits but all of the pick ups are with knit stitches. Picking up the purled W&Ts are fine but no matter what I do when I pick up the knit stitch wrap I am left with a LARGE loop in the back. If I pull it tight the fabric looks relatively smooth but the loop is large enough that it can get snagged and eventually it loosens up. Any suggestions?
Hi, Ellen!
Thank you so much for your question. I am sorry about the delayed response! Some folks do experience some looseness with their knitting when picking up knit stiches when doing short rows in the round. I recommend knitting into the back loop of the first stitch of the round (while picking up the wrap).
Or, you could knit the final wrap (together with the knit stitch) through the back loop. So, instead of inserting the needle to left of the front legs, you put the needle into the stitches to the right of the front legs. Essentially, this twists the stitches and takes up some slack.
I hope that helps, but if you’re still having trouble, please write back and we’ll figure out another way!
Again, thank you for writing in! Happy knitting!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
Hello,
Thanks so much for your help! I’m a newbie knitter and having so much fun! And so much confusion!
I am working on the alien elf hat in “Monster Knits for Little Monsters” by Nuriya Khegay. It’s an advanced pattern, so I’m in over my head, but my grandson asked for this hat so grandma is going for it!
I think I’m understanding the wrap and turn. This pattern just says turn and doesn’t say wrap. After the turn instruction, it says 55 (59,63) sts. I interpreted that to mean I was supposed to stitch that many more, which confused me no end. I went ahead and did that, which means after a knit row, wrap and turn, I purled to the end, which of course was not 63 stitches long. *Scratching head, reading pattern and recounting stitches several times.* Then the next row is a purl row, but I’m on the knit side now. What to do??? So I think that last bit just informs the knitter how many stitches should be on the needle after completing that row? Argh! I’ll have to pull out that row (another new thing to learn).
Am I on the right track with that deduction?
Also, I have a dilemma I have yet to solve: the finishing directions don’t say anything about how to connect the edges of the hat. It looks like the sides are sewed together, but it isn’t mentioned anywhere in the pattern (because if I were an advanced knitter I’d already know, I’m sure, but…).
Thanks for any suggestions!
Hello, Lee!
Thank you so much for writing in! Sorry for the delayed response! I am sorry to hear that you’re having trouble with the pattern! You are definately on the right track. The part of the pattern that says 55 (59, 63) is meant to tell you how many stitches you should have on your needles.
Also, if your pattern just says to turn (not wrap and turn) then you just do as the pattern instructs and turn your work. When you come to the end of a row, you turn it around and work your way back to the other side. Sometimes you’ll only work part way through a row and have to work back. So, you would turn after doing the required number of stitches.
For finishing, I recommend the matterss stitch. We’ve got a wonderful tutorial here: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2013/11/11/mattress-stitch/.
If you have further questions please let us know! Again, thank you for questions!
Happy knitting,
Kumeko
OK…working on the Bandana Cowl. SO confused! I get the wrap and turn thing, but, then what? Do you knit all the way to the end of the row, or just do the pattern as written? It says P3, wrap and turn, but I’m not sure if it’s concentrated in the immediate area, or we’re to go to the end of the row. Thanks!!
Hi, Diane!
Thank you so much for your question! You are on the right track! Just follow the pattern as written. At Row 6 you’ll P3, wrap and turn. Then for Row 7 you knit to the wrapped stitch, so you’ll knit 3 stitches and then you’re back to the wrapped stitch, then you knit the wrapped stitch (picking up the wrap), knit one more stitch, wrap and turn. The basic concept here is that you’re building a triangle, and each row you’re adding a stitch to the width of that triangle. Just as you said, the sort rows are concentrated in the immediate area. Again, thank you for writing in and if you have further questions, please let us know!
Best wishes,
Kumeko
This might have been addressed & I didn’t see the answer but how do you keep the fabric from having holes from the wrapped stitches and do you count those stitches as the start to the next row or knit them together immediately with a slip of the next unworked stitched?
Hello, Sarah!
Thank you very much for writing in! There shouldn’t be any holes in your fabric, when you’re knitting the wrapped stitches, you need to knit them together with the stitch that they are wrapped around. That will prevent those holes. Regarding your question about knitting the following row, generally patterns should give instructions on the stitch pattern for the next row after turning a short row. Is this a Purl Bee pattern your working with and if so which one? Please let us know so that we help you!
Again, thanks for your questions!
Best,
Kumeko
I’ve got the earflaps figured out but after I do the right one and knit to the end of the round then says to purl the next round. The first three purl stitches go fine but there is a big gap to the next stitch. I’m thinking there’s a wrap that has to be picked up here but I can’t figure out where it is, it just looks messy. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Julie S,
Thanks for your question! I think you might have not picked up your wrap and knitted the wrap and the stitch together. I would unknit and make sure you pick up the wrap. I hope this helps!
Best,
Adam
Hi there! I’m very new at knitting! I’m from Portugal, and here, the knitting technique is very different. I am doing the pattern “Imagine When” from Joji Locatelli, but I have a doubt. I understood very well the w&t for the purl and knit side, but I’m doing garter stitch. How do I know which side I’m in? All I do is knit, as I don’t purl in this pattern. Hope you can understand what I meant. Thank your for your help,
Joana x
Hello Joana,
Thank you for your question. A simple way to tell the front from the back side with a garter stitch project is to place a removable stitch marker or safety pin on the right side. This way you will be able to easily tell which side you are on when you are knitting. I hope that helps. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
All the best,
Allison
Your short row instructions suggest slipping the stitch, then moving the yarn between the needles…
I have also seen instructions that suggest moving the yarn, then slipping the stitch…
Is there any difference between the two methods?
Thanks so much for your tutorials – they are great!!
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for your question! There are many ways to do short rows. Depending on the stitch and designer’s preference, you will use different kinds of short rows for different looks. Some short rows are visible and some are invisible. There is very little different between the short rows in our tutorial and the short rows you mentioned in your comments. Both are wrap and turn with wrap pick-ups and will yield similar results.
Best,
Adam
Hi Two Neon Nutkins,
Thanks for writing in! There are no yarn overs in our short row tutorial. We wrap the yarn around the stitch and turn the work as per usual. Please clarify where your problem is.
Best,
Adam
Hi! Thanks so much for this great tutorial – it helped me hit the ground running with the tulip tank top pattern! Unfortunately something awful happened when I was almost finished with the body of my tank top – I dropped one of the wrapped stitches at the end of the row – *gasp* – and have been trying to get it back ever since. Do you have any suggestions? I tried adding a lifeline and worked back a few rows but I can’t seem to pick up the wrapped stitches… There is a giant loop across 2 stitches behind my work on both ends 🙁 I would prefer not to undo all my work – any help would be much appreciated! Thank you!
Hi Abby,
So sorry this happened but it happens to all of us! I suggest that you go to the stitch where you are seeing the loop and drop down all the way to the wrap. You’ll then pick up and conceal the wrap by picking up the dropped stitch and the wrap together with the bar above. You can essentially do this for all the wonky wrap and turns you have. I hope this helps!
Best,
Adam
Hello,
I’am knitting the top-down turtleneck-cardigan. Can you explane the row: yoke, shape back neck. In the first short row I have to knit to the first marker, but I have not one marker in my knitwork.
Van you please explane the text?
Thank you
Annemiek Toman
Hi Annemiek,
Thanks for writing us! If you look in “collar” section, you’ll see a “set up row” where you knit a certain amount and then place markers. These are the markers we are referring to for the yoke section. After placing the markers, you’ll start to increase and also shape the back neck. I hope this helps!
Happy knitting!
Adam
Hi Adam,
Now I understand the knit work again.
Thank you,
Annemiek
Hello.
I’m knitting the collar part of a jacket in moss stitch and the instructions call for short rows to shape the collar. After wrapping and turning the pattern gets disrupted. Is there a way to wrap the stitch without breaking the moss stitch pattern?
Thanks.
Hi Sarah,
This sure is a difficult one! In moss stitch you are knitting the purls and purling the knits, so after wrapping and turning you should always identify the stitch and either knit or purl it to keep in pattern. When picking up the wraps, you want to make sure you pick them up in pattern (kitting the purls and purling the knits). Let me know how it goes!
Best,
Adam
I am knitting the Lightweight Raglan Pullover and need direction clarification for short rows. The directions read “Purl (or knit, depends on row I know) to wrapped stitch, worked wrapped stitch with its wrap, p2. Is the worked wrap stitch one of the p2 stitches or is it in addition to that stitch? Thank you.
Hello Holly,
Thank you for writing us! When you work the wrapped stitch it is separate from the following two purls or knits. So, you work wrapped stitch, purl two and then wrap and turn. Let me know how it goes!
-Adam
Hi Adam,
I have basically the same question and am still confused. When the directions read “Purl to wrapped stitch, work wrapped stitch with its wrap, p2,” what does “work wrapped stitch” mean? Does it mean I pick it up?
Hi Ariana,
Thanks for the question. Working the wrapped stitch means you’ll pick up the wrap and purl it together with its paired stitch. You can see the photo tutorial under “Picking up the wrapped stitch on the purl side” section. Thanks!
Adam
Hi Holly – I am knitting a cardigan in moss stitch and am having the exact same problem, just wondering if you found a resolution?
I knit Continental/European style. Will your short row instructions work for me?
Hi Carole!
Thanks for writing in! Yes, these short rows work with continental and English knitting styles. Best of luck!
-Adam
Hi! I’m currently working this pattern for the 3-4 year old size. I’m on the back shoulders part of it but am really lost. I’ve looked at the short rows guide already linked but am still confused, particularly at row 3 of this segment. Is there a video or anything of this pattern being worked? Please let me know! Thanks!!
Hi Gabby,
Thank you for writing in and I’m sorry you are having a tough time with this! After wrapping and turning 12 stitches before you markers on either side you will be asked to knit or purl until 8 stitches before your markers on either side. This means that you will pass your previous wraps and will have to knit them withe the coordinating stitch on the knit side and purl them with their coordinating stitch on the purl side. Essentially you are creating more fabric at the back of the neck than at the shoulders since the shoulders slope downward. I hope this makes sense! Best of luck and let me know how it goes!
-Adam
I am knitting the Bobble Yoke sweater (which is absolutely gorgeous by the way) but i’m a little confused on the short rows. I’ve done short rows on socks and from the pics and directions you have on short rows, it is totally different. I understand the actual wrap part on knit and purl row (rows 1 and 2 on back/shoulders) but i’m lost of what i do on the next row. I understand that I knit until 16 sts before the marker but i’m not sure what sts to knit (or purl) together and how exactly to do it. I think i’m a little confused about the wrapped stitch and the wrap stitch.Thanks in advance for the help.
Hi Kimberly,
Thank you for writing in! You are not the only one who gets tripped up on short rows! In this pattern, you do your knit-side and purl-side wrap and turns and then must knit past the wrapped stitch. When you get to the wrapped stitch you’ll want to refer to the directions at the bottom of the Short Row tutorial that show you how to pick up the wraps knit-wise and purl-wise. If you try this and are still confused, please feel free to write back with questions!
Best,
Adam
Hi, the shawl I’m knitting says to W&T but after you turn you don’t purl. So then is that a YO ? It doesnt mention moving the yarn. Thank you in advance.
Hi Tina,
Thanks for writing in! I will try my best to help! For our short row tutorial, we knit short rows in stockinette. Short rows can also be knit in garter, in which case there would be no purls. I am not sure what pattern you are following but generally, there will not be a YO unless specified as this would increase the number of stitches. I would suggest checking to see if there is errata available for the pattern that you are knitting and if there is not, trust the pattern. Wrap and Turns and what follows them can vary greatly, our tutorial is just one way that they might be achieved.
I hope that this helps and best of luck on your project!
Cassy
I am knitting a stocking using the JMCO method. I’m confused how to w&t while doing this since you use the pattern for one side and repeat it on the back. My pattern just says k39; w&t; p38; w&t, etc. how do I repeat this on the other side if it just has me continually wapping and turning on only one of my double pointed needles?
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for writing in. The JMCO method is a great method but has nothing to do with how you short row. You can wrap and turn for a to or a heel in a sock and this will give you more fabric on one side than on another. Short rowing always only happens on one side of the work for socks. This makes it so the heel literally turns the work so it starts working upward for the ankle and calf. It’s weird, but if you continue on short rowing one side and then start knitting in the round again when the pattern tell you to, you will find the result so gratifying!
Best,
Adam
Hi Jessica, I am working a hooded sweater in one piece. I am at the hood with 84 sets…directions read to purl 39 sts wrap next stitch turn, knit back. Purl next row to “3 sts before wrapped st and wrap next stitch and turn…follow these two rows 9x more. Then purl “32” st. Break off yarn attach yarn to other side and repeat instructions wrapping on knit side. Knit remaining 32 sts and with Kitchener stitch sew sides of hood together. Ok here is my question…where am I decreasing to get to those remaining 32 sts on either side of hood? Very confused. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Hi Carol,
Thanks for writing us! Unfortunately I am unfamiliar with this pattern, so please bare with me if I get this wrong! According to your instructions, however, it seems that the pattern calls for you to shape the right side of the hood and then the left side. Short rows create more fabric in one area as opposed to another. In this case, you are “building up” or creating more fabric toward the selvedges of the hood. After short rowing you will end up with a “V” or “U” shape hood piece and will graft one half of your live stitches to the other. There is no decreasing because short rowing is a type of shaping that allows you to keep the same amount of stitches on your needle. Hope this helps and please let me know if you have any other questions!
Best,
Adam
Hi great tutorial but I’m still a bit confused with the certain parts of the w&t method.
I’m knitting manzanilla by Joji Locatelli and the pattern is knit in ladder stitch. So the first w&t was on the purl side then I knit down to the next w&t then when I should be purling the pattern calls for a knit row.
So what I’m asking is how do I do a w&t going from a knit row to a knit row without leaving a weird hole or a yarn over?
Also the patterns says not to lift the w&t. What exactly does the mean? Am I supposed Knit past them instead of pulling them up?
Thanks so much for your help in advance!!
Leann
Hi Leann,
Sorry for the late reply! This one slipped through the cracks! I am not completely familiar with this pattern but I did look at the stitch, which is an articulated rib, and I am pretty sure that doing a w&t will not leave a hole in the fabric. As for the lifting of the w&t I do not know what that means. I am guessing that they want you to pick up the wrap with your right-hand needle and insert it directly into the live stitch. That would be my best guess!
-Adam
I am attempting to make the baby hat – have pulled it apart and am trying again. Two questions: if I knit really tightly, how much of a difference will it make to start on a size 9 (anxious to start and do not have an 8. Also, is the middle of the 6 stitches between the ear flaps considered the center of the back? I got as far as the earflaps, but was confused about location of end of round when looking at markers. Seems there should be 5 markers. Just love the hat and would like to send it to latest grand nephew! Thanks!
Hi Beverly,
Thanks for writing in! It sounds like you are working on the Garter Ear Flap hat! If you are a tight knitter, I would suggest knitting a gauge swatch and being sure that you are getting gauge with your larger needles. In the case of this hat, the gauge is important to the fit. Gauge is given in the smaller needle size so if you use an 8 as the smaller needle and get gauge, you will use a 9 as your larger needle.
As to the 6 stitches between the ear flaps, they are the center back. There should be a stitch marker in the middle of them that indicates the beginning of the row. There will be 5 stitch markers on the needle at this point. There is an image under the Shape Left Ear Flap heading that will show you where the stitch markers are. We used one stitch marker that is different than the others to make sure that it stands out as the beginning of the row.
I hope that this helps and happy knitting!
Cassy
I had a question on your short rows tutorial, specifically the “Picking up the wrapped stitch on the knit side”. I’m confused about the two steps:
“Then insert the right needle into the stitch that is wrapped” and then
“Knit the wrap and the stitch together”
I can insert the right needle into the stitch as per the picture but how do I knit the wrap and stitch together? I believe both the wrap and stitch are on the right needle after I insert the right needle into the stitch. Any advice is appreciated – thanks!
Hi Fran,
Thanks for writing in! Think of the wrap and the knit stitch as one. You’ll first scoop up the wrap on the right needle and immediately insert your right-hand needle into the knit stitch as normal. By knitting the wrap and the knit together you eliminate any chance of a hole. Hope this helps!
-Adam
Hi there – I am working on the Raglan Sleeve Sweater (my first!) and have a clarifying question for you.
For the part “Picking up the wrapped stitch on the knit side”, I’m confused about the two steps “Then insert the right needle into the stitch that is wrapped” and “Knit the wrap and the stitch together”
I can insert the right needle into the stitch as per the picture but how do I knit the wrap and stitch together…I believe both the wrap and stitch are on the right needle after I insert the right needle into the stitch. Any advice is appreciated – thanks!
Hi Fran,
Thanks for writing us! If you look at the second picture in the tutorial for picking up a wrapped stitch on the knit side, you’ll see that after picking up the wrap you insert your right-hand needle into the live stitch. From this position you’ll knit the wrap (on the right needle) with the live stitch by wrapping your working yarn around the right-hand needle and pulling through. Let me know if this clears things up for you! Please feel free to write back if you are still having trouble!
-Adam
Hi Purl Soho, I’m knitting the Bandana Cowl and seem to have ended up with 120 stitches after the short rows instead of 81. I went wrong somewhere but I’m not sure what I’ve done to add stitches.
Hi Sally,
Thanks for writing in! It sounds like maybe you picked up and knit the wraps separately instead of knitting them with their paired stitch. For the tutorial above and the Bandana Cowl, you will be knitting the wrap with it’s wrapped stitch (or purling the wrap together with it’s purled stitch) thus not creating any additional stitches.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Working in a k1p1 rib for a capped sleeve. How do I do a w&t? When I wrap on the purl stitch and place the yarn in the back, I turn and then in order to knit I am unwrapping the stitch. Ugh, don’t know if I’m clear. No holes, but I can see where the yarn is ‘crossed’ over the knitted stitch! Thx!
Hi Arlene,
Thanks for the question. You might have to play with this one. I suggest you experiment with keeping the yarn in back instead of front for the wrap. You can also try picking up the purl wrap so it is NOT over and behind the live stitch. This means that you’ll orient the wrap in front of the live stitch. Hope this helps!
-Adam
Working on the twisted rib pullover, which has short rows. But the short rows happen when you are doing increases, which is confusing. Tell me if this is right. Row 1 of the increase pattern is the increase row: K1 P1, m1R or m1L and so on
Short row happens on Row 2: K1 P1 etc. wrp-t. Does this mean the you are picking up the wrapped stitch on the next Row 1 (the increase row)? Please advise.
Thank you
Follow up comment: I just realized I read the instructions wrong.
You actually start the wraps in the first row. But the question remains the same: In each row, you will be picking the wrap you made on the previous row, and the wraps are separate from the increases. Also, on this pattern, I am working in the round. The instructions are for making wraps on the right side or wrong side rows, but everything is on the right side in the round. Please advise. Diana
Hi Diana,
Thank you for writing in! Yes, the short rows and the increases happen simultaneously and you will be picking up the wraps, knitting a bit farther and then wrapping and turning again. Please keep in mind though that wr-t is a form of knitting flat. That means that you will be working the wrong side of the work after you turn and you will not complete a full round until you have finished with the wr-t section. I hope this makes sense!
-Adam
I’m at the neck-shaping of the botanical yoke pullover–my, it’s beautiful, and while I’m not struggling with the short rows, it appears to me that I’m being directed on page 8 to make them in front, rather than in back, thus making the front the taller measurement. My end-of-round marker is behind the left shoulder as directed. Short row 1 indicates to begin the short row immediately, yet I’m knitting across the left sleeve and front. Shouldn’t I be knitting the short row across the back?
I hope that reads more coherent to you than it does to me!
(And please remember how close Christmas is! )
–Wenda
Hi Wenda,
Thanks for pointing this out! Sorry I didn’t get to this before Christmas. We are currently reviewing the pattern and will make changes if needed. At this point in the pattern your front and back have the same amount of stitches, so you can now treat what you’ve been referring to as the front as the back. It won’t change anything. Let me know if you have any other questions. I’d be glad to help!
-Adam
If you knit/purl norwegian way (working yarn in back left) how would this work since you wouldn’t purl from the front?
Hi Shara,
Very good question! You will want to treat each wrap and turn as if you are doing it on a knit side. However, since you purl Norwegian you might have to play with how you pick up your wraps since you are wrapping knit-wise. Best of luck!
-Adam
Im trying to knit the Pivot Cowl.Im stuck on the short rows the work had untidy gaps do i pick up the wraps on the knit row going back also looking at the comments here do i have to knit one stitch past the wrap before turning the work.Im used to knitting socks but this is a different method than what im used to.
Thank you
Ann
Hi there,
Thanks for the question. The short rowing can be a bit loose in garter stitch if you don’t pick up the wraps. I’d try to pick up the wraps to see if that tightens up the join. Let me know if you have any other questions!
-Adam
I’m knitting the Classic Knit Jacket. Do I have to do the wrp-t/ short rows? Can I just knit and purl?
Hi Linda,
Thanks for the question. While short row shaping in the shoulders isn’t 100% mandatory, it is required for a better fitting garment. You can knit the garment without short row shoulders, but you will notice that the back flares out a bit when wearing it. Without short row shoulders, the curve of your back takes up more fabric and raises the back hem a bit. I hope you’ll try the short rows! Once you understand them, they aren’t so bad!
-Adam
I understand the short rows and the principle thereof, however, I am having a hard time understanding this in relation to the classic hemmed crewneck back shoulder shaping. I wish there was a video instruction for short rows. I also would like more explanation on the shaping the back shoulders as I am not getting it right.
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for writing in. Hopefully I can help you understand the neckline on the Classic Hemmed Crewneck. After you have put your front neck on hold you’ll be working back and forth in short rows. By doing wrap and turns before the end of the neckline you will be opening up the neck and creating a rounded shape. If you follow along with the pattern, you’ll see how the neckline forms after you pick up all the wraps. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Best of luck!
-Adam
Hi
I am knitting V Neck Boxy by Joji LoLocatelli, the seamless version. Right at the beginning where the shoulders join the pattern requires me to wrap and turn from a knit to knit row and from a purl to a purl row. How do I do this and create a full wrap, or is a full wrap not necessary?
Thank you
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for writing in. The full wrap isn’t actually necessary when wrapping on a knit and going into a knit on the wrong side. When picking up the wraps later you’ll want to pick them up knitwise for knit columns and purlwise for purl columns. Hope this makes sense!
-Adam
I’m really stuck on this wrap and turn. I’m following a knitting partworks. I’m following a pattern of k29 w&t k29(short row garter stitch) for two rows then decreasing by 1. E.g. Next two rows K28 w&t k28.
However the pattern says the finished square should be 16×16 when finished. And it says tension doesn’t matter. Which mine isn’t. I have pictures for reference if this helps.
It’s really bothering me as it’s only garter stitch,
Any help would be great as I’d love to master this
AMANDA
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for the question. Since I’m unfamiliar with the pattern you’re writing about, I might not be able to answer your question. Are you having trouble with the wrap and turn itself or the fact that the square is not coming out to 16″x16″? Tension and gauge always matter, so I am a bit confused as to how this square is constructed. Let me know…
-Adam
I’m knitting the raglan sweater and have come to the short rows for shaping the shoulders and neckline. I’m a little stumped as to if: I should be picking up the wraps after every row or wait until row 13?
Hi Cara,
Thanks for the question. If you don’t pass the wrap, then you don’t need to pick it up. So, in your case, you won’t have to pick up the wraps until round 13. Best of luck!
-Adam
I am knitting the classic knit jacket. I find your tutorial in short rows to be very helpful. However, I am noticing that when I pick up the wrap and purl it with the wrapped stitch, the result is quite visible on the right side of my work, whereas the ones I pick up and knit are practically invisible. I would like to get my purled wraps to be more invisible. I tried loosening up the wrap a bit and it helps a little. Any other advice?
Hi Margo,
Thank you for writing us. While we don’t have a horizontal bar on the sample at the wr-t points, this can sometimes happen with thick yarn. I would try to purl the stitch with the wrap placed parallel on the needle. This might eliminate the bar across the knit stitch on the right side. You might have to mess around with crossing the wrap, purling through the back loop, etc. in order to eliminate the bar. I hope this helps!
-Adam
I have completed Rounds 1-4 and Rows 5-6 of the Bandana Cowl and am ready to start the repeats of Row 7 and 8. The instructions say to knit to the wrapped stitch. My question: is the first stitch on the left needle actually the 1st wrapped stitch? On the second repeat of row 7, is the wrapped stitch the 2nd stitch on the left needle. Do the wrapped stitches “move” closer to the stitch marker? Does my question make sense??
Hi BJ,
Thank you for the question. After your wrap and turn the first stitch on your right needle will be the wrapped stitch from the previous row. As you continue knitting you will end up knitting up to a wrap and turn. Pick this wrap up, knit one and then wrap and turn again. This way your wrap and turns travel toward your end of round marker one stitch at a time. Hope this helps!
Adam
In working short rows, if you want something to be “fuller”, this means you will need to do the w&t’s more frequently correct? For example, if you did short rows for a collar and you are working 4 stitches past the marker, doing the w&t and then coming back to the wrapped stitch and working the wrapped stitch, then work 4 stitches before doing another w&t and this produced a collar that is less full than you would like, then to produce a fuller collar, you would simple work say 2 stitches past the marker, then do the w&t etc. This will give you more short rows than working 4 stitches and hence more short rows equals a fuller collar?
Hello Mary,
Thanks for your question. Yes! The more short rows you put in the more fabric you will create.
I hope this helps!
-Marilla
Hello, thank you for this handy tutorial. I am knitting a joji lolocatelli Cardigan which has w&t stitches in sleeve head and whilst I think I’ve done them correctly, on the wrong side of the jumper I have loops of yarn. Does this mean I haven’t picked up the wraps properly which has caused the loops? I’m struggling to make the stitches firm because I’m using BT Shelter yarn which breaks easily. Any clues?
Hi Marisa,
Thanks for writing in! I ope that I can provide a little insight here! Standard short rows are not, strictly speaking, entirely invisible. You may well see indications in your stitching that they are these especially where you have knit together a wrap with its paired stitch. Without being familiar with the pattern, I am not sure if this is intended. I do know that Joji has a contact link on her site that could be helpful for you (https://www.jojiknits.com/contact). She may be able to let you know if something is not quite right.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I am knitting a boat neck sweater with a shoulder cap sleeve. I would like to work the short rows across on both sides of the sweater. Then work the 3 needle bind off on the whole thing. Should I do short rows only on the cap sleeve part or just on the shoulder part? Please help!!
Hello Judy,
Thank you for your question! This really depends on how you want your sweater to turn out/fit in the end. If it were me I would definitely do short rows in the shoulder part and then see if you want/need them in the cap sleeve section. It might take a bit of trial and error to figure out, but the extra effort will be worth it in the end. Let us know how it goes!
Warmly,
Marilla
When doing a wrap and turn for garter stitch, do I really have to continue knitting back to that row’s starting point after making a turn, and will this ‘return to the starting point’ count as a new row?
I am confused by my pattern which tells me:
row 25: k15, wrap and turn (which after turning then makes a double layer for row 25)
row26: knit to last two stitches, slip-slip-knit (does this mean working the ssk on the double layer of row 25?)
Hi Mary,
Yes when doing a wrap and turn, you do have to continue back to the starting point unless other wise specified, this return row does count as a new row, in your case it would be row 26. In your directions, where it says to knit to the last two stitches and then ssk you will be working on the double layer of row 25.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
Thank you so much! This really cleared things up!
Buenas noches habrá tutorial en video. Gracias.
Hi Rosario,
Thanks for writing in! We do not have a video tutorial for this technique. We will certainly keep your request in mind for the future!
Best,
Cassy
Thank you so much for the tutorial. That makes it much more clear.
I am working on a project though, and I am still confused about *when* I should be doing the short rows.
It says: Short row shaping begins before decs at end of row end.
K2, k2tog every 4th row 8 times, then every right side row 7 times.
At the same time
Knit to last 4, ssk, knit 2 every 4th row 10 times, then every rs row 5 times.
At the same time, after decs at beg of row are complete, shape upper back cap using short rows as follows.
Short row 1 (WS) P10 turn
Short row 2 work row
Short row 3 p5 turn
Shirt row 4 work row
I understand the techniques to do each part…I just don’t know when I am doing the short row. My guess is to do it on the WS row after every RS decrease row, but the wording has me confused.
Any help would be appreciated!
Hi Courtney,
Thanks for writing in! Based on the instructions that you included, I do not see and traditional short row instructions included. Generally, when working short rows, you will see the annotation wrap and turn of w&t and this is the short row. Perhaps that pattern that you are using does not use wrap and turns but rather you just knit or purl to a certain point and turn the work. This would be a different type of short row than we have in our tutorial but the designer of your pattern may be looking to achieve a different look but just turning instead of wrapping and turning.
Best,
Cassy
Hello,
I’m knitting the purl bee bandana cowl for my aunt, and I’ve got to row 7. I’m afraid to start row 8, because I’m not at all sure I can identify where the wrapped stitch is! It *looks* like it’s the very first stitch, but then why would the pattern say “purl to the wrapped stitch? I’m fairly new at knitting and my first at attempting short rows. Thanks for your help! Love Purl Bee!!
Hi Karen,
Don’t be afraid, when I first started knitting short rows, and I still do this, I used a stitch marker to show me where the wrapped stitch was. This will definitely help you identify where you need to wrap and turn.
Enjoy,
Melissa
Hello,
Beginner knitter here! I am currently working on the your top-down turtle neck cardigan and things are going great! Only problem is I’ve taken off the place markers before beginning to shape the back (I have a total 128 stitches at the moment and haven’t started any short rows) and I can not for the life of me figure out where to replace the place markers….
I was wondering if someone could help me out before its too late!
Best,
Heather
Oh boy, make that 132 inches, not 128…
Hi Heather,
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. the first marker is placed after the purled 23rd stitch, the second is placed after the 19th stitch, the third marker is placed after the Purl 40 stitch and the last marker is placed after the 19th stitch. After the last marker there are 25 stitches.
I hope this helps,
Melissa
How can I send u pick toshiw my face shape fir hhoodie Im knitting
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for reaching out. You can feel free to send photos to [email protected] for further assistance!
Thanks!
Anna
I am making a scarf my problem is I don’t know which side is the knit side and which side is the purl side. When I have to wrap and turn. My scarf does not look the same on both sides. Very hard for me to follow .
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for writing in! I think that I can help! Your knit side will look like little v’s in columns and your purl side will look like rows of bumps. In the tutorial above, the first four images show the knit side of the work and the fifth image shows the purl side of the work.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I’m trying to work on the ear flap hat, but I think I need a little help with the wrap and turns done in garter stitch. Should I just do them as a wrap and turn in purl on both sides? Help please.
Hi Billie Jo,
Thanks for writing in! For this lovely hat and wrap and turns will be worked as follows: keeping the yarn in back, slip the next stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle. Bring the yarn forward as if to purl. Return the stitch from the right needle back to the left needle. Turn the work.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
After we wrap the stitch, do we knit/purl it or just move back to the left needle?
Hi Jan,
Thanks for writing in! I think that I can clear things up. Once you wrap the stitch, you will slip it back from the right needle to the left needle and then turn your work. The wrapped stitch will now appear on the right needle and you will continue working to the left as you normally would.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Near the beginning of the pattern, Purl Soho’s Top Down Circular Yoke Pullover has short rows knit in the round. After the short rows, knitting begins on the right/knit side. The first wrapped stitches picked up were wrapped on the knit side. At the beginning of the next round, there are more wrapped stitches to pick up, but those stitches had been wrapped on the purl side. How do you pick up those stitches without resulting in holes? Thank you!
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for writing in! Picking up wraps that were completed on the purl side can be a bit tricky at first but it need not create holes! Using the right hand needle, you will pick up the wrap, placing it next to the wrapped stitch on the left hand needle and then you will knit the wrap together with its wrapped stitch. This should prevent holes from forming while still picking up the wrap!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi,
a wonderful tutorial above, I really did learn how to manage short rows when knitted in rows.
But my problem is same as Barbara’s.
How exactly would you pick up the purlside-wrap when you have to knit in rounds again? Front to back as a knitwise wrap?
I tried several ways, but am not really happy how these stitches are looking, mostly they look a bit messy.
As shortrows in round-knitted sweaters are a really great technique for shaping I would appreciate very much a photo – would help many knitters, I think.
Thank you for all your support,
warm regards, Arete
Hello Arete,
Thank you for reaching out! This can be a little tricky, due to the fact that it is often tight when you get to the stitch on the knit side of the round, so it is a bit more of a fight. Using the right hand needle, you will pick up the wrap, placing it next to the wrapped stitch on the left hand needle and then you will knit the wrap together with its wrapped stitch. You will knit them together knitwise.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thank you very much, Marilla.
That is exactly what I’m doing, but in my opinion it doesn’t look well.
Other knitters experience told me they used German Short Rows without any gaps at this tricky place. Looks very fine.
Warm regards, Arete
I am knitting the lightweight raglan pullover. I finished the short row section and am wondering if I should have the same number of stitches on my needles as I did at the beginning when I cast on. Thanks
Hi Susan,
Thanks for writing in! You should have the same number of stitches on the needles after completing the short row section as you did when you cast on the bottom. The short rows should not add any further stitches to your sweater!
Best,
Cassy
I am knitting the collar of a jumper & have to wrap & turn every row. My problem is I have to knit
2 stitches less every row so I can’t pick up the wrap stitch. How can I do this do this because there is a hole where I wrapped the stitch?
Hello Irene,
Thank you for reaching out! If you are not picking up the stitches right away, I’m guessing, without knowing the pattern, that later on in the pattern when you knit back across your stitches you will pick up your Wrap and Turns as you get to them.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I am knitting the notched hem tank – could I do German short rows for the tank?
Hi Janie,
Thanks for writing in! If you are already familiar with German Short Rows, you can absolutely substitute them! Since there are only a few short rows I don’t think you will have to make any adjustments to the pattern, but I would suggest researching a bit about how to substitute German Short Rows for Wrap and Turns before beginning, just in case!
Best,
Julianna
Hi, do you always do wrap and turns after you knit the short rows?
I have a pattern that says (TW = turn work; Slip & Pull = short row):
Work neckband left until marker, TW, Slip+Pull, work neckband until end,
So, this pattern seems to tell me turn the work first and then knit or purl the short row. However, in your demonstration you knit the short row first then knit the short row.
Thanks for the clarification.
Lisa
Hello Lisa,
Thank you for reaching out! There are many ways of doing a short row and the way we are demonstrating is generally this most common and what we use for all our patterns. There are however many other ways of achieving a short row and some work better with particular patterns. I would suggest sticking with what your pattern is suggesting as it will most likely work best for that particular pattern. I hope this all makes sense and let me know if I can clarify anything for you!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Hello, I’m currently working on the top down circular yoke pullover and it’s my first attempt at short rows. I have two questions.
I’ve got the wrap and turn, but I’m confused as to where to knit up to.
Short Row 2 says to purl to 1 stitch before end of round. I assume this is the consistent ‘end of round’ (ie, the stitch marker I placed when I joined the row), not to the stitch I just wrapped and turned, which is my new starting point?
Short Row 3 says to knit to 5 stitches before previously wrapped stitch. Is this ‘previous wrapped stitch’ the purl wrapped stitch I just did and turned on Short Row 2 (meaning I’d need to knit across the wrapped stitch from Short Row 1), or is it 5 stitches before the wrapped stitch from short row 1?
Thanks for your help.
.
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for writing in! You are correct, for Short Row 2, you will be purling to one stitch before the beginning of round marker and then working a wrap and turn. For Short Row 3, you will be knitting to five stitches before the wrap and turn from Short Row 1, and for each of the following short rows, you will be knitting or purling until 5 stitches before the nearest wrap and turn – you will not be knitting past or resolving any wrap and turns until you have completed the short rows and reach the directions to knit a full round.
I hope that clears things up! Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
I am currently looking at a pattern where it states for the row to… “Knit 8, W&T, knitting back”. Then the next row is “Knit 9, W&T, knit back”. And so on. This is the part of the pattern that is constructing the thumb of an open mitten pattern. I found your instructions on W&T due to I do want to make these gloves. However, the instructions make no sense to me. Help! Here is the link to the free Ravelry pattern I’m trying to figure out. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hob I’m trying to make them for my daughter. And if you know of a better pattern, instead, please let me know. But any help in deciphering this one would be much appreciated!
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for writing in! I took a look at your pattern, and it looks like the first row that reads “knitting back” is a typo – each row should read “knit back.” To follow these instructions, using the first row as an example, you will knit 8 stitches, then work a wrap and turn as we show in our tutorial, at which point you will have the wrong side of the work facing you. You will then knit back to the beginning of the row, which should be just 8 stitches.
I hope that clears things up! Your pattern does use an unusual yet interesting method to shape the thumb. We have several free patterns for fingerless mitts that are knitted in a more traditional way and do not include short rows, such as our Slip Stitch Hand Warmers and Stockinette Hand Warmers, if you would like to try something different!
Best of luck and happy knitting!
Julianna
i think i understand the short rows tutorial, but what about when the pattern asks for shadow wrap short rows? also if pattern says SWSR then purl back, does that mean i just leave the stitches i just shadow wrapped as is until later?
thanks for helping…
Hi Jane,
Thanks for writing in! While I am not really familiar with Shadow Short rows, I am happy to try to help! My assumption, based on the standard short row technique, would be the that the shadow wrapped stitch would remain until later and you would turn your work and purl back across the rest of the stitches.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I have a pattern that references ‘German Short Rows.’ Is that the same as the method described here? Thanks!
Hello Amber,
Thank you for reaching out! German short rows are different than the technique used here. I would recommend doing a quick google search for them, there are some great resources for German short rows on other sites.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I have a pattern from a book, and I’ve looked everywhere for the errata and there is nothing. I don’t know what else to do.
The pattern calls for short rows but it doesn’t say how long.
Thanks in advance
Hello Marie,
Thank you for reaching out! Do you mean that the pattern does not tell you how many stitches to knit before wrapping and turning? My recommendation is to contact the designer, if possible, to try and resolve this issue.
I hope this helps and good luck!
-Marilla
I am working the knit before Christmas stocking, so am working in the round. When beginning the wrp-t short row, following the row instruction…do I continue knitting the full row in the round? If so how am I going to pick up that wrapped stitch? So confused…
Thanks
Hi Genevieve,
Thanks for reaching out! Sock heels are always so tricky at first! Each time you come to a wrap and turn, you will be turning around instead of continuing to knit in the round, and will do so until the entire heel is completed. However, if you follow the heel instructions row by row, I assure you that you will end up picking up all of the wraps by the time you are done!
Best of luck, and please let us know if you run into any other questions!
Julianna
Hi,
I am trying to knit the little hat for my unborn grandchild.
But I have great problems how to start .
I have no problems with the two first rows, but then what about next row? You say in description, knit to 7 from the second marker, wrp-t.
Ok ,then what?
Then next row, knit to 7 befors last marker, wrp- t,
then what?
The following 2 rows I guess I should knit 7, then wrp-t and knit 7 back, then next 2 rows, knit 6, wrp-t, knit 6 back, wrp-t and so on…
But what I dont understand is the knit 7 rows, wrp-t, how to do this?How to knit?
And should the wrp- t s be in the same line when I knitted back?
Sorry, I tried so manu Times, cannot understand how to do this.
Br Ann-Mari
Hello Ann-Mari,
Thank you for reaching out! Are you knitting Garter Ear Flap Hat? I believe this is the pattern you are referring to, but if I should still be able to help.
After you have placed your stitch makers you are ready to begin your short rows. If you are making the Baby size you will do the following;
Next Row- knit to 7 before second marker (When you get to the first maker you will just slip it) , Wrap and Turn
Next Row -Knit to 7 stitches before next marker, wrp-t.
Next Two Rows (all sizes): Knit to 6 stitches before next marker, wrp-t.
This means that there are no knit rows between the wrap and turn rows. You will be working each ear flap separately.
I hope this clears thins up and let us know if you continue to have any issues!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I am doin garter stitch ear flaps and don’t quite understand what to do after first turn on the pearl side. Do I knit back to the first marker and then wrap and turn again? Thank you
Hello Sandra,
Thank you for reaching out! Are you you shaping the left ear flap? For this portion of the hat you are knitting every row. After you do your first wrap and turn your next row reads ” Knit to 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) stitches before next marker, wrp-t.” so depending on which size you are making you will knit to 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) before next maker and then wrap and turn.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I just purchased the Twisted Rib Pullover pattern, which calls for short rows in Twisted Rib. I’m struggling with how to do short rows in Rib pattern, and the tutorials don’t have anything. Can you help?
Hi Margot,
Thanks for reaching out! Although it seems like ribbing would alter how you work short rows, surprisingly, it does not! You will still perform wrap and turns in the same way regardless of whether the stitch you are wrapping is a knit or a purl, and the tutorial above shows how to knit the wrap together with either a knit or a purl.
Best of luck and I hope that helps!
Julianna
I am struggling to find wrap and turn instructions when doing it on a ribbed (K1 P1) cardigan band. Any ideas for how to proceed when you turn the article and a different stitch is required….not all knit then all purl. Please Help!
Hi Carol,
Thanks for reaching out! Although it seems like ribbing would alter how you work short rows, surprisingly, it does not! You will still perform wrap and turns in the same way regardless of whether the stitch you are wrapping is a knit or a purl, and the tutorial above shows how to knit the wrap together with either a knit or a purl. After each turn, you will maintain the rib pattern by knitting your knits and purling your purls as usual.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
Thank you Julianna! I must be making it too difficult!
I have a pattern that reads..to shape top,work to last 3 stitches, sst turn (for row 1&2)
Row 3 knit to last 6 stitches sst,turn, etc
My trouble is you never get back to the wrapped stitch ,how do you do this???
Hello Wendy,
Thank you for reaching out! I just want to clarify what “sst” means in your pattern. Does it abbreviate “slip slip turn”? If so it looks like as you shape your project you will not return to your wrapped stitches until you start knitting to them. Once you have finished shaping you will likely knit across all your wrapped stitches picking them up as you go.
I hope this makes sense and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
I can NOT see the instructions/video to pick up the wrap stitch In The Round. I understand how to do wrap-turn in flat knitting for right side and wrong side. Please advise how to pick up the ‘purl’ when knitting in the round. Stockinette stitch doesn’t have a WS.
I so appreciate all the help you can offer. Joan
Hello Joan,
Thank you for reaching out- this is a great question! When working in the round you will often be picking up your “purl” wrap and turns as you come to them on the knit side of your project. Using the right hand needle, you will pick up the wrap, placing it next to the wrapped stitch on the left hand needle and then you will knit the wrap together with its wrapped stitch. This should prevent holes from forming while still picking up the wrap!
I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
Thank you for the tutorial. I have been searching in vain, though, for directions on how to pick up all the wrapped stitches on the front of the work when I am working in the round. The wrapped stitches lie differently on the left-hand side of work than they to on the right-hand side. I cannot seem to find any answers on this. When I pick up the wrapped stitches on the left-hand side of the work, they look fine, but they look terrible on the right-hand side. I even bought a book that specifically deals with short rows, and even that book did not have proper directions for working short rows in the round. Can you help? Thank you.
Hello Sandy,
Thank you for reaching out- I hope I can help! Picking up your purl wraps in the round is always a bit tricky. Using the right hand needle, you will pick up the wrap, placing it next to the wrapped stitch on the left hand needle and then you will knit the wrap together with its wrapped stitch. This should prevent holes from forming while still picking up the wrap!
I hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Thank you so much Marilla. I will give this a try!
My pattern says to short row for shoulder. Says. Let stand 2×10 sts (2×11) and 3×8 sts 3×9 then work another row. Don’t understand what to do
Hello Patricia,
Thank you for reaching out! I’m not sure- is there perhaps some context before this line? Or is there a note section in your pattern?
I hope I can help!
-Marilla
I’m confused..when you turn, do you pick up and knit the wrap stitch or just plain knit …
Hello Joanne,
Thank you for reaching out! When you wrap and turn, you don’t knit the wrapped stitch, but rather place it back on your left needle before turning you work. When you come back to this stitch you will knit it with its wrap.
I hope this clarifies things for you and let us know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
Possibly a basic question here, but when a pattern says to knit x number of stitches before the wrap, do I count the wrapped stitch? For example, if direction is knit to 1 stitch before last wrap, do I knit right up until the wrapped stitch, and consider the wrapped stitch the last stitch before the wrap, or stop knitting one stitch sooner?
Thank you for the helpful tutorial!
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for reaching out! When you are knitting to a certain number of stitches before a wrapped stitch, you do not count the wrapped stitch – for your example, when you knit to one stitch before the wrapped stitch, when you stop in the correct spot, you will have the wrapped stitch and one stitch on your left hand needle.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I an working on the April Shawl and having issues with the border. I don’t come up with enough stitches to do row fifteen. I watched your videos on wrap and turn an also short rows, I no longer have a yarn store close so any help will be greatly appreciated . Tyi.
Hi Shar,
Thanks for reaching out! Unfortunately I’m not familiar with that pattern so it’s hard to say what might have gone wrong. I would suggest reaching out to the pattern designer to see if he or she can offer some guidance on that step!
Best,
Julianna
Hi – I have practiced this numerous times but I still always get a slightly loosed area in the fabric where the wraps are resolved. They are not holes but the tension is different. Is this normal or am I doing something wrong? Thank you this is the best tutorial I have found.
Hi Hetchen,
Thanks for reaching out! It does sound like this may be normal – although it should be fairly unobtrusive, resolved wrapped stitches always look slightly looser or bulkier than the surrounding stitches. As long as they don’t stand out significantly from the rest of the fabric it should be fine, but you could try pulling tighter when working the wrap so there is less excess yarn in the wrapped stitch.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
I am knitting a baby cardigan and shaping the upper arms with short rows. I understand what to do but the instructions say Next two rows knit to last 4 stitches wrap and turn, purl to last 4 stitches,
Next two rows. Knit to last 9 sets. wrap and turn, purl to last 9 wrap and turn, .
Next two rows knit to last 14 wrap and turn purl to last 14 knit and turn ,
Next two rows knit to last 20 wrap and turn, purl to last 20 wrap and turn , and so on . This means that I do not ever return to the wrapped stitches and I have a row of holes. What am I doing wrong I would appreciate your comments. Thank you very Much Jan
Hello Jan,
Thank you for reaching out- I hope I can help! It is a bit tricky to know exactly what is happening without seeing the pattern, but I would imagine that after completing your short rows you will knit a round in which you will come to each wrap and turn. When this happens you will pick up your wrap and knit it together with the stitch that it was wrapped around.
I hope this makes sense and let us know if you have any further questions!
Happy knitting,
Marilla
Help! I am knitting a cardigan and am at the stage of the pattern where I begin shaping the back neck and shoulders. The pattern states: “Do not bind off, but leave sts on needle. Short row 8 sets at each armhole edge once.” How do I short row on each end of the row? Do I short row at the end or beginning of the rows? Confusing. Thanks for your assistance.
Hi Lorrie,
Thanks for writing in! I have to admit that those instructions sound quite confusing to me too, and unfortunately I can’t offer any help on this one without seeing the whole pattern! I would suggest contacting the pattern author or publisher to see if they can help clarify this step.
Best,
Julianna
Hi!
I have no issue picking up the first set of wraps but the second set seem a wrapped too tight or even on the wrong side. I redid to see if I double wrapped and I didn’t…I am not sure what is wrong? The second set of wraps don’t look like the others…
Are you suppose to skip any stitches? Or maybe I am knitting too tight in the round?
Thanks soooo much
(I am about to frog a third time…)
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for writing in! I am sorry to hear that you are having difficulties. Can you let us know which pattern you are working on? Please do know that wrap and turns do look a little different on each side with the wraps picked up from the purl side. We did just put out a tutorial for German short rows, which are a bit more invisible. You do need to make a small modification when substituting German short rows for traditional wrap and turn short rwos but we note how to do so in the video.
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
I’ve just purchase your Faceted Yoke Pullover pattern and am having a difficult time with the instructions. It almost seems as if part is missing. I understand the short rows:wrp-t part but the shape yoke section seems incomplete. How do I work the short rows all the way around the neckband?
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for reaching out! The short rows to shape the back neck do not go all the way around the neckline. There are six short rows total in the short row portion of the yoke, and they are all worked over that first 54 stitches, leaving the rest of the cast on stitches unworked. This serves to raise the back of the neckline for a more comfortable fit. Once you are done with the six short rows, you will then knit a round over all the stitches on the needle and proceed with the rest of the yoke instructions.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I’ve been avoiding patterns that specify W&T short row shaping … until now. This is the best tutorial I’ve found for helping me gain confidence in my ability to successfully pick up wraps. Thank you!
I’m working on the simple yoke cardigan and am confused with the short rows. When I wrap and the turn,do I then move the yarn back to start knitting , it seems like it is just undoing the last instructions to “bring yarn back”
Thank you
Hello Eileen,
This is a great question! Before you bring your yarn back you put the stitch that you just wrapped back on your right needle without knitting it. This means that you have a stitch with your working yarn wrapped around it before turning your work and start knitting again.
I hope this helps to clear things up and let us know if you have any further questions!
-Marilla
I have watch your video and looked at the visual pictures,, but I was wondering how to pick up wraps in the round ,, the project I am working on is shaping in the neckline ,,, but every time I finish the short rows and than continue knitting ,picking up the wraps , the wraps I did on the knit side are fine ,,, but when I pick up the wraps I did on the purl side ,,, when knitting in the round ,,, they do not come out as nice
Hello Kim,
Thank you for reaching out! Picking up the wraps completed on the purl side is always tricky. You are not alone in finding this difficult! Using the right hand needle, you will pick up the wrap, placing it next to the wrapped stitch on the left hand needle and then you will knit the wrap together with its wrapped stitch. Wrap and turns do look a little different on each side with the wraps picked up from the purl side. We did just put out a tutorial for German short rows, which are a bit more invisible. You do need to make a small modification when substituting German short rows for traditional wrap and turn short rows but we note how to do so in the video.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I’m making the layette and can not understand the buttonhole instructions. Is there is video tutorial?
Hi Annette,
Thanks for writing in! Unfortunately we do not have a video tutorial for this button hole but I will certainly pass your request along to the design team! Is there a particular step I can help out with?
Best,
Julianna
I am knitting the Half & Half Triangle Wrap. Beginning with the second half, Color B, I knit all 260 stitches for Row 1. Then knit all 260 for row 2. For row 3: K1 and do a wrp-t. Row 4: K1 Row 5: K1, K the wrap, then do a wrp-t Row 6: knit the whole row Row 7: knit to marker, remove marker, knit the next stitch, place marker, do a wrap-t So are you just doing the same basic thing you did with the Color A? Rows 3, 4 and 5 seem very confusing. Thanks.
Hi Jonieta,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes, you are creating the second triangle in a very similar fashion to the first one; however, for the first triangle, the wrap & turns moved across the row from left to right so you were always working one less stitch before the wrap & turn. For the second triangle, the wrap & turns move across the row from right to left and you always be working one more stitch than you did on the previous row before working the next wrap & turn.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
in a wrap and turn pattern, the instructions say to repeat the w&t rows “turning 2 sts past the last w&t every time” Does this mean that my turns on the knit row should occur 2 sts past the last time I turned on the knit row? I’m thinking it must b/c I should not encounter a purl w&t while working on the knit row, right? I’m looking ahead in my instructions and just trying to make sure I understand them correctly. Thank you – your site is the bomb.
Hi and thanks for reaching out! It’s hard to say for sure without seeing your pattern, but it sounds like you should be knitting to your wrap and turn from the previous row, knitting the wrapped stitch together with the wrap, then knitting two more stitches before working another wrap and turn. If there are also wrap and turns on the purl rows you will be working wrap and turns there as well, but if you are purling to the end of the row each time, then they will only be on the knit rows.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I am working on the cap sleeve pullover (I knit slowly – it will be finished and put aside for next summer!). I’m shaping the shoulders with the wrap and turn. Since this garment is meant to be worn with the purl side facing out, how do I hide the wraps when I pick them up? Is it that I purl the wrap together with the purl?
Hello Susan,
Thank you for reaching out! When picking your wraps up on the purl side you purl your wrap with your purl, but if you are picking up on the knit side you knit your wrap with your knit.
I hope this helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello. I just wanted to thank you for having the w&t video! It is by far the best w&t video I have seen! I’ve been knitting for years, but no expert on short rows w&t and this video saved me from frogging a top down sweater yet again lol. Have a wonderful day, and thank you again!
Hi-I’m attempting to knit the Bandana Cowl and I’m unclear at R5, where it asks K42, wrap and turn. Do I purl back (42 stitched) to the marker? Somehow, I ended up with a gap at the point of the bandana and only half the cowl with extra rows, lol. Thanks.
Hello Joane,
Thank you for reaching out! After Row 5 (K42, wrap and turn.) you continue onto Row 6 (P3, wrap and turn.). This means that instead of purling back to your marker you purl 3 stitches and the wrap and turn.
I hope this clears things up for you and happy knitting!
-Marilla
I just wanted to say Thank You! This is the clearest, most concise tutorial I’ve found. So much so that I didn’t even need the video. Kudos!
Hello!
I have a question regarding short rows in the Faceted Yoke Pullover. I have bought the pattern, but I have a problem working them out in this twisted rib pattern. Could please clarify the technique in this pattern, please? How do I work the stitches when I turn my work?When I knit the stitch with a wrap, do I also twist it? Thank you in advance! Daga
Hi Daga,
Thanks for reaching out! This step can indeed be tricky! When you are working the wrap and turns, you will slip the stitch for the wrap and turn purlwise so it isn’t twisted, just as you normally would. When you resolve the wrap and turns later, you will knit or purl in the back loop while working the wrapped stitches together with their wraps, following the instructions in the Note located to the left of this section in the printed pattern.
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
Hi.
Great instructions which I can follow easily.
Slight problem so sure I must be missing something
I’m knitting a small headdress for the nativity. (Little knitted people).
It’s getting bigger on one side!
Pattern is k74. K 2 rows
Then row 3 k40 W&T
Row 4 k6 w&t Row 5 K7 W&t Row 6 k8 W&t. row 7 k9 W&t
Row 8 k10. Row 9 k
Then k21 rows.
Help please or am I being totally dense???
Thank you x
Hello Donna,
Thanks for reaching out! It is hard to say exactly without being familiar with the pattern, but I will try! From this it sounds like it should be getting larger in the middle. If you have 74 stitches and then for your first wrap and turn you knit 40 stitches you will have 40 stitches on one side and 34 on the other before your first wrap and turn. If you then knit 6 stitches, wrap and turn, you will be expanding out from the center. The first thing I would do is triple check your stitch count (I know it sounds obvious, but it is so often the issue for me when I’m lost in a pattern). Which side is it only getting larger on? How far to the side is it getting larger?
I hope I can helps and happy knitting!
-Marilla
Hello!
Thank you so much for this tutorial. I am having difficulty with a pattern. Following the short rows which I do no problem thanks to your instruction, the pattern reads as follows:
1. pick up wrap stitches as k2tog (easy, done!)
then it goes on
2. k to 1st stitch before M, picking up the wrap sts as ssk….(WHAT is the difference here? don’t knit them together but just slip to right hand needle? doesn’t this ADD a stitch?
Thank you if you can assist!!
Lori Horton
Hello Lori,
Thanks for reaching out. I’m happy to hear how much this tutorial has helped you! Ssk stands for slip, slip, knit and is a left slanting decrease.
Happy knitting!
-Marilla
I need help with the w&t on the Pivot Cowl
Hi and thanks for reaching out! For the Pivot Cowl, you will use the wrap and turn method shown in the video above. Is there a particular step I can try to clarify for you?
Best,
Julianna
Thank you so much for explaining short rows and the wrap and turn. I never knew you’re supposed to pick up the wrap and consequently have been frustrated by having holes in my work but couldn’t work out what the problem was. Your video was very clear and has inspired me to approach short rows more confidently in the future. I’ve book marked this page for future reference!
My slipper pattern just says turn. Does that mean w&t?
Hi Deb,
Thanks for reaching out! It’s hard to say without seeing your pattern, but it is possible that the pattern means for you to turn without working a wrap + turn. In some slipper and sock patterns, the short rows are done without a wrap + turn and the resulting hole is closed up on the next row with a decrease. If there aren’t any notes at the beginning of the pattern or row saying to use a wrap + turn on each short row, then you likely don’t need to!
Best,
Julianna
I am having a hard time understanding the shoulder shaping for the top down circular yoke pattern. I feel like I am only shaping one shoulder. Should I have a marker at the start and mid way through the row?
Hi Rosalie,
Thanks for reaching out! During the short rows for the Top Down Circular Yoke Pullover, you will only have one marker placed for the beginning of the round, and your short rows should go almost all the way around the neckband, though they will seem slightly off center compared to the marker. For instance, if you are knitting the smallest size, your first short row will go all the way from the beginning of round marker to 15 stitches before the end of the round, and the second short row will go all the way back around to one stitch before the beginning of the round.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I am knitting your ‘Lightweight Raglan Pullover’. I have watched your video about wrap and turn. When I got to the last short row (29) I had over 100 stitches to the wrap-t. I am making the size which corresponds with the first number within the parentheses (84). Can you help me figure out what I am doing wrong? Thank you.
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for reaching out! On your final short row, it is correct to knit over 100 stitches before getting to the first wrap and turn – in fact, you should knit nearly half of your body stitches on Short Row 29, so that you are eat the half way point of the 252 stitches on the needle when you knit 84 stitches to set up for the next set of short rows. It sounds like you are on the right track!
I hope that helps, and happy knitting!
Julianna
I knit continental style. do you have a video for wrap and turn continental style?
Hi Heidi,
Thanks for reaching out! We do not have a video for wrap and turns while knitting continental, but it should be just about the same! Rather than wrapping the working yarn with your right hand, you will simply move it from the back of the work to front and vice versa with your left hand so that it is in the proper location when slipping the wrapped stitch.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hello Purl Rescue Team,
I am knitting your Contour Tee. Your video is wonderful and clear but is done for shaping in the center of the work. The Contour Tee wrap and turn is on the shoulder.
For “Shape Left Front Shoulder” purl row wrp-t and so forth to the 7th row ” Purl to the end of the row purling wrapped stitches with their wraps” There are 3 wrapped stitches in the odd rows. Are these purled together in the 7th row or in the even knit rows? And the reverse for the opposite shoulder shaping. Thanks so much for your help.
Hi Carol,
Thanks for reaching out! When knitting the shoulders of this top, each short row has you turn before resolving the previous wrap and turn, so after completing all the repeats of rows 2 and 3, you will have multiple unresolved wrapped stitches on the needle. In the final row of the shoulder, you will purl all the way across the row, knitting each wrapped stitch together with its wrap. The other shoulder will work out in the same manner!
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
How to do this?please help. Thank you..Row 2 (begin short row shaping): sl 1 knitwise, P to last 3 sts, wrap and turn.
Hi Rhoda,
Thanks for reaching out! When you come to the instruction to “wrap and turn,” you can do so by following the instructions in our video above!
Best,
Julianna
I am doing wrap and turns on the purl side but when I turn to the Knit side the next stitch called for in the pattern is a purl. Not quite sure how to accomplish this.
Your tutorials are the best out there. Hope you can help my dilemma!
Hi Valerie,
Thanks for reaching out! I am happy to help! Here after you slip the stitch from the right needle back to the left needle, you will leave the yarn at the back of the work instead of bringing the yarn to the front of the work as if to purl. Now when you turn the work, the yarn will be on the front side and prepared for you to purl the first stitch!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
What a marvellous provision, thank you very much.
Jean (UK)
Hi!
I hope you’re staying safe over there! I’m spending my self-confinement knitting all I can and am currently doing a little baby boot, bottom up, flat, which after is sewn together at the back.
I’ve come to a point at which I’m supposed to reduce by knitting three separate sections of short rows, one in the middle and two sides. The pattern says:
“Row 17 : Here start a short rows section. P21, P2tog, P1. Turn.
*Row 18 : K7, SSK, K1. Turn.
Row 19 : P7, P2tog, P1. Turn*
Repeat from * to * 6 more times, until you have 24 stitches on your needles (8 stitches on each side of the bootie, and 8 on the middle part). You should end on a knit row. Knit until end of last row.”
But I don’t know how I’m supposed to access the side sections after I’ve done rows 18 and 19 in the middle, which is where the end of row 17 takes me. So basically now I’m only reducing the middle and I don’t know how to do the same thing for the other two sections, since I can’t access them. I suspect it’s really simple but I can’t see it. I hope I explained it okay. Thank you in advance!
Arrate
Hi Arrate,
Thanks for reaching out! I would have to see your pattern to tell you for sure, but usually in booties that are shaped like this, as you work the short rows, the decreases will join the center section to each side section. This way, you won’t end up with a loose “flap” of knitting in the middle of your work, and will eventually start knitting across all the stitches. If you are ending up with a flap, it’s possible that you have the wrong number of stitches or have otherwise somehow gotten off in your work, or you may have to read ahead to see if you will be eventually picking up stitches to get everything back on the needle in one piece.
I hope that helps!
Julianna
Thank you so much! I finally understood the yarn kind of goes with it and the decreases join, as you explained. Stay safe!
I’m doing your Friend Forest hood.
I’m up to the wrap and turn part. I’ve looked at your video and since I’m 80 years old I can’t comprehend it. Is there any other way to do short rows that doesn’t demand so many moves. I am so disappointed in me but can’t get the hang of it
Waiting to hear from you. I’m the old lady who did this on straight needles.
Thank you in advance
Sandie
Hi Sondra,
Thanks for reaching out! I am sorry to hear that short rows are not going well for you. I am also sorry to say that Friends of Forest Hood is not a pattern of ours. I did a quick search, found the pattern and see that the designer linked to this tutorial to help with the short rows. Short rows can be a bit tricky to work at first but we find with a little practice, they become easier to achieve. Please do not be discouraged by short rows. While there are other types of short rows, they all involve the same basic steps of working a partial row, working some sort of turn and turning the work and working back in the opposite direction! While I know that it may sound silly, I like to say the steps to myself out loud as I go through tricky techniques. I find that this helps me work through trickier techniques much more easily!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
If I’m switching from ribbing to stockinette stitch when starting with wrap and turns, do I do the wrap and turns as if to knit on that first row? Some are purl stitches but I’m switching to stockinette. Thank you!
Hi Mari,
Thanks for reaching out! It’s hard to say without seeing your pattern, but I would assume that yes, you should work the wrap and turns as knits, even if they are over purls. They will become part of the body of the sweater instead of the ribbing.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I have seen wrap and turns done where you move the yarn first, then slip the stitch, move the yarn again then slip the stitch back. You slip the stitch first, move yarn slip again, then move the yarn. Is there any difference in how this comes out and does it really make a difference which one you do first. Only different I can tell is by moving the yarn first and 3rd then the trailing yarn gets “trapped” in between the last knit stitch and the wrapped stitch which would make the yarn stretch across the stitch once you turn to purl. Please clarify. Thank you.
Hi Cindy,
Thanks for reaching out! As long as your working yarn ends up wrapped around the stitch, it doesn’t matter too much how exactly you work the wrap and turn. Moving the yarn first and third results in a very slight excess of yarn in the wrap, which may show up as a bulky or loose spot after working the wrap together with the stitch; however, in most finished items, it’s hard to tell the difference! I would recommend choosing one method and sticking with it so all your wrap and turns look consistent.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
I’m really bad at knitting, and stupid. So I need to see someone else do everything before I understand how to do it. Would you ever consider making a video for the “Friends of the Forest” hood? Even if the video was for purchase, I would buy it so I could follow along.
Thanks,
Tara
Hi Tara,
Thanks for reaching out! I am sorry to hear that short rows are not going well for you. I am also sorry to say that Friends of Forest Hood is not a pattern of ours. I did a quick search, found the pattern and see that the designer linked to this tutorial to help with the short rows. Short rows can be a bit tricky to work at first but we find with a little practice, they become easier to achieve. Please do not be discouraged by short rows. While there are other types of short rows, they all involve the same basic steps of working a partial row, working some sort of turn and turning the work and working back in the opposite direction! While I know that it may sound silly, I like to say the steps to myself out loud as I go through tricky techniques. I find that this helps me work through trickier techniques much more easily!
I hope that this helps!
Cassy
Hi! I just started the top-down circular yoke pullover and am about to start the yoke section with short rows. I think I understand the short rows instructions and wrap-turn technique as explained in the pattern. My question concerns the rows after the short rows. The pattern says “knit to the end of the round working wrapped stitches with their wraps”. Does this mean knit each stitch and wrap separately? Or follow the directions on the website tutorial under “picking up the wrapped stitch”?
Thank you!
Hi Johana,
Thanks for writing in! This means that you will follow the instructions for picking up the wrapped stitch so that each wrapped stitch and wrap gets knitted together as one stitch.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I am knitting your Classic Jacket Sweater and am stuck on the very first short row. I watched the video, but what I don’t understand is the sm twice. Ex: Short Row 1 (right side): [Knit to marker, sm (slip marker)] twice, k3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 4), wrp/t. Does that mean to move the marker two more stitches over to the 12th stitch instead of the 10th that I set up in the first row? And do I slip those two stitches or knit them? Then I knit 3 stitches and wrap turn?
Hi Emma,
Thanks for reaching out! SM stands for Slip Marker, and means that you will simply move the marker from the left hand needle to the right hand needle when you come to it, so that it stays between the same two stitches. At this point, you should have two markers on your needle, so for this row, you will knit to the first marker, slip it, then repeat the bracketed instructions by knitting to the next marker and slipping it as well. You will then knit 3 stitches and work a wrap & turn as shown above.
I hope that clears things up!
Julianna
Hi, I really like your tutorial, especially the bonus clip. I have a question about this, though: I have a purl wrapped stitch, that I want to pick up on the knit side (exactly like in the bonus clip), but I don’t want to knit it, I need to purl it. How do I proceed after I have slipped the wrap behind the wrapped stitch on the left needle?
I would love to hear from you, thanks so much!
Best, Nina
Hi Nina,
Thanks for reaching out! The easiest way to pick up the wrap in this situation is to slip the wrapped stitch to the right hand needle purlwise, pick up the wrap with the tip of the left hand needle, slip the stitchback to the left hand needle, and then purl the wrap together with the stitch.
Happy knitting!
Julianna
I am knitting Jemima Puddle Duck on the short rows to shape the base of the neck it says K32, bring the working yarn to the front of work, slip next st purl-wise, slip the slipped stich backon to left needle, turn the knitting, take working yarn to the back ready for knitting = W+Tk (wrap and turn). This leaves the yarn at the back of knitting and you would need to bring yarn over the needle to do the purl side short row. I’m sorry if it’s me been stupid but I cannot find W + Tk any where. Thanks if you can help me
Hi Sue,
Thats a great question! This pattern is describing a wrap and turn, but just slightly different than our video tutorial. Some patterns describe techniques with another abbreviation or a small change to the way its performed. After slipping the stitch back to the left needle and turning your work, the working yarn is in the back. To purl, bring the yarn between the needles ready to purl the next stitch. For an even easier option, I think you could substitute our tutorial for wrap and turns instead in this pattern without an issue! Hope this helps!
Jessica
I just want to say THANK YOU so much for it this, especially the bonus on picking up a wrap that was made on the purl side, but picked up on the knit side. I always have issues with that last wrap and could not find help anywhere. This has solved my short row problems and I’m so grateful. Thank you!!!
Hi Jessica,
I tried three times to make the baby hat and I always have the same outcome. Where the wrap is made, it shows holes all along like loose yarns. When I make the wrap and turn, I leave the yarn in the back, slip the next st purlwise on R ndl then bring yarn forward and slip back the st on left needle and turn work. I then knit to where it says next and do the same thing. I did not grab the wrap under, I just knit each st regularly. Why is it not turning out right?
Angela
Hi Angela,
Thanks for writing in! It sounds like you are working the wrap and turn exactly right! It’s completely normal to see gaps or loose areas directly below the needle when you are in the midst of the short rows for our Garter Ear Flap Hat. However, once you finish both ear flaps and start working in the round by purling all the way around the hat, they should all disappear into the purl row! If you are still seeing holes or gaps after working the first few rows of garter stitch in the round, please let us know so we can help you troubleshoot this!
All the best,
Julianna
Hi! I have a hole-problem too when coming to the first row od purling after having finished the ear flaps: How do I pick up the knit wraps on the purl side?
Hi Anne,
Thanks for reaching out! When working wrap and turns in a pattern there should be a row where you are instructed to close up the holes and work the stitches with their wraps! This is typically worked on the knit side or “Right Side” of your work!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
Thank so much for this !
My pattern tells me, knit till 4 stitches before the end of the row, W&T, leaving 4 stitches un worked
Continue on this way for 30 rows, but I have a huge whole appearing between the W&T and the 4 unworked stiches.
What am I doing wrong.
Thank You
Hi Margaret,
You are not doing anything wrong! These holes with close up, later on, when you work over them just make sure you pick up the turn, demonstrated in the “PICKING UP THE WRAPPED STITCH ON THE KNIT SIDE” section.
I hope this helps!
Oscar
Thank you! This tutorial is SO helpful and SO simple in its explanations; I feel like hunting after patterns that involve short rows just so I can do more with them! 😀
Need help with Blume pattern
Is there any instructions to follow
Thank
Ravi
Hi Ravi,
Thanks for getting in touch! Unfortunately, Blume is not a Purl Soho pattern or a pattern we carry, so I’m afraid I can’t offer too much help since I’m not familiar with that pattern and we don’t have a copy of it. If you have a general question about short rows I would be more than happy to try to clear things up, but if your question is more specific to the pattern, I would suggest reaching out to the designer for their help!
All the best,
Julianna
I am working through the bandana cowl pattern and am having trouble in the row 7 and 8 section. Is it possible to do a video explaining this part of the technique, I am having trouble determining “knit to the wrapped stitch” and “ purl to the wrapped stitch”. How many stitches would I do before reaching the wrapped stitch? I understand all the individual steps but not the big picture.
Hi Alycia,
Thanks for reaching out! I know it can seem confusing but basically you will be working a wrap, turning the work and knitting or purling (depending on what side of the fabric you are on) until you reach the previous wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap. For example after working rows 5 + 6 you will have already established wrapped stitches. So when you work row 7 you will be Knitting to the wrapped stitch (which you had just made in the previous rows), knit the wrapped stitch making sure to pick up the wrap, k1, wrap and turn. You will then continue to repeat this process 18 times until you wrap and turn the stitches right next to the marker!
There isn’t an exact number of stitches to look for in each row since it will change from row to row, this is what creates the triangle shape! This tutorial will show you all the steps you need to complete the cowl in both the video and the photographs below (the wrap, the turn, and how to pick up the wraps.)
I hope this helps and clarifies things!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thank you so much for the clarity. I was struggling to figure out why the bumps were unavoidable in wraps and turns and your video is so, so clear! Thanks!
I m trying to knit a mermaid tail for a doll. I have to wrap & turn . On the knit side. Once I turn and finish my wrap do I turn my knitting again to continue knitting or do I finish the row on the purl side ?
Hi Paulette,
Thanks for reaching out! Once you wrap you turn the work you knit back to the beginning rather than finishing the row.
I hope this clarifies things!
All the best,
Gianna
Hi..I am doing a garter stitch shawl and wondering if the W&T on garter will leave holes or should I try doing German short rows instead, and if I decide on german short rows, do I knit the 2 V legs together when working back
Hi Donna,
Thanks for reaching out! When working Wrap + Turn Short Rows there should be a final row you work where you can close up any holes by “picking up the wrapped stitches” as we show at the bottom of this tutorial! We also have a tutorial on German Short Rows that will show you how to work the back side as well!
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Gianna
Hello there, I am making the garter ear flap hat in the round. When I do the first wrap and turn as instructed, I end up on the purl side with the yarn in front, but then the instructions say to knit. Confused here on how to knit when the yarn is in the front. Am I doing it wrong? Is it different when knitting in the round?
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for reaching out! Since the hat is worked in Garter Stitch, for the wrp-t [wrap and turn] you will keep the yarn in back, slip the next stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle. Bring the yarn forward as if to purl. Return the stitch from the right needle back to the left needle. Turn the work. So after the wrap and turn the yarn should be in the back of the work so that you are ready to knit the first stitch at the start of the next row.
I hope this clarifies things, happy knitting!
Gianna
Thanks so much for the helpful video! This time when getting to the wrapped stitch, my pattern says to knit tbl next st with wrap… am I still picking up the wrap here or not? Thanks!
Hi Kari,
Thanks for reaching out! I am so glad that the tutorial helped you! I believe that means you should pick up the wrap and work it with the stitch!
I hope this helps and let me know if you need any more assistance!
All the best,
Gianna
I am working on the dog sweater pattern and am confused about the instructions for the back. Note says to work back and forth in rows and turning the work at the end of each row. Special instructions at the top explain wrap and turn. Last two stitches on right side call for P1, K1. If I P,K those last two stitches, how would I wrap and turn? Wouldn’t I need another stitch?
Hi Lorelei,
Thanks for reaching out! For the BACK section you are not working the short row wrap and turns, if you are supposed to be working a wrap and turn it will clearly tell you in the pattern, for example in the Yoke Section!
For the BACK, Row 1 (right side) you are K1, p1, [k2, p2] twice, sm (slip marker), knit to next marker, sm, [p2, k2] twice, p1, k1.
Row 2 (wrong side) you are P1, k1, [p2, k2] twice, sm, purl to next marker, sm, [k2, p2] twice, k1, p1. You are then repeating Rows 1 and 2 six (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) more times, then repeat Row 1 once more.
I hope this clarifies things!
All the best,
Gianna
Thanks, Gianna!
After watching your video I did the wrap and turn method but I think I missed the last row and there seems to be a small hole in that place as you mentioned do I have to frog it or can I continue with the next rows I already knitted 9 rows after the last wrap and turn row.
Hope you reply
Thank you
Vasanti Pereira
Hi Vasanti,
Thanks for reaching out! You can keep working because you will be able to close up the holes when you work your wraps with the stitches!
All the best,
Gianna
So…a wrap is not automatically a decrease or an increase? You end up with a stitch that has a wrap around it, but the same number of stitches?
Hi Kathie,
Thanks for reaching out! Wrap and turn is not an increase or decrease since you are not making or losing a stitch, but rather it is a method of shaping that only works over a portion of the stitches rather than the whole row!
I hope this clarifies things for you, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi there, I hope this question makes sense. I’m making a cardigan and the pattern has me repeating short rows. Short row 1 is knitting until the last 5 stitches then wrap and turn. Short row 3 is knitting to 5 stitches before the wrapped stitch from the previous RS, and short row 5 says “Repeat Short Row 3.” Does this mean I knit until 5 before the first short row wrapped stitch again, or do I knit until 10 before the wrapped stitch from short row 3? Sorry if this is confusing! I’d really appreciate the help.
Hi Emily,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes that is correct, when you Repeat Short Row 3 you will again be knitting until 5 stitches before the last wrapped stitch from the previous RS!
I hope this clears things up and please let me know if you have any more questions!
Warmly,
Gianna
OMG – your instructions and photos are just what I needed. Thank you! My first attempt at short rows was a disaster. This time, I’m just working on a practice swatch. I will be making a cardigan for my elderly mother and will need to insert some short rows to accommodate for her Dowager’s hump. Which way should these short rows go – do I leave more stitches at the side edges near the neckline, or further down? I just can’t visualize how this should go.
Hi Maureen,
Thanks for reaching out! I am so glad to hear that you have enjoyed our tutorial so much! Its hard to say without seeing the pattern for the cardigan you are planning on making but my best guess would be to add the short rows in around the neckline or into the shoulder shaping!
Warmly,
Gianna
I want to make the garter stitch ear flap hat – but I want to convert the pattern to german short rows – but need help. I love the pattern
Hi Christina,
Thanks for reaching out! You can easily substitute Wrap + Turns for German Short Rows! Please check out our Short Rows: German Short Rows tutorial, we break down German Short Rows into a few easy steps and will also show you how to adapt them for Wrap + Turn instructions.
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi there, I really like the instructions for picking up a wrap on the right side, that was made on the wrong side. Do you have a method for the opposite…..I mean picking up a wrap on the wrong side of the work that was made on the right side?
Hi Christine,
Thanks for reaching out! It should actually work the same way since the wrap will be wrapped around the entire stitch, on both sides! The treatment of working the wrapped stitch will just depend on which stitch you are working!
I hope this makes sense, happy knitting!
Gianna
Good instruction for this short row method. I have always used short rows for shoulder shaping and heel shaping. However I am a bit confused on how to tackle the shape for a bust dart. I understand each side of the front piece must be done separately, but my trouble begins when I must set up the shape to knit. If I begin at 1″ from the side edge and end at 1″ from the bust point, do I keep shortening the rows on each edge (like heel shaping)or do I just shorten at the side edge and keep the bust side even (like shoulder shaping)? I hope you can understand my question and look forward to your suggestions or guidance.
Hi Dianne,
Thanks for reaching out! I am happy to help, are you working from a specific pattern or are you coming up with one yourself?
Looking forward to your response!
Warmly,
Gianna
Thank you for these exceedingly clear instructions! I’m working a pattern in the round where it tells me to “work to 4 st before marker, turn, yo, work back to 4 st before other marker, turn. Repeat until you have worked 4 turns on both sides. Begin working in the round while at the same time working the yo’s together with the “neighbouring” sts to avoid holes”.
I tried doing the wrp-t in place of (hoping they are the same thing) the directions above and it generally seemed to work, although I wasn’t stacking the turns as I imagined I would do based on those instructions. I ended up using the 4 sts on either end of the short row for the wrp-t. This seems okay, despite the shaping being on a diagonal rather than vertical (I.e. not what I would think of as “stacked”), but I am still getting holes at the sides and I don’t know how to work the yo’s with the neighbouring sts!
Could you help? Am I doing this completely wrong? I first tried following the directions verbatim but ended up with a tall flap that I couldn’t join with the rest of the round. Then I tried German short rows before this but saw in the comments that they don’t work for short rows that need to be stacked, like I believe this pattern wants. Any help will be appreciated! I’m trying to finish this baby knit before my baby comes any day!! 🤣
Hi Cristine,
Thanks for reaching out! Please send our customer service team a photo of your work, a photo of the written instructions of the pattern, as well as any photos of what the finished project should look like (if the pattern provides images) to [email protected] and they can help you troubleshoot further from there what may be happening and how to proceed!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi there,
I’m doing a Debbie Bliss sock pattern. On each row after doing a wrap and turn the instructions for the first stitch are to slip one. I was unsure as to how to pick up the wrap stitch without creating extra stitches when I’m not suppose to knit it so can’t do a k2tog. Can I pick it up and knit it together with the second stitch? Or should I ignore the instruction to slip 1 and just do as the tutorial shows here?
Hi Hannah,
Thanks for reaching out! It is very typical of sock patterns! When the short rows you will always slip the first stitch, this makes it easy to pick up stitches later! Also when working the wrap and turns for a sock, you typically won’t be picking up the wrap as we do in this tutorial. So I would recommend following the pattern as written, slipping the first stitch, and don’t worry about picking up the wraps!
I hope this clears things up, happy knitting!
Gianna
Hi
I understand the concept, but are you actually wrapping every stitch or is there a stick in between ?
I am working German short rows and can’t tell if every st is worked or every other.
Thanks S
Hi S,
Thanks for reaching out! If you are using German Short Rows, this is not the tutorial for you! Wrap + Turns are one way to do short rows but German Short Rows are a completely different method where you do not wrap the stitch at all, instead, you make a double stitch! I would suggest checking out our Short Rows: German Short Rows tutorial for more information!
Warmly,
Gianna
I am knitting the lightweight ragland pullover with Buttercup cotton yarn. I have made this sweater before with Cattail Silk and had no problem. I am having trouble with the wrap and turn stitch, actually the pick up of the wrap stitch. I have watched the video many times but still have holes after I do this stitch. I have unraveled it more times that I care to think about and started over. Could it be that the Buttercup cotton yarn shows my mistakes more than the silk?
Hi Georgia,
Thanks for reaching out! Buttercup Cotton may show a bit more than the silk since it isn’t as textured! I think blocking should help fix the mistakes you are seeing, I would suggest trying this out on a swatch with the Buttercup Cotton and then Blocking the swatch to see if that helps at all!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
I am knitting Julie Hoover’s pattern called POST. When you do the short rows, it says to knit to three stitches before the last wrap and turn. Does this include the wrap stitch that is pulled close to the other two stitches or not? I don’t know whether that counts as one of the three stitches? Thanks!
Hi Pamela,
Thanks for reaching out! When the pattern says to knit until 3 stitches before the wrap and turn it means there should be 3 stitches before the stitch that is wrapped, not including the stitch that is wrapped!
I hope this clears things up!
Gianna
Hi PurlSoho – Joji Locatelli refers knitters to your helpful instructions in her On the Grass pattern. I had already happily used your tutorial several times before. However, one line of her pattern specifically states NOT to pick up wrapped stitches while knitting back across the row. I have never run into this in all my time knitting short rows. Can you help, or is this a Joji question? Thank you!
Hi Maribeth,
Thanks for reaching out! While I don’t have access to the pattern you’re referring to myself, I can think of some instances where you might not need to pick up a wrap from a wrap + turn short row. One such instance is when working short rows in garter stitch, because the bumps created by the wraps blend in perfectly with the purl bumps! In a similar vein, if the pattern uses the purl-side of stockinette on the right side of a work, then the wraps should blend in, as well. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Hi,
I am working on your Ear Cozy Hat, the tutorial was helpful but I’m having a difficult time understanding the pattern instructions. I’m knitting a small hat with a cast on of 80 stitches. Could you set me in the right direction, I’m unsure of these instructions:
Short Rows 5–11: Repeat Short Rows 3 and 4 – (–, –, 3, 3) more times, then repeat Short Row 3 one more time.
How many short rows of 3-4 do I repeat, for ? times.
Thank you for your help, you do have fun projects.
Hi Jewel,
Thanks for your question!
It sounds like you’re making the Kid Size hat based on the 80 stitches you have cast on, so I think you might be going by the wrong section in the pattern for the short rows! I think the short row instructions you mentioned are for the Adult Small/Large Size since they cover up to Row 11, while the Kid Size only goes up to Row 9.
For the Kid Size, the pattern says: Short Rows 5–9: Repeat Short Rows 3 and 4 two more times, then repeat Short Row 3 one more time. This means you need to do Rows 3 and 4 twice (4 more rows) and then Short Row 3 one more time for a total of 5 more rows to get you to row 10!
I hope this was helpful! Thank you for your kind words about our projects!
Kindest regards,
Cat
Hi. When a pattern says for example:
Row 1:k35, W&T
Row 2: knit to the end
does Row 2 now count as the row that starts once you turn or do you knit to the end after the wrap and turn as row 1? Hope I’m making myself clear.
Hi Robin,
Thanks for reaching out! Yes that is correct, Row 2 counts for once you turn the work and start working back across the stitches you just knit in Row 1!
I hope this helps, happy knitting!
Gianna
I am making the Top-down Circular Yoke Pullover. The instructions say: “Short Row 2 (wrong side): Purl to 1 stitch before end of round, wrp-t.” Is the end of round just where my stitch marker is (i.e. am I just purling 20 stitches) or do I go past the stitch marker and go all the way around (125 stitches), stopping one stitch before the round?
Sorry–I realize that my question above wan’t clear. New question: As I am doing my short rows, I’m realizing that they are not centered on the end of the row. I am confused because the first short row ends 21 stitches from the end of the row and the second ends only 1 stitch from the end of the row. What am I misunderstanding?
Hi there! I’m working a short row pattern from the Yarnspirations website (https://www.yarnspirations.com/on/demandware.static/-/Sites-master-catalog-spinrite/default/dw776fcc82/PDF/CAK0502-030470M.pdf)
I’m stuck understanding an instruction:
9th row: Beg with A, Sl1Pwyib.
Knit to end or row, matching color.
10th row: Beg with B, knit to
1 st before previously wrapped st,
matching color. W&T.
However, with colour B, there have been no instructions stating that B needs to have any wrapped stitches. So i’m wondering if I’ve done something wrong?
Sorry If it’s inappropriate to ask here, just a bit lost! Thank you for your time 🙂
Hi Odette,
Thanks for reaching out! This looks like the wording is slightly different in these short rows than what we demonstrate in this tutorial, but it is the same result! It looks like the wrapped stitch is made when you Sl1Pwyib (slip 1 purlwise with yarn in back) using color A, then in row 10 you are picking up color B, and knitting to 1 stitch before that wrapped stitch (made in row 9 with color A.) So I believe it is actually referencing the color A wrapped stitch, not a wrapped stitch in color B!
I hope this helps to clear things up but please let us know if you have any more questions!
Gianna
Hi, I am working on the Post pop over. When you W & turn.. there leaves the hole . So when you purl back & restart the next row , knitting… is this when you ‘pick up’ that wrapped stitch to close the hole? .Directions mention ‘treat these’ or something ( the wrapped stitches) .. little confusing after I had down 5-6 toes & had these holes… ripped back, starting again…
Hi Annette,
Thanks for reaching out. Are you perhaps asking about the Center Point Popover? This pattern actually uses German short rows, and not wrap + turn short rows! You can find a tutorial on that style right here. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
I don’t know how I missed this GORGEOUS pattern!!!
It is PERFECT, and I cannot wait to cast on.
Thank you, too, for the clear and concise Short Row directions.
Bonjour,
I knitted the ear cosy hat, and the result does not look like the one on the model. Everything went fine with the short rows, at least I understood the instructions, except that the ear flaps came out so curly, and it looks rather awkward. When I try it on, the ear flaps are right where my ears are. I keep wondering where I went wrong.
Hi Ginette,
Thanks for writing in! I am sorry to hear that the pattern didn’t go as planned. Please send the information above along with a clear photo of your work to our customer service team at [email protected] and they can help troubleshoot what may be going on from there!
Warmly,
Gianna
Hi,
I’m a new knitter and I’m attempting to do the Half & Half Triangle Wrap. I also was taught to knit Continental style.
I need help.
1. Is the Wrap & turn done the knit way of the purl way. I’m confused because Garter Stitch produces a purl looking fabric even though you’re knitting on both sides.
2. The Wrap & Turn is done on the wrong side. So when I turn my work do I pick up the Wrap & Turn stitch I created on the other side?
Please help me. I’m sooooo confused.
Thank you so much for any help that you can give me. I so much and looking forward to starting this wrap.
Hi Donna,
Thank you so much for your questions! We are happy to help you with this pattern.
To answer your first question, garter stitch (which is knitting on both the right and wrong sides of the work) does produce a bumpy looking fabric that mimics the purl side of stockinette stitch fabric. In this pattern, the wrap + turns are all done the knit way since all stitches are knit in this pattern.
In response to your second question, you are correct in that the wrap + turns are done on the wrong side. When you turn your work after doing a wrap + turn, do not pick up the wrap, and instead knit back across the row in pattern as usual. The wrapped yarn is only knit with the wrapped stitch when the pattern calls for this to be done, which happens right before you cut Color A in this wrap. If you are interested in some visual examples of this, we have a full Short Row Tutorial showcasing the Wrap + Turn technique. Follow along starting at the 0:30 mark to see the instructions for a knit-side wrap + turn!
I hope this helps you get started with your project!
All the best,
Margaret
Hi. I started the Classic Knit Jacket last winter and put it away before I did the sleeves. I have now picked up the stitches for the first sleeve and am trying to figure out why I am increasing stitches on the short row portion! Very frustrated where the pattern states “knit wrap together with wrapped stitch, wrp-t”. Am I supposed to wrp-t the next stitch after picking up the wrapped stitch? That to me increases the width of the short rows as I go. What am I doing wrong or missing?
Hi Nancy,
Thanks for reaching out. You’re absolutely correct! After knitting the wrapped stitch with its wrap, you’ll immediately work a wrap and turn on the next stitch. And you’re also correct that it does increase the length of the short row, because this functions to create the “wedge” shape of the sleeve cap. In this part of the pattern, you’re increasing the width of each row until you reach the number of stitches required to continue the sleeve. I hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
Why does the Half and Half Triangle wrap specify to pick up the wraps if this isn’t necessary in garter stitch?
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for reaching out. Like with many things in knitting, there are multiple ways to treat the wraps in wrap + turn short rows! While it isn’t necessary to pick up the wraps when working in garter stitch, the knitted fabric will still look great either way. We decided to include picking up the wraps in this pattern, but you also don’t have to do so in your own project! Hope this helps clarify things.
All the best,
Lili
Excellent. Thank you
I am making the Julie Hoover sweater “Olson”. I’m on the back section “Shape Shoulders, the last section before “left shoulder and neckline. The pattern says “repeat short rows 3 & 4 a specific number of times, in my case 21 X’s then work row 3 once more ending on wrong side. Does this mean i work 21 more rows that include rows 3 & 4 or do I work rows 3 and 4, 21 more times for each row totaling 42 rows? I would so appreciate help on this because I’m not sure what to do her. I have extra stitches, so I think I do each row 21 more times. this will make it really long though. Thanks for your help!
Hi Diane,
Thanks for reaching out with your question! I’d be happy to help you with this section of the Olson Sweater.
For the Shape Shoulders short row section, rows 3 and row 4 will count as two separate rows. When repeating the short rows 21 times, you knit a total of 42 short rows. Because of how this section is worked, you will be slowly knitting your way back and forth across the back neck, slowly building up the center section!
I hope this helps, and please feel free to send any other questions our way!
All the best,
Carly
Hi,
Thanks for the invaluable instructions. They took me through my first short rows without a hitch! I always know I can come to purl soho for the best advice.
The yarns you use in your video are lovely. Which ones are they? I often want to know which yarns you use. Please let us internet purchasers know underneath the videos as videos show how the yarn and resulting fabric behave.
Thanks,
Bev
Hi Bev!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! We have passed your suggestion on to our team, but in the meantime, the yarn used in the video for this tutorial is Understory, which I’m sorry to say we have discontinued. The photo tutorial uses Jade Sapphire’s 6- or 8-ply Cashmere, though, which you can find right here!
I hope this helps, and thank you again for writing in!
All the best,
Margaret
I’m embarrassed to say that I don’t know what wrp-t means. I can’t find it on line, in the instructions, or in my knitting book. Does it mean wrap& turn or is it something else?
Hi Jan,
Thanks for reaching out to double check! Wrp-t does indeed mean wrap + turn. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
I am unable to SEE what is going on at 4 minutes, 33 seconds of the video. Whatever it is, I am thinking it is IMPORTANT… so I don’t want to miss it.
P.S. I bet you are SURPRISED to hear from me again!!!
Thank you for your help, and have a wonderful day… KNITTING.
Your long lost PEST, MJ the SKEINdinavian
Hi MJ,
Thanks for writing in! At 4:33, the video just shows the point at which you can continue purling after finishing the wrap + turn. Since the wrap + turn as been completed, there aren’t actually any more important details on that!
All the best,
Lili
Where do I put the markers for the short rows? I cant find a video anywhere and the pattern only refers to markers later on.
I definitely need them because I’m working with solid color yarn.
Thank you.
Hi Bobbi,
Thanks for reaching out! There are different methods of placing stitch markers to mark the ends of short rows, but I personally like to use removable stitch markers and place them directly into the wrap or wrapped stitch itself! Then, once you reach the wrapped stitch, you can remove the marker, knit (or purl) the wrapped stitch with its wrap, and then use the marker on the next wrap. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Thank you! ❤️
Hello Lili.
I took down your explanation for the first wrap and turn, being the only one worked… but somehow the instruction vanished.
Will you be kind enough to enlighten me again?
Thank you in advance… and again my apologies for being such a pest.
YOU ARE AWESOME!!!
Hi MJ,
I’m not quite sure which explanation you’re referring to! Do you remember what your original question was? Or just let me know what aspect of the short row technique you’re wondering about right now!
All the best,
Lili
ROW 53. RS Row 9: K2, P1, K to last 3 before wrap, wrp-t
YARN BACK, SL next st Pwise from left to right needle.
RS Row 9: K2, P1, K to last 3 before wrap, wrp-t.
Do you see something VERY ODD about the three lines above?
This has me completely stopped until a WRONG SIDE row is inserted between the TWO ODDITIES… and I have SOOO VERY FAR TO GO, still.
Please put me out of my misery.
Thank you sooo very much in advance for your help, yet again.
Your PEST, MJ
Hi MJ,
After you work Row 53 (which is a repeat of Row 9), you will continue on to Row 54. Row 53 is a right side row, and Row 54 is a wrong-side row, so everything works out!
All the best,
Lili
I would like to make the shawl I am knitting for my daughter three inches longer… to eighteen inches, finished.
How many cast-on stitches would that require?
As always, I am thanking you in advance for your continued assistance.
Your PEST, MJ
Hi MJ,
To make a Wheelwright Shawl with a length of 18 inches, you would need to cast on 91 stitches!
All the best,
Lili
I am sorry for being so late responding. I have been really busy.
So, here I am at long last to thank you for making it possible to make the shawl longer.
Have a WONDERFUL day.
Your PEST, MJ
I am so uncertain of this pattern, that I am afraid to just knit the pattern. It is very long and intensive!!!
Would you please let me know if “this” is accurate.
I would most sincerely appreciate knowing if I am on the right track.
This one deserves my most humble THANK YOU for your assistance.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
MJ, the PEST.
Hi MJ,
Happy new year! I’ve seen your write-up of the pattern and saved it elsewhere for the sake of brevity in the comments section. It’s certainly daunting with each row listed out like that! But once you’ve knit through a wedge or two, I have a feeling you’ll get in a rhythm, since you’ll be repeating the same exact steps 23 more times.
I also wanted to provide you with a modified version of this pattern for the 91 stitches you’re casting on. You can follow the modified pattern below exactly as written, and it will work perfectly for the longer shawl you’re knitting!
PATTERN
Cast on 91 stitches. We used a basic Long Tail Cast On.
Set-Up Row (wrong side): K1, p1, knit to last 2 stitches, p1, k1.
SHORT-ROW WEDGE
Row 1 (right side): K2, p1, knit to last 3 stitches, p1, k2.
Row 2 (wrong side): K1, p1, k1, purl to last 3 stitches, k1, p1, k1.
Rows 3–6: Repeat Rows 1 and 2 two more times.
Row 7: K2, p1, knit to last 4 stitches, wrp-t (see Note).
Row 8: Purl to last 3 stitches, k1, p1, k1.
Row 9: K2, p1, knit to 3 stitches before wrap, wrp-t.
Rows 10–63: Repeat Rows 8 and 9 twenty-seven more times. [3 stitches remain to the left of the final wrap]
Row 64: K1, p1, k1.
Row 65: K2, p1, knit to last 3 stitches, knitting wrapped stitches with their wraps, p1, k2.
Row 66: K1, p1, k1, purl to last 3 stitches, k1, p1, k1.
CONTINUE
Repeat Short-Row Wedge 23 more times, ending with Row 65 on the last repeat.
Next Row (wrong side): K1, p1, knit to last 2 stitches, p1, k1.
With right side facing you, bind off in knit stitch.
All the best,
Lili
Hey, I’m getting ready to knit the “garter Ear Flap Hat” for my grandson. Upon reading the comment section (August 8,2020) I noticed that Julianna’s response was “However, once you finish both ear flaps and start working in the round by “PURLING” all the way around the hat” …shouldn’t it be “KNITTING” all the way around the hat since it is garter stitch worked in the round?
Thank you
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for reaching out! When you work garter stitch in the round, you will need to alternate rounds of knitting and purling, so that the purl bumps show up on both sides of the fabric (creating the garter ridges). This is different from knitting garter stitch flat, which does require all rows to be knit. Hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
I’m working on purl soho striped half + half triangles wrap.I find the instructions very confusing. Row 2 tells you to knit to last 3 stitches,pm,k1 then wrap+t leaving 1 remaining stitch .When you turn because you are harder stitching you have to bring the wool to other side,then at the end it tells you to slip marker as you come to it.What marker?? It’s at the other side. Row 4 knit to marker,remove it and wrap-t? That would be the same one as before.
Pls help me understand this!!
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for reaching out, and I would be happy to clarify this pattern for you! There is only one stitch marker, and this is the one you place before doing the k1, wrp-t on Row 2, as you mentioned. Then, since you’ll now be moving in the opposite direction on Row 3, you’ll encounter the stitch marker right after the first stitch you knit, which is why Row 3 mentions “slipping stitch marker as you come to it.” On Row 4, you’ll knit up to this marker, which is nearly at the end of the row, remove it, and then work a wrp-t. On Row 5, you’ll begin working back in the opposite direction and place the stitch marker back on your needles after you knit just 1 stitch. In this way, the stitch marker moves one stitch further each time you move it, marking exactly where your next wrp-t is to be done!
I hope this helps you visualize this pattern!
All the best,
Lili
Hi. My pattern says “K to 4 sts past previous wrap, wt”. Do I knit the 4th stitch, then wt the next one? Or is the 4th stitch where I do the wt? The word “to” has me perplexed in this instance. Thanks!
Hi Robert,
Thanks for reaching out, and I agree that this wording isn’t super clear! I believe that the pattern is instructing you to knit 3 stitches past the wrapped stitch and then work the wrap + turn on the 4th one. But it’s difficult to tell without context! Would you be able to send us a copy of the pattern at [email protected]? That way, we could take a look at the bigger picture!
All the best,
Lili
I am knitting a sweater and have come to thr shaping of the neck. Could you please help me with these rows..What do I do?
Row 1: Continuing in established pattern K3 sts, W&T
Row 2: Keeping pattern P36, W&T
Row 3: Keeping pattern, K to wrap, pick up wrap and K with st., W&T
Row 4: Keeping pattern, P to wrap, pick up wrap and P with st, W&T
Every time you do a W&T do you always knit or purl to the end of the row every time?
Hi Linda,
Thanks for reaching out. Since these are all short rows, you will not be knitting or purling to the end of each row! Instead, you will be turning your work and continuing in the opposite direction as you begin the subsequent row. Hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
Greetings,
I have questions about the short row shaping/wrap and turn instructions in the Bandana Cowl pattern. First, it says “on the right side”, then goes through the procedure. Then it says “on the wrong side”, and details the procedure for the wrong side. Are you giving examples for 2 different scenarios, and we pick the one that matches whether we’re working on the right or wrong side and then proceed after that? Or are we supposed to do both of these procedures (right side and wrong side) back to back to complete the wrap and turn. I ask this because I’ve tried this over and over and still get stuck at Row 7, because when I do it, following the wrap and turn instructions slowly, word for word – the last part is to bring yarn to front, and turn the work so right side is facing me. After I do that, the yarn is in back. But the next thing is to purl, so I would move the yard in front as usual for purling, which kind of messes with my head because the yard being in back seemed to be what created the wrap.
Forgive me, I’m a newish knitter and still learning. Someone at my dear local yarn shop said this was an easy pattern but I keep getting stuck here. There’s something I’m missing.
Appreciate your advice. The pattern is so cute and I can’t wait to conquer the tricky part!
Cheers,
Dee Vogel
Santa Cruz, CA
Hi Dee,
Thanks for reaching out! Your first interpretation is correct. When you are on a right side row and have reached the point in the pattern that says “wrp-t,” then you will follow only the “on the right side” directions. Then, you can begin the following row, which will be a wrong side row. Once you reach the “wrp-t” on that row, you will follow only the “on the wrong side” directions instead!
At the point you’re getting stuck, you may be working the incorrect version. All odd-numbered rows are right side rows, in this pattern, so you should be working the “on the right side” version, which actually ends with “Turn work so wrong side is facing you.” Once the wrong side is facing you, your yarn will be in front, ready to purl across the next row!
I hope this helps, and please let me know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Lili
Could you please load this pattern onto YouTube, I cannot understand the short rows maintaining garter stitch, is one flap knitted one at a time?
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for reaching out. It looks like you’ve left a comment on a tutorial of ours, rather than a pattern page. Can you let me know what pattern you’re wondering about? I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about this pattern!
All the best,
Lili
I am having a very hard time with the videos. Would it be possible to turn the videos into WORDS?
Hi MJ,
If you scroll down on this page, you’ll be able to find our photo tutorial about this technique! In that version of the tutorial, we describe each step in words with an accompanying photo.
All the best,
Lili
I am knitting the half and half wrap.
I plan on doing German short rows.
Is there one knit stitch in between each wrap stitch or is it wrap every stitch on the wrong side.
Hope you understand.
Hi Diane,
Thanks for reaching out! In this pattern, each live stitch will be a double stitch (or wrapped, if you’re using wrap + turn short rows). There are no plain stitches between the double/wrapped stitches. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
Hello,
I am knitting Notched-Hem Tank Top and I’ve started the “Shape Back and Body” section. I’m knitting in the round, but I thought I placed the short rows 1-3 correctly,. However, no where in the next Decrease round 1 directions does it say to pick up the wrapped stitch. There are k2tog and ssk but they don’t line up with my wrapped stitches. Am I doing something wrong or should I keep going the the Next Round?
Hi Chris,
Thanks for reaching out! The start rows shape the back, while the decreases shape the body at the sides, so they should not line up. While it’s not noted in the pattern, you should be knitting (or purling) each wrapped stitch with its wrap when you come to it. Hope this helps!
All the best,
Lili
No need to publish this comment
How do I tell if I picked up the wrapped stitches??
I would suggest, since you refer knitters to the tutorial on short rows, so you must expect some beginners, that you put the instruction to “pick up” the wrapped stitch into the decrease row instructions. I thought the ssk and k2tog were the pick-ups! I’m at a loss — I guess I’ll just progress and mark the wraps next time and try my best. I don’t think I can tink the decrease and short rows to go back and start the section over
Hi Chris,
Once you’ve worked a wrapped stitch with its wrap, it should blend in completely with the surrounding stitches, so it’ll be hard to tell that it was there originally! We agree that the pattern should indicate that you should be picking up the wrapped stitches, so we’ll go ahead and edit the pattern to include that instruction. Thanks for bringing that to our attention!
All the best,
Lili
I am knitting Joji Locatelli’s Spector sweater and she lists a link to this page to explain the short rows for back shaping. However, she very explicitly states in her instructions that there is no need to pick up wrapped stitches. Do you have any idea why this is the case?
Hi Esther,
Thanks for reaching out. I’m not familiar with that pattern, but are the short rows worked in a section of garter stitch? If so, then the reason you don’t need to pick up the wraps is because they blend in with the purl bumps of garter stitch!
All the best,
Lili
Hi, there!!
Thank you so much for a great tutorial! I’m still having trouble with one of my current projects that involves doing wrap & turns and short rows on double pointed needles (it advises against using circular needles and doing the magic loop method). I’m using the Frog & Cast pattern for a knit frog and toad!
I’m currently in the chin-shaping section, which directs me (for Short Row 1) to: k10, place 21 previous stitches on waste yarn, removing all markers, k12, wrp-t.
I’m experiencing two problems here:
1) I’m not sure if I should be knitting these short rows across all three needles with the stitches dispersed, or whether I should place them all on the same needle to begin the wrap and turns.
2) I also am not sure what to do when I reach the end of a needle and there aren’t any stitches left to slip or knit from. I hope this isn’t as confusing for you as it is for me, but I apologize if I’m not making much sense! And please let me know if I can clarify an aspect of the pattern for you!
The wrap and turn techniques, as well as picking up wraps, I seem to have down, which is why I can’t figure out where I’m going wrong. Essentially, I would so appreciate any advice for handling short rows on DPNs because the only advice I can find applies to knitting flat or with circular needles. Thanks so much!!
Hi Sabine,
Thanks for reaching out, and I can definitely help answer your questions! Basically, the answer to both of them is: Treat your DPNs as if they were a continuous circular needle. In order to easily knit from DPNs, you can’t have too many stitches on any one needle (they should be as evenly dispersed as possible at all times), so you shouldn’t need to reorganize the stitches at all for this section. And if you reach the end of a needle and still have more stitches to knit, you can go onto the next needle! This is the same whether you are knitting short rows or normal rounds. Overall, DPNs are just a type of tool you can choose to use for circular knitting, and that will not affect the technique of short rows at all!
All the best,
Lili
I’m getting the half-and-half. It says to wrap and turn on the right side. I have that down but not as usual on the wrong side because it’s all garter stitch. Am I using allThe stitches on the needle or just the three at the end always? I’m really confused.
Hi Patti,
Thanks for reaching out! When working in garter stitch, all you need to follow are the instructions for short rows on the right side (of stockinette), with one small modification. I would recommend following the instructions included in the NOTES section of the Half + Half Triangles Wrap, and using the video tutorial just as a reference for the specific motions. Here’s what the note in the pattern says:
Keeping yarn in back, slip next stitch purlwise from left needle to right needle. Bring yarn to front. Return slipped stitch to left needle. Turn work so wrong side is facing you.
The slight difference between the instructions for the right side in the video and these instructions is that you don’t bring the working yarn back to the back before turning your work! This change makes sure that your working yarn is in the correct position to begin knitting on the next row of garter stitch.
In answer to your other question, you will not be wrapping and turning on the same stitch each time. Instead, you’ll actually be wrapping and turning on the stitch directly before it (for Triangle 1) or after it (for Triangle 2)! This ensures that each short row is either shorter (for Triangle 1) or longer (for Triangle 2) than the previous one, which creates the triangular shape of each section.
I hope this helps clarify things, and please let me know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Lili
I am trying to knit the foxglove vest . The instruction on this vest is doing MY HEAD IN.
I don’t understanding your instruction beyond Row 3 although I have been knitting complicated Aran pattern with cable for more that 40 years.
I understand Row 1 ,Row 2 and Row 3 perfectly well. I struck on Row 4 for the last 4 days.
On Row 4, It says slip 2 times knitwise knit to wrapped stitch, wrapped stitch with its wrap, * k3 (3,4,4,5)*, wrp-t.
So if I follow the instruction on Wrp-t (wrap and turn): up to where it say, “Bring the yarn to the back. Turn the work so the wrong side is facing you.” Can you please me how do I continue to do knit 4 (the bit I insert with * above) when I suppose to turn because once I turn it is a purl row? This bit of the instruction is very poor and unclear!
Hi Rita,
I’m so sorry to hear that Row 4 has been giving you such trouble, and I’m happy to help clarify! It sounds like you might be interpreting the instructions “work wrapped stitch with its wrap” as “wrp-t,” when they are actually different things. Working a wrapped stitch with its wrap is a way to resolve the wrapped stitch you created on a previous short row, which is different from working a wrp-t itself. We demonstrate how to work a wrapped stitch with its wrap around the 2:35 minute mark in our short row tutorial! Once you’ve worked this wrapped stitch with its wrap, you can then knit 4 stitches and work the wrp-t to complete the short row.
I hope this helps clear things up, but please let me know if any other questions come up as you knit!
All the best,
Lili
I am currently trying the baby garter stitch ear flap hat with peaked top. I know garter stitch is knit right and wrong sides, but this pattern calls for circular needles and knitting each row…however, with circular needles, I get a stockinette stitch finish. Shouldn’t I be knitting every other round in a purl stitch to get the garter stitch finish? And how does that affect the w&t stitches? Have a great grandchild due in January and would like the hat done to go with a matching blanket. Thanks for your help!
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for reaching out! This pattern actually does begin with some stockinette. The first 3 rounds are all knit, which creates a small stockinette border that will curl up when the hat is finished. Then, you’ll work the short rows knitting each row, which begins the garter stitch! After the short rows are complete, you will alternate knit and purl rounds to continue working in garter stitch. Hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
Hi,
I am knitting the Garter Ear flap Hat with wrap and turn rows for the ear flap…they look like a little cup when finished and don’t lie flat..have I done something wrong?
Hi Henrietta,
Don’t worry, you’re not doing anything wrong! Short row shaping tends to warp the knit fabric a little bit, since it causes the nearby full rows of knitting to be stretched over a further distance. It can be easily corrected during blocking though!
All the best,
Lili
I am knitting the garter ear flap hat and I understand the right side wrap-t , but I do not understand what to do on wrong side K2, wrp-t. Do I just turn and purl back?
Hi Pat,
Thanks for writing in! Since this pattern is worked in garter stitch, you won’t actually need to purl the stitches while working your short rows but instead you will just knit them. You also will not need to pick up those wrapped stitches as they will disappear into the fabric as a result of the ridges created by the garter stitch. I hope this helps but please let me know if you need any further assistance!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Thanks for your help , it did help. Now I have finished the left ear . Do I knit around the front of hat to 7 stitches before right ear marker?
Hi Pat,
Yes! To begin the Right Ear Flap of the Garter Ear Flap Hat, you will knit to 7 (8, 9, 10, 11, 12) stitches before Right Ear Flap marker and then work a wrp-t.
All the best,
Lili
Hi, I’m working on baby sweater. I’m shaping the back and shoulders but I don’t understand the instructions.
[purl to the next marker, sm] 3 times, working the wrapped stitch with its wrap as it comes to it.
Hi Nora,
Happy to help clarify these instructions! The phrase “[purl to the next marker, sm] 3 times” means that you just purl every stitch and slip each stitch marker as you pass it. I don’t know the full context of this pattern, but it sounds as though you only need to do this 3 times because there are 3 stitch markers. It also sounds like there are a few wrapped stitches on this row or round, so you just need to purl the wraps together with the wrapped stitches whenever you reach one. Our video tutorial demonstrates how to do this, but please let me know if you have any other questions!
All the best,
Lili
Hi. Can wrap and turns be done in ribbing. I am working on a bottom-up raglan sweater and would like to use short rows in the 1×1 ribbing to make the back ribbing wider.
Hi Deborah,
Thank you for writing in! You can definitely use wrap and turns in ribbing. Just be sure to knit in pattern (knit the knits and purl the purls) as you create your short rows and you should be good to go.
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Love the video, so easy to understand. I forgot to wrap a stich is there anyway to fix it without rippping back.
Hi Pat,
Thank you for writing in! The wraps are meant to help pull in the last stitch of the short row to avoid a gap between stitches. So if you have already skipped it then you might have a small gap in your work. This should be fine as long as you are happy with the fabric but one thing you can do once completing your project is to gently add a few duplicate stitches over this area. You could also weave the stitches together on the wrong side to help that fabric lay a little more comfortably. I hope this helps!
All the best,
Gavriella
I am having a terrible time getting the favorite pullover sweater started. The short row directions confuse me. I have started and torn out this sweater at least 6 times and really can’t face starting again! Can I substitute a different short row for the one in your pattern? I have been knitting for 62 years but just can’t seem to get this one. Bought the pattern on line and and don’t feel I can take it to my lys. Thank you in advance for your help.
Hi Cindy,
Thank you for writing in! Could you please send us an email with the details you are struggling with? You can send that to us at [email protected]. I wasn’t able to find a copy of the Favorite Pullover Sweater in our system so I’d to take a look at the short row instruction you are referencing so we can do our best to get you back on track!
All the best,
Gavriella
Before I delve into trying this on a sweater I want to practice. Can you provide a “pattern” for a practice swatch.
Hello,
Thanks for writing in! In general, I’d recommend practicing wrap + turn short rows on stockinette stitch, especially since that’s what we show in this tutorial. If your future sweater pattern uses a different stitch pattern though, then I’d recommend practicing on that next!
All the best,
Lili
I was thinking of something more along the lines of a 16×16 swatch with a few short rows added like your sample swatch pic but with the pattern written out to follow. Thanks!
Hi Barbara,
I’m afraid that we don’t have the time and resources to create a pattern for your swatch, we’re so sorry about that! Basically what you’ll need to do to create something like the swatch we show in the photo is to begin working in stockinette stitch, and then start working in short rows that get shorter each time, creating the domed shape.
All the best,
Lili
Thanks for the individual pics and description on each move. I always cringe when I see a pattern that calls for W&T. I will save this tutorial and be grateful every time I use it!
Hi, would the W&T instruction be the same if you knit continental?
Hi Jenny,
Yep, it would be the same! The only difference would be which hand you’re holding the working yarn in.
All the best,
Lili