Tutorials >
Knit > Short Rows
Short Rows are useful for making soft curves or darts in fabric. They
are rows that are only partially worked before turning.
For Example: If a row has 20 sts, a short row would work
only 15 of those 20 sts
A few things you need to do when working a short row:
- You must wrap the next stitch before turning a short row in order to avoid
a hole and to create a smooth transition in the work.
- When working the row following a wrapped stitch, you need to hide the wrap
by "picking it up".
The techniques required for short row shaping are pictured below.
Wrapping a Stitch (knit shown):
 |
Step 1: Work the row for the specified
number of stitches: purl or knit. |
 |
Step 2: Slip the next stitch purl wise. |
 |
Step 3: Bring yarn between the needles to
the Right Side (facing side) of the work and slip the same stitch to the
left hand needle.
|
 |
Step 4: Bring yarn to wrong side (opposite side)
of work. Turn. Purl or knit the next stitch as specified.
|
Picking up Wraps:
When working the row following a wrapped stitch, you must hide the wrap.
 |
Knitting a Wrapped Stitch: Insert the needle
from the bottom to the top, front to back into the wrap, then knitwise into
the stitch itself. Knit the wrap and the stitch together. |
 |
Purling Wrapped Stitch: Insert the needle
from the bottom to the top, back to front into the wrap, then purlwise into
the stitch itself. Purl the wrap and the stitch together. |