Beginner Guides
How to Use Stitch Markers, Row Counters, and Other Handy Accessories
Mastering Short Rows in Knitting
Short rows are an essential technique in knitting that allow you to create curves, angles, and three-dimensional shapes in your fabric without binding off. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about short row knitting.
Key Concepts of Short Row Knitting
What Are Short Rows?
Short rows are partial rows of knitting where you turn your work before reaching the end of the needle, creating extra fabric in specific areas of your project.
- Wrap and Turn (W&T)
- The most common short row method where you wrap the working yarn around the next stitch before turning your work
- German Short Rows
- A method that creates a double stitch instead of wrapping, often preferred for its neat appearance
- Japanese Short Rows
- Uses a removable marker and yarn loop to create the turning point
Short Row Techniques
Basic Wrap and Turn Method
- Knit to the turning point
- Slip next stitch purlwise
- Bring yarn to front (for knit) or back (for purl)
- Slip stitch back to left needle
- Turn work and continue
Picking Up Wraps
When you return to a wrapped stitch on subsequent rows:
- Insert needle under the wrap from front to back
- Knit the wrap together with the stitch
Common Applications
- Shaping shoulders in sweaters
- Creating sock heels
- Adding bust darts
- Forming curved shawl edges
- Building three-dimensional elements like animal snouts
Troubleshooting Short Rows
- Visible holes at turning points
- Ensure wraps are picked up tightly and worked together with their stitches
- Uneven tension
- Practice consistent wrap tightness; German short rows may help
- Lost wraps
- Use stitch markers to identify turning points
Final Thoughts
Short rows open up endless possibilities in knitting design. While they may seem intimidating at first, with practice they’ll become second nature. Start with simple projects like hat crowns before moving to complex garment shaping.
“Short rows are the secret weapon in a knitter’s toolkit – they transform flat fabric into sculptural art.”
— Clara Parkes, The Knitter’s Book of Yarn
