knittingthestash Tutorial: Adding Short Rows to the Back Neck of a Sweater

[@pamelaivey4796]

This GSR explanation is the best I’ve seen. Thank you very much!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Pamela!

[@feliciameier1929]

Thank you SO much for this tutorial! It is exactly what I needed as I've never added them on my own without pattern. The video is extremely clear and very very helpful. Many thanks for doing this.

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Felicia!

[@christinecormick6104]

It makes it so much easier to understand when you are shown visually how to do something like this. Thank you so much

[@cookiesmith8545]

Thank you so much for this video. This is the first time I have understood how to do and why to do short rows on the back of the neck. It’s been extremely helpful. Again thank you!!!

[@knittingthestash]

that's so wonderful to hear! Thank you!

[@helenadias1960]

Same for me. Thanks.

[@patriciatufts4969]

I was going to say the same. You used your sweater through the process instead of just a swatch. I am so grateful to have found you.

[@iamvengeful]

Same! I keep finding HOW to do the actual short rows but it’s always on a test swatch and I never understood how it works on a larger piece, or why you do it!

[@karenberg4903]

I agree with all the comments. This video was fantastic and explained German short rows so clearly!! I've searched for hours, over the last 2 days, to find a video that explains the how & why of short rows, and your video fits the bill, perfectly!! THANK YOU so much🙏🥰

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much for your kind comment!

[@rogersbetsy]

This is such a clear explanation, thank-you so much! I've been trying to understand this for awhile and I now really get this and I'm ready to try it out.

[@kristyann9641]

This is the best German short row video ever! For the first time, while watching, I make perfect short row stitches without crazy gaps and weird stitches! Thank you!👍🏼

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Kristyann!

[@Seilsel]

Super good tutorial on short rows! Thank you for sharing your time and talents!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Leslie! Kind of you to say so :)

[@jenniferh8693]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. It was very easy to follow your instructions. ❤

[@ptoste1]

Wow! 🤩 I learned recently how to make short row but knitting in the round. Now you came and taught me how to knit them when our work is flat. Amazing 🤩 thank you so much for the excellent tutorial 🤩🙏🙏❤️❤️👏👏👏👏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@redwingedfiber1066]

The best tutorial I’ve seen explaining short rows! Thanks so much for sharing and taking us through the full process. I’ve been very confused with all the various techniques and instructions before this, but your instructions and video made it so clear. Thank you so much!

[@knittingthestash]

So happy to hear! Thanks!

[@candycep526]

Your instructions are simple and take the mystery out of german short rows. Thank you!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much, Candyce!

[@judithtaylor6916]

Ditto re Kristyann's comment. Your demo is so straightforward. Thank you.

[@wandab3843]

Thank you! I really needed to see short rows demonstrated on an actual project.

[@knittingthestash]

Excellent! Thanks for the kind comment, Wanda!

[@josimpson6185]

Various (difficult to understand) videos later I thankfully found you. You made it look so easy and it really was. Thank you so much.

[@knittingthestash]

Wonderful! Thanks, Jo!

[@laurencoogs]

Thank you so much! This is my first sweater. The directions were from the 1940s, and also assumed I'd had previous experience. (It literally said, 'shape the back of the neck.' Oh, okay...)

[@knittingthestash]

Ah ha! Well, this is excellent news. Thanks, Lee! Good luck with the sweater project!

[@cathypool7021]

Thank you so much and it's greatly appreciated that you have English directions, I wish you had a donation option.

[@knittingpoppy]

Great, thanks Melissa! So good to know how to work this out on any jumper. Glad you did German short rows too, so much easier I think. Much appreciated 🙏

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Louise! You are the official inspiration for the tutorial :)

[@knittingpoppy]

@@knittingthestash Well it certainly looks very popular, so that makes me very happy!.Thanks again, you are the best!

[@anapuzey6159]

Excellent instructions! I never done German short rows. You explained it very nicely and easy steps. Thank you so much!!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much!

[@kellylopez2735]

You are a great teacher. Thank you!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much, Kelly!

[@MartiGuinta]

Excellent tutorial. Easy to see, easy to understand. Nice pace. Thank you!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much!

[@Whistlewalk]

Thank you - I am literally in the middle of trying to figure that out in a top down, but this will help and could not have come at a better time.

[@jeanschumpelt4874]

THANK YOU...The explanation helped me fix a "top down sweater" that I had to tear out the collar and work bottom up....totally freaking me out since it was out of my ability...this clear it up and took all the stress out of it.

[@knittingthestash]

That's wonderful to hear! Thanks for the kind note, Jean, and good luck with your sweater :)

[@mariaanastasopoulos4910]

This is the clearest video explaining German short rows! I finally understand how to do them! Thank you so much for taking the time to break it down

[@knittingthestash]

Excellent! I'm so happy to hear this, Maria :)

[@lindapb6529]

You have no idea how helpful this is! Thank you so much for posting it. Especially, your comprehensive, but concise, overview before the knitting began. Thanks again :^)

[@knittingthestash]

Oh wonderful! Thanks for saying so, Linda!

[@CaroleVAnderson-n9r]

I have been looking for a sort of template on how to ad short rows when working from bottom up, as I have a knitted pan pattern that I want to to this with .... you have finally given me the way to do it... and the only one out of many searches..... Thank you so much..

[@carld9021]

You are a fabulous teacher. This makes short rows and their purpose very clear. Thank you for your videos!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much :)

[@maureenreed4965]

Thank you soooo much for this video. I have never understood short rows and have been afraid of them. You made it so easy!!

[@knittingthestash]

Hi Maureen, this is wonderful to hear! I hope you love adding the short rows to your next project :)

[@karenlewkowitz5858]

Thank you!! Your voice is a JOY to listen to🎉

[@Janet-ov7zx]

That's the clearest explanation of both how and why to use German short rows that I've seen, and I've prowled KZbin a plenty trying to figure that out. Thanks, Melissa! Janet

[@knittingthestash]

Oh how cool! Thanks, Janet :) :)

[@BBaxterSwank]

Thank you for providing this video about adding short rows in bottom up constructions. Because so many patterns are top down I wasn’t sure if there was a different way of including short rows in a bottom up pattern. I want to add short rows near the bottom of the back of the sweater to extend the hem at the back. I have done this successfully on a much bulkier top down sweater and now am clear that I can use the same process on the bottom up pattern.

[@meredithpottery]

Fantastic! You saved me...and my sweater!!! Thank you so much

[@knittingthestash]

Wonderful to hear! Enjoy the knit!

[@maureendennis8316]

This was so excellent for me. Never had done short rows and I was very confused. Fortunately ai found your video as I was at the same place with my sweater as you were with yours. You showed me how to mark 5 stitches and Five more fit shoulders. I will watch this a couple of more times but ai really have a grasp. I feel a huge burden off my shoulders as I was totally confused. Thank you so much, take care, Maureen from Calgary Alberta

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much, Maureen! What a kind comment. I wish you many happy knitting hours 🥰

[@audreyburman3023]

Thank you very much for a great video on adding short rows to the back of a sweater. I have been studying about how to knit sweaters, and this video may be of much assistance.

[@marianneriley1546]

Thank you so much 😊 you make the short row so clear to follow 💕

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks! So great to hear this!

[@mairwright2806]

Short rows making sense at last . Thank you 😊

[@knittingthestash]

Oh excellent :)

[@dorothywilliams8160]

Thank you for this video. It is very clear and easy to understand. I learned how to do them for a sweater I'm making but it was a struggle. This video would have given me more confidence doing the shaping.

[@jeanetteruschmeyer6092]

Nice clear explanation. Very helpful. Now I feel confident that I can do them in the new sweater pattern I am starting. Thank you so much.

[@knittingthestash]

Wonderful! Thanks, Jeanette!

[@janeelawless]

Super helpful, clear and thorough. Thank you!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much, Jane!

[@mrsclause0000]

Bravo! Video was clear and your oral instruction were spot on. Thank you so much.

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Teresa!

[@karenbradley4224]

Thank you for that tutorial. I have started my sweater no less than 3 times trying to get the short rows right before putting it aside. I think I will have to try it again

[@knittingthestash]

Ack--I feel your frustration! I hope it goes more smoothly this time around, Karen!

[@julieknitsandspins]

THANK YOU! watched many videos and yours clicked 😁 TY 🙏

[@knittingthestash]

so happy to hear, Julie! Good luck with your project!

[@goldogwolly]

Your explanation was so clear! Thank you!

[@lindariccardohenderson1656]

I appreciate your explanation of the concept and why short rows are use for sweaters. Thank you also for the theory behind placement of short row with the use of yarns. Please share how you like the use of bfl and silk.

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Linda! So far, I love the DK+silk: it has a great luster and strength. The true test will be in the wearing . . . I'll have to keep you all posted!

[@benmonette7593]

Awesome, such a great explanation. I've been trying to wrap my head around this technique for a while, I've watch a few videos and this is very clear and helpful! Thank you.

[@knittingthestash]

Excellent! Thanks for your kind words about the tutorial!

[@whataboutsarah1]

Best tutorial, I finally understand! Thank you so much ☺️

[@pampadovan6212]

Wonderfully well explained. Thank you for removing the mystery of short rows. I look forward to incorporating this in my current project.

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Pam! I'm so happy that this is helpful!

[@pathowes32]

Thanks Melissa, i am working on a sweater pattern with German short rows…my first experience. It is a top down pull over. Luckily i put in a life line before i started the German short rows. I got lost and had to rip back. Will attempt again in the AM❤️

[@hatlover6764]

Thank you for your clear and concise video. So much useful information and your zooming in to show how you resolve the double stitches was very helpful. Now I can freestyle the short rows on a sweater I'm knitting. Thank you.

[@knittingthestash]

Excellent! Thanks so much for your kind comment!

[@ooohlaa13]

Your calm and articulate details gives me confidence ... watched many tutorials but the yarn over technique bewildered me. Working on armhole cap sleeve which will really show so need to get it right. Thanx so much, first time visiting your channel.

[@knittingthestash]

Excellent! So glad to hear this is helpful. Thanks!!

[@sued.5698]

Thank you so much for being so generous with your knowledge of all things knitting. This is a super easy to understand tutorial on short row shaping.

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Sue!

[@barbarah5756]

This was so great, thanks! It answered my questions about purling the short row stitch, which was always where I ran into trouble. Very easy to understand and follow.😍

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much, Barbara! I'm so glad it was helpful :)

[@lilladevihargoon9078]

Greetings thank you for this video very helpful. This is something new to me very interesting. Much appreciated. Sending lots of love.

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much for your kind comment!

[@noradavid8275]

Excellent instructor! Thank you! This will be my reference ☺

[@marjaramage478]

Very clear instructions. I needed this. Thank you.

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Marja!

[@angelaoreilly7062]

Great tutorial thank you so much - I've watched so many GSR videos but this is the only one that's made any sense, so clear and showing the process in full thank you.

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Angela!

[@annegallant2786]

Thank you for a great tutorial ... I “get it” now!

[@knittingthestash]

awesome!! Thanks, Anne!

[@navaneethamprakasam5048]

Wow, great explanation and teaching skills

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much!

[@peachieangie]

This video literally saved my sweater 😭😭 THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

[@knittingthestash]

So wonderful to hear, Angela! Knit on!

[@tinekejoldersma]

You and Chanti of Expression Fiber Arts just did both a tutorial of German short rows at the same time. What a clarity in your tutorial. As I am not a native English knitter, I use a different knitting vocabulary, I was wondering what the heck German short rows were. I am happy with you and Chanti! Makes working from English patterns a little easier. Thanks for that

[@knittingthestash]

Excellent and thanks so much, Tineke! BTW, I'm going to have a go at pronouncing that yarn again on an upcoming episode . . . wish me luck!

[@tinekejoldersma]

@@knittingthestash Dutch is a difficult language, if you speak it though all Germanic rooted languages become easier. Lot's of Latin and old Germanic in it. You manage. XD

[@dianathorpe2280]

Thank you so much. You really explained this so well. I will definitely be using this technique on my Rusty Cardigan.

[@knittingthestash]

Awesome, Diana!

[@lizwilliams8406]

This was so helpful and easy to understand. Thanks

[@aeastman59]

this has been something that has baffled me and now I have a much clearer idea how to do it, thanks so much, you are a good teacher! I think Ive seen some patterns start the short rows at the front of the neck and go all the way around the back to the other side of the neck, etc.... in what case would that be needed? I wonder if you would ever do a class that we could purchase, I think that would be great! I have knit 4 sweaters but theres still some mystery to some parts of knitting them at times. thank you Melissa! Oh and buttonbands are another baffling thing for me... I have had my Rusty cardigan on a needle waiting to start the buttonbands for several months now, Im not sure if I picked up too many or not enough stitches and its hard to see with the dark chocolate yarn I have so Ive been procrastinating... 🤭 dont want a wobbly or too tight buttonband

[@knittingthestash]

Great idea on the button bands, Amanda--I'll add it to my list! And yes, you could use short rows around the neck to raise a circular collar (like a shawl collar, for example) I have always liked that technique :) As for the button band: go for picking up every 2/3 or 3/4 stitches on the way up and you should be golden! And, when you bind off, consider a stretchy BO that won't pull the bands in. I usually mix a regular BO with a super stretchy BO every few stitches for a nice effect :)

[@lindarose712]

Fantastic tutorial: pace, visuals, considerations explained - this empowered me to add german short row shaping to the back of a piece just as described! Thanks, Melissa!🌱🧶💕

[@knittingthestash]

Thank so much, Linda!

[@cisaak6368]

This came at the perfect time. The sweater I’m working on for the Out-of-My-League KAL has short rows on the back of the neck but the instructions are a bit minimal. It’s helpful to actually see it done. Thanks!

[@knittingthestash]

Excellent! Thanks for saying so!

[@lynntimmer1620]

Such a clear and useful tutorial! Thank you! I've only done wrap-and-turn at the back neck, but I like the way this looks. I will definitely use this in the future! Stay warm during our polar vortex days!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Lynn! We're warm inside and keeping the pups warm, too. Hoping for warmer walking weather next week! I hope you're well!

[@Enig_Mata]

Thanks for this demonstration. I'm currently working on GSR for a bottom-up sweater and this made the process a lot easier to understand.

[@tahliaj79]

Such a great video! I've watched lots of videos on German short rows. I've worked them in socks following a pattern. But it was great seeing them applied to sweater knitting and how the work out. I've only used wrap and turn and haven't liked the results. Thank you!

[@knittingthestash]

Awesome, Tahlia! I am not a fan of W&T, either . . . but these German short rows are the best :)

[@SewRunKnit]

Thank you, Melissa. I wanted to watch this video because I am trying to incorporate short rows in a shawl collar on a shrug. I agree with everyone before me who said that this tutorial was very helpful. Additionally, I have a copy of one of the sweater design books that you suggested and I will be reading up on short rows in the collar there too. I will be sure to bookmark this tutorial as I know I will be returning to it again. I also liked the sound of the markers dragging across the counter when you turned. It was a little audio queue, probably one that was unintentional but meaningful.

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Suzanne! You always have something kind to say :) And I'm so glad you're working on those short rows--they'll make a world of difference!

[@jacquelineslavich9594]

I found your excellent tutorial just in time. I have been knitting for grandson and the pattern used wrap and turn and instead of 5 stitches apart, it was done on the next stitch, making a puckery section in the knitting. Have undone and completed it your way with great result. Many many thanks

[@knittingthestash]

Wonderful to hear, Jacqueline! Thanks for the kind message. And congrats on a new sweater for your grandson :)

[@shoelessmonk1941]

You’ve helped so much ! I got it. Now I have to work this a few times for practice.Thanks again.You made this so clear. 🤗. keep safe everyone.

[@knittingthestash]

Excellent! Thanks for the kind comment!

[@paulemoi]

That was beautifully thorough... I was working on a project as I was watching and I was able to follow along and complete it successfully... thank you!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks so much, Paule!

[@harmonywilliams6577]

This is a great video! You explain it so well. This video will definitely be saved for later use! Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge! 🌺

[@knittingthestash]

Thank you, Harmony! Appreciate your kind words :)

[@rachelraye285]

Watched this again and it was such a great help with a pattern I am doing!! You are amazing!!!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks SO much, Rachel!

[@bejai1962]

Thank you so much for this explanation. I think you've answered the question I've sought for years, but I'd like to be sure. It seems you are saying that typically: -All short rows start 5 stitches in from the edge of the shoulder seam -Then every work over to 5 sts on the other end and repeat -I only have to do a total of six turns, 3 on each side of the center Depending on gauge and yarn weight, or creativity, I can do more or less turns and increase the number of stitches in between. I know this is a lot of info, sorry for that. I hope you do respond and tell if I've finally gotten it right. Like so many, I've spent countless hours trying to get this right so I can make my own sweaters properly.

[@knittingthestash]

Hi Bernadette--just getting back to comments on this video, so apologies for the delay! Answers to your questions aren't going to be simple. It really depends on your sweater construction and gauge. In this case, I started about 1" from the shoulder seams and worked as many (short) rows as needed to make up about 1-1.5" of fabric. I hope that helps! I found designers such as Isabell Kraemer's patterns are a great place to look for how GSR work on a variety of gauges and styles. If you're working top down, the method is slightly different, but has similar principles.

[@definitelynotafox6262]

trying to apply this to flax light. this is my first time knitting a sweater! thank you for this video!

[@knittingthestash]

so glad it was helpful!

[@valerieperialas3998]

Pure artistry! And I learned a lot.

[@knittingthestash]

aww, thanks :)

[@cecile3414]

I love how clear this explanation is! I'm knitting a raglan bottom-up, and I'm wondering where I should start my short rows? Just on the back, or should I include part of each sleeve too?

[@knittingbandit8493]

Thank you, so clearly and slowly explained,

[@knittingthestash]

So glad to hear it was helpful!

[@yoyou3848]

Talented or WHAT‼️‼️‼️🥳

[@knittingthestash]

:)

[@mytrueserenity5666]

Many thanks, Melissa! This was very helpful to understand how this works. You mentioned folks using different ratios depending on gauge, yarn weight used, etc. Do you know of a good resource to read a bit more about these ratios? Also, any plans for showing how to work these short rows for a topdown sweater in the round such as a yoke or raglan?

[@knittingthestash]

Ahh, all great ideas! I'll add them to the tutorial list :) If I find a ratio resource, I'll let you know!

[@jackiedickinson1462]

Brilliant. Finally cleared the fog on German Short Rows. As an English knitter like yourself, I would be interested to see how you handle colours in colourwork.

[@knittingthestash]

Great idea, Jackie! I will add to the tutorial list. I use both hands and work the color in my left hand (usually the contrast color) using the continental method :)

[@jackiedickinson1462]

knittingthestash. Thanks SO much for your prompt reply! You explain so clearly. Appreciated. ❤️

[@dig4info]

Thank you very much for this clear tutorial.

[@knittingthestash]

:) thanks for your kind comment!

[@carrielamont7228]

Excellent Video!! Loved it and learned so much, thank you for taking the time to show this.

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Carrie! Happy it's helpful :)

[@emmari0601]

❤❤❤ Love your explanation and relaxed and kind instructions! I am nearly done with a very long og big raglan top to bottom sweater for my love and there was no extra rows in the back, sadly... I have knitted afterthought socks and wonder if I should try a german short row afterthoght? Can it be done? Hmmm... Has anyone tried to do this?

[@lolainma3218]

Beautifully explained and demonstrated. I I’m knitting a top down raglan … how far from the end of turtleneck rows should I begin short rows? Approximately in inches down?

[@carolynhennessey1957]

Your explantation was great about how to do the short rows, thank you! My only question is how did you determine how many stitches to space your stitches (increments of 5)? I’m assuming it was because your shoulders had 15 stitches and you wanted 6 rows which was about an inch of fabric. Maybe I missed this? Can you have different increments based on gauge and how deep of short row fabric?

[@zoya_rai]

Great tutorial, very helpful....Thanku❤️✌️

[@knittingthestash]

Thank you!

[@aurorarayon1846]

Question: since the short rows are giving the shoulders a slight slant, will it matter that the front does not have a matching slant ? And thank you. That was a very clear explanation.

[@rachelraye285]

This was perfect! Great job explaining

[@catherine3611]

So helpful, thank you so much!

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Catherine!

[@noamigalindo190]

Such a big help thank you so much 😊

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks for the kind comment, Naomi!

[@jeansavoy6046]

Thanks so much. Very easy to understand

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Jean!

[@nz-nz]

My query is…. With “yoke” sweaters, I often see a bulge in the collarbone area (chest). Why does this happen??? I’m not conversant with sweaters and I’d like to understand how to avoid this.

[@MikiCrespo]

Excellent tutorial, thanks so much for sharing 💗

[@knittingthestash]

Thanks, Maria!

[@barbaraswitzer4696]

Thank you very much. Great tutorial ❤️

[@knittingthestash]

Wonderful, Barbara!

[@aileenanderson587]

Thanks so much for this! ❤

[@mikyrosenblum1240]

Thank you it is very helpful!

[@knittingthestash]

So glad to hear! Thanks, Miky!

[@anhu8528]

This has been very helpful! Can you explain if this would work on a top down sweater that starts out with ribbing for the collar?

[@knittingthestash]

Hi An, You can absolutely add short rows to a top down sweater, but you'll want to do so after the collar and before (or possibly just after) any design on the yoke.

[@snowfall7557]

@@knittingthestash hummm - on a top down sweater, would you start with (e.g.) 5 rows from the center stitch marker to the left, five to the right, next row 10 (on both sides of the center back marker), then 15, 20...? Or would you start with 20, then 15, then 10, and so on?

[@knittingthestash]

@@snowfall7557 off the top of my head, I would work these similarly: with wider bands to begin and moving to smaller runs. But I've actually worked short rows both ways (on a bottom up sweater) and they seemed just fine :)

[@snowfall7557]

@@knittingthestash Thank you Melissa!

[@juliecorbeil9060]

Hi thank you for your video. I have a question. I’m doing a shawl collar on a cardigan with short rows for the back of the neck. Every time I reach the specified number of stitches I turn my work, bring yarn forward and slip stitch then pull on yarn on right needle to create the double stitch. Does that slipped stitch count as my first stitch of the next ro or do I then start counting like rib next 34?