Learn how to work German short rows

Learn how to work German short rows

This nifty technique is a great alternative to the classic wrap-and-turn short row. Follow our easy-to-understand instructions, which include photos for each stage, and you’re sure to have success!

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Helen Spedding

Published: April 29, 2024 at 9:10 am

Short rows are often used to shape pieces of knitting. Instead of working to the end of every row, you work back and forth over small areas to add extra fabric.

This technique can be used to give more height at the back neck of sweaters, or to create shaped hems. It’s also used to make three-dimensional bust shaping and sock heels, or to create shaping or colourwork effects in shawls.

The wrap-and-turn method is perhaps the most familiar method of short row shaping, but many knitwear designers are increasingly choosing the German short row method instead. It’s easy to work and remember, and can be less visible in the finished fabric. Our walk-through below explains how to work this method.

We’ve concentrated on the English method of knitting and purling, so if you prefer using the Continental method or Norwegian purl, we recommend watching the excellent video produced by Anniken Allis.

You will need:

  • Any size knitting needles
  • Yarn of your choice

How to set up German short rows

Step 1

Set up your German short rows by working a few rows of any width (or following you pattern if using one) up until the point you turn. Then turn your work, leaving the remaining stitches unworked on your right-hand needle.

German short rows tutorial – step 01

 

Working German short rows on a purl row

Step 1

Slip the first stitch on the left-hand needle, purlwise with the yarn in front, going from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle.

How to knit German short rows – Step 02

Step 2

Pull the working yarn firmly up and away from you towards the back of the work. This will pull up and tighten the slipped stitch, giving it a double ‘leg’ which makes it look like a strange double stitch.

The abbreviation DS is typically used to describe this ‘double stitch’ in knitting pattern instructions, and it is counted as one stitch.

How to knit German short rows – Step 03

Step 3

Maintaining a firm tension on the yarn, bring the yarn back between the needles and purl the next stitch.

It will look like there are three loops – the initial slipped stitch, and the first purled stitch. Continue to purl to the end of the row.

How to knit German short rows – Step 04

Working German short rows on a knit row

Step 1

Bring the yarn between the needles to the front of the work.

How to knit German short rows – Step 05

Step 2

Slip the first stitch on the left-hand needle, purlwise with the yarn in front, going from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle.

How to knit German short rows – Step 06

Step 3

Pull the working yarn firmly up and away from you towards the back of the work. This will pull up and tighten the stitch, and give it a double ‘leg’ (DS).

How to knit German short rows – Step 07

Step 4

Maintaining a high tension on the yarn, knit the next stitch. It will look like there are three loops – the initial slipped stitch, and the first knitted stitch. Continue to knit to the end of the row.

How to knit German short rows - Step 08

Resolving the double stitches in German short rows

Step 1

When working a row that has a double stitch on it, or if your pattern instructions tell you to work to within a certain number of stitches of the last double stitch, you will be able to spot where the double stitch is as there will be a slightly bigger gap to the left of it, and the slipped stitch will look like a double stitch. 

How to knit German short rows - Step 09

Step 2

When you come to work a double stitch (DS), treat it as a single stitch and either purl both legs of the double stitch together…

How to knit German short rows - Step 10

Step 3

… or knit them together.

How to knit German short rows - Step 11

Step 4

If you’re following a pattern, it should indicate which method to use to resolve your double stitches.

 

Short rows for socks

If you’re someone who knits up a lot of socks, then you should definitely take a look at our dedicated short rows for sock heels tutorial.

 

Now it’s time to practise your German short rows

The German short row technique can be a bit tricky to get right, so don’t be discouraged if it is a little lumpy and bumpy the first time you try. It’s a good idea to knit a little swatch first so you can try this technique a few times before you give it a go on your latest project. But the most important thing is to have fun with it, and enjoy using (and showing off) your new German short row skills.

Try a different technique with Gathered!

If you don’t get on with this method, or want to expand your repertoire, try our wrapless short rows tutorial too.

Close up of shoulder of a knitted jumper demonstrating wrapless short rows

Helen Spedding

Operations Editor, The Knitter

As Operations Editor of The Knitter, Helen makes sure that everyone works together to produce the best magazine they can – and that they hit their deadlines! As well as keeping the magazine running smoothly day-to-day, she sources all the latest stories for the news section, writes features, interviews top designers, and checks every word that makes it into print. When she gets a spare minute, Helen enjoys reading knitting books and blogs, and working on her own projects. Her first love is lace, but she’s also on a mission to improve her stranded colourwork so she can cast on more Fair Isle projects from her favourite designers, Kate Davies and Mary Henderson.
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