Mastering Short Rows in Knitting: Wrap & Turn, German Short Rows and Knit-sis Tips

Do you love knitting but short rows sometimes give you cold sweats 😅? Between wrap & turn , German short rows and invisible increases, it's easy to get lost. Don't panic! Today, we're sharing our best tips, tested on dozens of projects , to ensure your short rows are perfectly neat and even. Even if you're a beginner, we promise you'll get there!

Why Short Rows Are So Useful

Short rows allow you to create elegant shapes and precise volumes without having to knit in classic back-and-forth rows. They are essential for:

▪️ Rounded or sloping shoulders

▪️ Sock heels

▪️ Rounded vest fronts

▪️ Sweaters or vests with asymmetrical shapes

💡 Takeaway : Mastering this technique adds a level of sophistication to your Knit-sis projects, like the Cardichou vest or the Strippie sweater .

Wrap & Turn: the classic method

Wrap & turn is the most common technique for short rows.

How to do it:

1️⃣ Knit to the point where you want to turn

2️⃣ Wrap the thread around the needle

3️⃣ Turn your work and start knitting in the other direction

💡 Lenny's Tip : Always pull the thread tightly around the needle, otherwise you'll have a small visible hole. For an ultra-clean finish, we recommend looking at our top-down raglan patterns, like the Festi vest , where this technique is used.

German Short Rows: for results without holes

German short rows are a little more technical, but they offer a smooth, hole-free finish.

Key steps:

1️⃣ Slip the knitting stitch onto the right needle

2️⃣ Pass the thread in front or behind depending on the row

3️⃣ Take the stitch back by gently pulling it to hide the gap

💡 Remember : This technique is perfect for sweaters or cardigans with fitted shapes , such as the Splashie sweater or the Marguerite vest .

Our tips for perfect shortened rows

▪️ Choose the right technique : Wrap & Turn to start, German Short Rows for a smooth finish

▪️ Use markers to mark your towers

▪️ Pull the thread just right to avoid holes

▪️ Experiment on a sample before applying it to your project

📌 Keep it handy : Download our short row cheat sheet and add it to your Pinterest board: perfect for your next projects!

Knit-sis patterns to practice with

If you want to put your new skills into practice , here are our suggestions:

▪️ Cardichou Vest – easy and soft top-down raglan

▪️ Strippie Sweater – cheerful, knitted in the round

▪️ Festi Vest – modern, accessible for all levels

Bonus: Lenny & Louise tips to avoid making mistakes

1️⃣ Mark your rounds with pins or contrasting thread

2️⃣ Repeat the sample : 10 trial rows are better than unraveling an entire sweater

3️⃣ Watch our video tutorials on Instagram and Pinterest to see every move

💬 “Here’s the cable trick I wish I’d ​​discovered sooner!” – share it with your knitting friends 💖

Conclusion: Mastering shortened rows becomes a game

With a little practice, your short rows will no longer be a hindrance but an asset to your creative projects. Start with a simple project, then move on to more complex Knit-sis patterns.

✨ Our suggestions for taking action :

▪️ Discover the Cardichou cardigan and try out your first shortened rows

▪️ Join our newsletter to receive exclusive tutorials

▪️ Follow our Pinterest boards to save all your knitting tips