How to Do Short-Row Knitting

Knitting a short row is useful when you're creating garments with shoulders or sock toes. This technique is also used when you want to make darts or ruffles in a design. Because this technique is more complicated, it's generally learned by the more advanced knitter who has a firm grasp on the knit and purl techniques.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Take some plain yarn and stitch several rows that are 20 stitches long. Knit one row and purl one row until you have three or four rows completed.

2. Start the first short row by knitting only 15 stitches instead of 20. Pull the yarn forward like you're going to purl, and then slip it to the next stitch. Then pull the yarn as if you're going to knit. Finally, turn the knitting around.

3. Make the next row by slipping the first stitch on the left-hand needle, and then purl the next 10 stitches. Move the yarn back like you're going to knit, and then slip the next stitch. Again, move the yarn forward as if you're going to do a purl stitch. Turn the knitting around to begin the next row.

4. Knit until you get to the wrapped stitch (the first stitch in the previous row). Then knit the stitch you slipped in the previous row and wrap it around to create one stitch. This will prevent any holes from showing up in your knitting. Continue to the end of the entire row, and then turn the knitting.

5. Purl this row until you return to the wrapped stitch again. Purl this stitch and wrap it to create one stitch. Again, this will prevent any holes from showing and will go back to your original start of knit one row, purl one row. Continue with the purl technique until you get to the end of the row.

Tips & Warnings

• This short-row technique is useful when creating extra rows in a sweater that will prevent the sweater from riding up while you're wearing it.