A thing about short rows...

"What are short rows and how do you do them?"  Its a question we get a lot at the shop.  Well, simply put, it is a technique in which you create a flair or wedge shape by turning your knitting and working back along a row before you have reached the end of the row.  It looks and can seem intimidating but, once you try it a few times, you will realize, theres nothing to it!

For (a very simple) example, say you have 18 stitches:

You can create a 'short row' by only knitting across the first 15 stitches.  Now, go ahead and turn your work and knit back!

 

Next, only knit the first 12, turn and knit back.

Keeping in this format (in this case, working in increments of 3) repeat this until you have knit the first 3 and turned back.  You have now worked short rows across all your stitches.

Notice the 3 stitch 'bundles' on your needle?  That comes from a little space created by turning your work 3 stitches before your last turn.  In other cases, you may only work in 1 stitch increments, so you will have spaces between each stitch.  Dont worry!  Its SUPPOSED to look that way!

Now you can knit back across all of your stitches!  Notice how there is a wedge or triangle shape to your work?

Its that simple.  You can also go the other way, working only the first 3, then knit back, then the first 6, then knit and so on.

I was inspired to share this with you by my most recent project, Petite Facile, which I knit for my dear 17 month old daughter.  It seemed (and did prove to be) a fast, easy little sweater and a great way to feature a sweet little button I had coveting for a while now.  As I began this project I didn't realize at the time that the sleeves were made using a 'short row' technique.  I have never done sleeves this way but was excited to see how it would come together.  The construction overall is very unique yet not difficult, knit from the bottom back and up over the shoulders.  It was a new way to approach a classic looking pullover design.  

If you want to try some short rows yourself, there are some easy beginner friendly patterns out there.  For example, Wingspan is a very simple and basic short row shawl.  I am currently working on one in Rowan Kidsilk Haze Stripe available in our shop.  The shawl will be on display soon!  There are also the Short Row Ruffle Scarf, Triangle/Short Row Scarf, or Shortrows Sideways Hat!  OR if you're feeling particularly saucy and adventurous try a Color Affection Shawl or a Vitamin D Cardi!!