Knitting Short Rows: Add Shape and Length with This Technique

Knitting short rows is a great technique to add shaping or length to a project. Short rows are simply extra rows that are shorter than the rest of the knitted rows of the garment. Knitted short rows can be added in almost anywhere in a garment to change the fit or add some contour. Here are a few ways to incorporate knitting short rows into your next home-made garment.

Knitting short rows: Why they are useful

Adding short rows to your knitted garment improves the fit by shaping the fabric to the contour of the body. Knitting short rows can be used to customize the fit of a garment for a certain person's body shape. Short rows are also useful in giving a three-dimensional shape to an otherwise flat piece of clothing.

Knitting short rows: Bust area

Bust darts are another good use of short row knitting. These are small triangles of extra fabric that are added in under the arms of a garment. Using bust darts stops the garment from hiking up under the arms and gives extra room in the bust area. If adding short rows under the arms makes the knitted garment bunch up, try adding the knitted short rows to the front of the garment instead. This eliminates the need for additional fabric in the underarm area and makes a pocket to hold the bust.

Knitting short rows: Waist and torso

The most common places to use short row knitting are in the torso or waistline of a garment. Knitted garments with uniform rows may create an excess of fabric around the waist. This can cause unsightly bulges in the midsection area, which is not flattering on any body type. Throwing in a few short rows of knitting can ease the tension in the waistline of the garment and eliminate these bulges. The torso area may need a selection of short rows in the back to prevent it from appearing uneven and riding up the person's back as they move.

Knitting short rows: Neckline

A garment's neckline and collar can also benefit from some knitted short rows. To fix a neckline that sits too low on the back of the garment, knit several short rows across the back of the neck. This raises the neckline and makes a raised edge that is seamless. Knitting short rows around the neck also gives the shoulder area a more natural shape and contour. Shawl collars may also need a few knitted short rows added into the inside edge to help them lay down properly.