Short Rows are Great!

For some reason, beginner/intermediate knitters are scared of short rows. All that wrapping and turning, it just makes them nervous. Are you one of those people? With this post (and my article in Holla Knits Warm Weather Accessories) I hope to change your mind!

There are so, so many awesome projects that utilize short rows. If you don't believe me, scroll through the Ravelry search here for short row patterns! I mean really, how cool are all those shapes and curves and color blocks and stripes.

Here are two of mine:

Short row tutorial posts are plentiful on these here Internets, so I'm linking to a good one to get you familiar with the mechanics.

Once you've got the basics down (and really, it's not that hard!), it's time to get creative. In my article, I demonstrate how to turn a 4-sided geometric shape into a knitted piece.

A shape to knit

Maths! 

Victory!

These shapes can then be linked together to form a scarf, a blanket, a shawl, pillowcase, sweater, poncho, stuffed animal... the possibilities are endless. Short rows open up a new world of multi-dimensional knitting and designing. You are no longer limited to a rectangle!

If you haven't tried knitting short rows before, I hope you'll give them a try. Go forth and create!

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The Holla Knits blog tour continues...

May 18: Holla Knits Warm Weather Accessories Issue LaunchMay 19: The Sweatshop of Love / Knitted Bliss – kit giveaway, issue giveaway
May 20: Ruby Submarine – fringe tutorial
May 21: Handmade by Stefanie – pattern and yarn giveaway

May 26: Doog Knits – kit giveaway
May 28: Canary Knits – issue giveaway
May 29: Laura Reinbach – pattern giveaway

June 1: Gynx Yarns Podcast – pattern and yarn giveaway
June 2: Ruby Submarine – issue giveaway
June 4: Rock and Purl – giveaway

June 8: Handmade by Stefanie – Take 5
June 9: Hands Occupied – issue giveaway