How to Knit Short Rows

Tutorial Overview

There are a few different ways to work 'short rows' in knitting. For this tutorial we'll show you the 'wrap and turn' method used to create heels in socks, booties and even homeware accessories.

Instead of knitting a complete row, you'll stop before reaching the end of your current row, then turn your work to knit back along the row. This leaves the other part of the row unworked, therefore creating 'short' knitted rows.

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Step-by-step guide

Step 1:

To start, follow your pattern until you reach the stitch at which you need to turn your project.

Step 2:

Slip the next stitch from your left needle to your right needle.

Step 3:

Bring the yarn to the front of your work. Then slip the stitch back from your right to your left needle.

Step 4:

Now turn your work by swapping the right and left needles in your hands, the other side of your work will now be facing you.

The next row you knit will be shorter than previous rows in your project.

Top Tip

Short rows can be worked in combination with many stitch patterns, such as garter stitch, moss stitch, and stocking stitch. Be sure to follow your pattern instructions, which will tell you whether to knit, or purl when working short rows.

Step 5:

You may be required to work further short rows following your pattern. Keep an eye on how many stitches to work before turning.

Step 6:

Let's look at the next 'wrap and turn' section on our swatch: Knit until you reach the stitch at which you'll turn.

Step 7:

Slip the next stitch from your left needle to your right needle.

Step 8:

Then slip the stitch back, from your right needle to your left needle.

Step 9:

Now turn your work by swapping the right and left needles in your hands, the other side of your work will now be facing you.

Step 10:

You can see how one side of your project is growing more than the other, thanks to the short rows you've created.

You can now knit short rows!

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