What is German Short Rows?

German Short Rows (often abbreviated to GSR) is a technique used to add extra height in parts of your knitting. This is called "short rows" because you turn the knitting before you have reached the end of the needle. GSR is known for providing an almost invisible transition where you turn.

Why use GSR?

  • Shaping: Used to make the neck higher in the back than in the front.
  • Heels: One of the most popular methods for knitting heels on socks.
  • Sloped shoulders: Gives a perfect fit on the shoulders.
  • No holes: The special "double stitch" closes the hole that would otherwise occur when turning.

How to do it (The Turn)

The secret behind GSR is how you handle the first stitch after you have turned. We call this making a double stitch.

Tutorial: Step-by-step

  1. Knit to the turn point: Knit the number of stitches the pattern says, and turn the whole knitting so that you have the other side facing you.
  2. Make the double stitch: With the yarn in front of the needle, slip the first stitch purlwise.
  3. Pull back: Pull the yarn over the top of the needle and tighten well backwards. You will see the stitch below being pulled up over the needle, so it looks like you have two stitches in one. This is your double stitch.
  4. Knit onwards: Continue knitting the rest of the row as usual.
  5. Knit over the double stitch: When you later come back to the double stitch, treat the two strands as one stitch. Insert the needle through both strands at the same time and knit them together.

Important reminder

The most critical point is to tighten enough when you make the double stitch. If you are too careful here, a small hole or a loose stitch might occur in the finished garment. Pull the yarn until you see the two "legs" of the stitch clearly.

See how it's done

Sometimes it's easier to see the technique in action. Here is a good video showing German Short Rows step-by-step:

Video from Sandnes Garn