DROPS Belle
DROPS Belle
53% Cotton, 33% Viscose, 14% Linen
from 2.15 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 8.60$.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Super Sale

About Spring

Knitted top in DROPS Belle. The piece is worked bottom up with V-neck. Sizes XS - XXL.

DROPS 231-26
DROPS Design: Pattern no vs-094
Yarn group B
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SIZE:
XS - S - M - L - XL – XXL

Finished measurements:
Chest measurements: 76-84-92-100-110-122 cm = 29 1/2"-33"-36 1/4"-39 3/8"-43 3/8"-48"
Full length: 44-46-48-50-52-54 cm = 17 1/4"-18"-19"-19 3/4"-20 1/2"-21 1/4"
All measurements in charts are in cm.

MATERIALS:
DROPS BELLE from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group B)
200-200-200-250-250-300 g color 21, almond rose

NEEDLES:
DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 4 MM = US 6: Length 80 cm = 32”.

KNITTING GAUGE:
21 stitches in width and 28 rows in height with stockinette stitch = 10 x 10 cm = 4” x 4”.
NOTE: Needle size is only a guide. If you get too many stitches on 10 cm = 4”, change to a larger needle size. If you get too few stitches on 10 cm = 4”, change to a smaller needle size.

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Alternative Yarn – See how to change yarns here
Yarn Groups A to F – Use the same pattern and change the yarn here
Yarn usage using an alternative yarn – Use our yarn converter here

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DROPS Belle
DROPS Belle
53% Cotton, 33% Viscose, 14% Linen
from 2.15 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 8.60$.

The yarn cost is calculated from the pattern’s smallest size and the yarn’s cheapest product type. Looking for an even better price? You might find it on the DROPS Deals!

DROPS Super Sale

SAVE 30% on 6 cotton favorites!
Valid until 04.12.2024

Pattern instructions

NOTE: This pattern is written in American English. All measurements in charts are in cm. For conversion from inches to cm - click here. There are different terms for crocheting in American and British English. If this pattern includes crochet, click for "crochet terms" here. For this pattern in British English, please click here.
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EXPLANATIONS FOR THE PATTERN:

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RIDGE/GARTER STITCH (worked back and forth):
Knit all rows.
1 ridge = knit 2 rows.

DECREASE TIP:
All decreases are worked from the right side!
DECREASE 1 STITCH AT THE BEGINNING OF THE ROW:
Knit 5, slip 1 stitch as if to knit, knit 1 and pass the slipped stitch over.
DECREASE 1 STITCH AT THE END OF THE ROW:
Work until there are 7 stitches left, knit 2 together, knit 5.

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START THE PIECE HERE:

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TOP:
The front and back pieces are the same, worked separately back and forth with circular needle, bottom up.

BACK PIECE:
Cast on 80-88-96-104-116-128 stitches with circular needle size 4 MM = US 6 and DROPS Belle. Work stockinette stitch back and forth with 1 edge stitch in GARTER STITCH on each side – read description above.
Work until the piece measures 28-30-31-32-33-34 cm = 11"-11 3/4"-12 1/4"-12 1/2"-13"-13 3/8" from the cast-on edge and the next row is from the right side. REMEMBER THE KNITTING GAUGE!
Bind off 4-4-6-6-8-8 stitches at the beginning of the next 2 rows for the armholes = 72-80-84-92-100-112 stitches. Insert 1 marker, THE PIECE IS NOW MEASURED FROM HERE!
Now divide for the neck as follows: Work the first 36-40-42-46-50-56 stitches and place these stitches on a thread (part-2). Work the next 36-40-42-46-50-56 stitches (part-1).

PART-1:
= 36-40-42-46-50-56 stitches.
On the next row from the right side start to decrease for the neck and armhole at the same time as follows in the different sizes– read DECREASE TIP:

SIZES XS - S - M - L - XL:
Decrease for the neck at the beginning of each row from the right side 15-17-18-19-21 times.
At the same time, decrease for the armhole at the end of every 4th row 4 times, then every 2nd row 7-9-10-11-13 times. When all the decreases are finished there are 10-10-10-12-12 stitches on the shoulder.

SIZE: XXL:
Decrease at both the beginning and end of each row from the right side (for both the neck and the armhole) 22 times. When all the decreases are finished there are 12 stitches on the shoulder.

ALL SIZES:
= 10-10-10-12-12-12 stitches for the strap. Work until the piece measures approx. 44-46-48-50-52-54 cm = 17 1/4"-18"-19"-19 3/4"-20 1/2"-21 1/4" from the cast on edge. Bind off with knit.

PART-2:
Place the 36-40-42-46-50-56 stitches from the thread back on circular needle size 4 MM = US 6. Purl 1 row from the wrong side. Remember DECREASE TIP!
Now start to decrease for the neck and armhole as follows in the different sizes:

SIZES XS - S - M - L - XL:
Decrease for the neck at the end of each row from the right side 15-17-18-19-21 times.
At the same time, decrease for the armhole at the beginning of every 4th row 4 times, then every 2nd row 7-9-10-11-13 times. When all the decreases are finished there are 10-10-10-12-12 stitches on the shoulder.

SIZE: XXL:
Decrease at both the beginning and end of each row from the right side (for both the neck and the armhole) 22 times. When all the decreases are finished there are 12 stitches on the shoulder.

ALL SIZES:
= 10-10-10-12-12-12 stitches for the strap. Work until the piece measures approx. 44-46-48-50-52-54 cm = 17 1/4"-18"-19"-19 3/4"-20 1/2"-21 1/4" from the cast on edge. Bind off with knit.


FRONT PIECE:
Cast on and work in the same way as the back piece.

ASSEMBLY:
Sew the straps together, sewing in the outermost loop of the outermost stitch. Sew the side seams together, in the outermost loop of the garter stitches - leave 5 cm = 2" at the bottom for a split.

Diagram

All measurements in charts are in cm.

diagram measurements
Do you have a question? See a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Knitting tension is what determines the final measurements of your work, and is usually measured per 10 x 10 cm. It is provided like so: number of stitches in width x number of rows in height - eg: 19 stitches x 26 rows = 10 x 10 cm.

The knitting tension is very individual; some people knit/crochet loosely while others work tightly. You adjust the knitting tension with the needle size, which is why the suggested needle size only serve as a guide! You need to adjust this (up or down) to ensure that YOUR knitting tension matches the knitting tension provided in the pattern. If you work with a different knitting tension than provided you will have a different yarn consumption, and your work will have different measurements than what the pattern suggests.

The knitting tension also determines which yarns can replace each other. As long as you achieve the same knitting tension you can replace one yarn with another.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

The required amount of yarn is provided in grams, eg: 450 g. To calculate how many balls you’ll need you first need to know how many grams are in 1 ball (25g, 50g or 100g). This information is available if you click on the individual yarn quality on our pages. Divide the amount required with the amount of each ball. For example, if each ball is 50g (the most common amount), the calculation will be as follows: 450 / 50 = 9 balls.

The important thing when changing from one yarn to another is that the knitting/crochet tension remains the same. This is so that the measurements of the finished piece will be the same as on the sketch provided. It is easier to achieve the same knitting tension using yarns from the same yarn group. It is also possible to work with multiple strands of a thinner yarn to achieve the knitting tension of a thicker one. Please try our yarn converter. We recommend you to always work a test swatch.

Please NOTE: when changing yarn the garment might have a different look and feel to the garment in the photo, due to individual properties and qualities of each yarn.

See DROPS lesson: Can I use a different yarn than the one mentioned in the pattern?

All our yarns are categorised into yarn groups (from A to F) according to thickness and knitting tension – group A contains the thinnest yarns and group F the thickest. This makes it easier for you to find alternative yarns to our patterns, should you wish to switch yarn. All yarns within the same group have a similar knitting tension and can easily replace each other. However, different yarn qualities have different structures and properties which will give the finished work a unique look and feel.

Click here for an overview of the yarns in each yarn group

At the top of all our patterns you’ll find a link to our yarn converter, which is a helpful tool should you wish to use a different yarn than suggested. By filling in the yarn quality you wish to replace, the amount (in your size) and number of strands, the converter will present good alternative yarns with the same knitting tension. Additionally it will tell you how much you’ll require in the new qualities and whether you’ll need to work with multiple strands. Most skeins are 50g (some are 25g or 100g).

If the pattern is worked with multiple colours, every colour will have to be converted separately. Similarly, if the pattern is worked with several strands of different yarns (for example 1 strand Alpaca and 1 strand Kid-Silk) you will have to find alternatives for each, individually.

Click here to see our yarn converter

Since different yarns have different qualities and textures we have chosen to keep the original yarn in our patterns. However, you can easily find options among our available qualities by using our yarn converter, or simply pick a yarn from the same yarn group.

It is possible that some retailers still have discontinued yarns in stock, or that someone has a few skeins at home that they would like to find patterns for.

The yarn converter will provide both alternative yarn as well as required amount in the new quality.

If you think it's hard to decide what size to make, it can be a good idea to measure a garment you own already and like the size of. Then you can pick the size by comparing those measures with the ones available in the pattern's size chart.

You'll find the size chart at the bottom of the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read size chart

The needle size provided in the pattern serves only as a guide, the important thing is to follow the knitting tension. And since knitting tension is very individual, you will have to adjust the needle size to ensure that YOUR tension is the same as in the pattern – maybe you’ll have to adjust 1, or even 2 needle sizes, up or down to achieve the correct tension. For this, we recommend that you work test swatches.

Should you work with a different knitting tension than the one provided, the measurements of the finished garment might deviate from the measurement sketch.

See DROPS lesson: How to measure your tension/gauge

See DROPS video: How to make a gauge tension swatch

Working a garment top-down provides more flexibility and room for personal adjustment. For example it is easier to try the garment on while working, as well as making adjustments to length of yoke and shoulder caps.

The instructions are carefully explaining every step, in the correct order. Diagrams are adjusted to the knitting direction and are worked as usual.

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is read from bottom to top, from right to left. 1 square = 1 stitch.

When working back and forth, every other row is worked from the right side and every other row is worked from the wrong side. When working from the wrong side, the diagram will have to be worked reversed: from left to right, knit stitches are purled, purl stitches are knit etc.

When working in the round every round is worked from the right side and the diagram are worked from right to left on all rounds.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

The diagram depicts all rows/rounds, and every stitch seen from the right side. It is worked from bottom to top, from right to left.

When working back and forth every other row is worked from the right side: from right to left and every other row is worked from the wrong side: from left to right.

When working in the round, every row in the diagram are worked from the right side, from right to left.

When working a circular diagram you start in the middle and work your way outwards, counter clockwise, row by row.

The rows usually start with a given number of chain stitches (equivalent to the height of the following stitch), this will either be depicted in the diagram or explained in the pattern.

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

Instructions for working several diagrams after each other on the same row/round, will often be written like so: “work A.1, A.2, A.3 a total of 0-0-2-3-4 times". This means you work A.1 once, then A.2 is worked once, and A.3 is repeated (in width) the number of times provided for your size – in this case like so: S = 0 times, M = 0 times, L=2 times, XL= 3 times and XXL = 4 times.

The diagrams are worked as usual: begin with the first row in A.1, then work the first row in A.2 etc.

See DROPS lesson: How to read knitting diagrams

See DROPS lesson: How to read crochet diagrams

The total width of the garment (from wrist-to-wrist) will be larger in the larger sizes, despite the actual sleeves being shorter. The larger sizes have longer sleeve caps and wider shoulders, so there will be a good fit in all sizes.

The measurement sketch/schematic drawing provides information regarding the full length of the garment. If it’s a jumper or a jacket the length is measured from the highest point on the shoulder (usually closest to the neckline), and straight down to the bottom of the garment. It is NOT measured from the tip of shoulder. Similarly, the length of yoke is measured from the highest point on the shoulder and down to where yoke is split into body and sleeves.

See DROPS lesson: How to read a schematic drawing

Diagrams are often repeated on the round or in height. 1 repeat is the diagram the way it appears in the pattern. If it says to work 5 repeats of A.1 in the round, then you work A.1 a total of 5 times after/next to each other in the round. If it says to work 2 repeats of A.1 vertically/in height you work the entire diagram once, then begin again at the start and work the entire diagram one more time.

Chain stitches are slightly narrower than other stitches and to avoid working the cast-on edge too tight, we simply chain more stitches to begin with. The stitch count will be adjusted on the following row to fit the pattern and measurement sketch.

The rib edge is more elastic and will contract slightly compared to, for example, stocking stitch. By increasing before the rib edge, you avoid a visible difference in width between the rib edge and the rest of the body.

It’s very easy to cast off too tightly, and by making yarn overs while casting off (and simultaneously casting these off) you avoid a too tight cast off edge.

See DROPS video: How to bind off with yarn overs (yo)

To achieve an even increase (or decrease) you can increase on, for example: every 3rd and 4th row alternately, like so: work 2 rows and increase on the 3rd row, work 3 rows and increase on the 4th. Repeat this until the increase is complete.

See DROPS lesson: Increase or decrease 1 st on every 3rd and 4th row alternately

Should you prefer to work in the round instead of back and forth, you may of course adjust the pattern. You’ll need to add steeks mid-front (usually 5 stitches), and follow the instructions. When you would normally turn and work from the wrong side, simply work across the steek and continue in the round. At the end you’ll cut the piece open, pick up stitches to work bands, and cover the cut edges.

See DROPS video: How to knit steeks and cut open

Should you prefer to work back and forth instead of in the round, you may of course adjust the pattern so you work the pieces separately and then assemble them at the end. Divide the stitches for the body in 2, add 1 edge stitch in each side (for sewing) and work the front and back pieces separately.

See DROPS lesson: Can I adapt a pattern for circular needles into straight needles?

Pattern repeats can vary slightly in the different sizes, in order to get the correct proportions. If you’re not working the exact same size as the garment in the photo, yours might deviate slightly. This has been carefully developed and adjusted so that the complete impression of the garment is the same in all sizes.

Make sure to follow instructions and diagrams for your size!

If you have found a pattern you like which is available in women’s size it’s not very difficult to convert it to men’s size. The biggest difference will be the length of sleeves and body. Start working on the women size that you think would fit across the chest. The additional length will be worked right before you cast off for the armhole/sleeve cap. If the pattern is worked top-down you can add the length right after the armhole or before the first decrease on sleeve.

Regarding additional yarn amount, this will depend on how much length you add, but it is better with a skein too many than too few.

All yarns will have excess fibres (from production) that might come off as lint or shedding. Brushed yarns (ie hairier yarns) have more of these loose, excess fibres, causing more shedding.

Shedding also depends on what is worn under or over the garment, and whether this pulls at the yarn fibres. It’s therefore not possible to guarantee that there will be no shedding

Below are some tips on how to get the best result when working with hairier yarns:

1. When the garment is finished (before you wash it) shake it vigorously so the looser hairs come off. NOTE: do NOT use a lint roller, brush or any method that pulls at the yarn.

2. Place the garment in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer - the temperature will cause the fibres to become less attached to each other, and excess fibres will come off easier.

3. Leave in the freezer for a few hours before taking it out and shaking it again.

4. Wash the garment according to the instructions on the yarn label.

Pilling is a natural process that happens to even the most exclusive of fibers. It's a natural sign of wear and tear that is hard to avoid, and that is most visible in high friction areas of your garment like a sweater's arms and cuffs.

You can make your garment look as new by removing the pilling, using a fabric comb or a pill/lint remover.

Still can't find the answer you need? Then scroll down and leave your question so one of our experts can try to help you. This will be done normally within 5 to 10 working days.
In the meantime, you can read the questions and answers that others have left to this pattern or join the DROPS Workshop on Facebook to get help from fellow knitters/crocheters!

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Post a comment to pattern DROPS 231-26

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Comments / Questions (31)

country flag Kiev wrote:

I am referring to Drops pattern 231-26, size M. If I want to do the hem in rib 1x1, should I cast on 96 sts or 97sts? (to get symmetry for the first st & last st is a knit ). And which is better if using 4mm needle to do the garter stitch for the hem or should I use 3.75mm as I'm aware that the garter sts is tiny more stretchier than the stocking sts for the body.

01.12.2023 - 02:17

DROPS Design answered:

Hi Kiev, You cast on 96 stitches, 94 stitches for the rib, between 1 garter stitch on each side. The garter stitches are used when assembling and the next stitch on the front piece is a knitted stitch, so the rib will continue correctly. You use needle size 4 mm for the whole garment. Happy knitting!

01.12.2023 - 07:40

country flag Claudia wrote:

Hallo, ich schließe mich einer vorherigen Frage an und würde gern wissen, wie die Abnahmen auf der rechten Seite funktionieren? Es steht man soll in jeder vierten Reihe (Hinreihe) abnehmen, aber diese wäre eine Rückreihe (ich habe auch laut Anleitung mit einer Rückreihe gestartet und lande bei der vierten Reihe auf der Rückseite), die Abnahmebeschreibung passt also nicht auf der rechten Seite, wie soll die dann gestrickt werden?

12.09.2023 - 07:52

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Claudia, die Anahmen werden immer bei einer Hinreihe so gestrickt: *1 Hinreihe mit Abnahmen, 3 Reihen (= 1 Rückreihe + 1 Hinreihe + 1 Rückreihe) stricken* und diese 4 Reihen wiederholen. Viel Spaß beim stricken!

12.09.2023 - 09:44

country flag Micky wrote:

Hallo, meine Frage bin gestern ist beantwortet worden, hilft mir aber leider nicht weiter: wie stricke ich am V-Ausschnitt die letzte Masche in der Rückreihe, damit sich ein schöner and ergibt?

28.06.2023 - 11:31

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Micky, alle Maschen (auch die Randmaschen) werden glatt rechts gestrickt = rechtes bei den Hin-Reihen und links bei den Rückreihen. Viel Spaß beim stricken!

28.06.2023 - 12:14

country flag Micky wrote:

Wird die Krausrippe (also die Randmasche auch in Rückreihen rechts stricken) auch beim V-Ausschnitt beibehalten? Auf dem Foto sieht der Rand nämlich nicht nach diesen Knötchen aus.

27.06.2023 - 13:40

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Micky, es sind keine Ranmasche mehr nach Halsausschnitt, nur 5 Maschen glatt rechts für den Hals und die Armlöcher - siehe ABNAHMETIPP:. Viel Spaß beim stricken!

27.06.2023 - 13:49

country flag Monique Meijer wrote:

Hoi,ik heb de panden klaar maar snap niet hoe ze aan elkaar worden gezet. Het lijkt dat er open ruimte zit tussen de panden hoe doe je dit?

17.06.2023 - 19:11

DROPS Design answered:

Dag Monique,

De zijnaden hebben inderdaad een split, dus je naait de onderste 5 cm niet dicht, deze laat je open.

18.06.2023 - 11:50

country flag Micky wrote:

Hallo, welche Größe trägt das Model? Ich wüsste gerne, ob das Top mit Positive Ease oder Negative Ease gestrickt ist, daher wäre es hilfreich, die Größe am Model zu wissen.

17.06.2023 - 11:47

DROPS Design answered:

Liebe Micky, unsere Modellen tragen meistens S oder M, um die genaue Größe zu wählen, messen Sie eine ähnliche Kleidung, die Sie gerne tragen und vergleichen Sie diese mit den Maßen in der Skizze, so finden Sie die beste passende Größe und können Sie dann für eine negative oder positive Ease - hier lesen Sie mehr; Viel Spaß beim stricken!

19.06.2023 - 08:21

country flag Rosy wrote:

Buongiorno, nella vostra spiegazione non specificate quante maglie vanno diminuite, es. Una o due? "Diminuire per il collo all’inizio di ogni ferro dal diritto del lavoro 15-17-18-19-21 volte. Allo stesso tempo, diminuire per lo scalfo alla fine di ogni 4 ferri 4 volte, poi ogni 2 ferri 7-9-10-11-13 volte. Alla fine di tutte le diminuzioni ci sono 10-10-10-12-12 maglie sulla spalla."prego di correggere, e se potete eliminare il mio commento precedente errato nella sezione comment grazie

25.05.2023 - 15:28

DROPS Design answered:

Buonasera Rosy, per quanto riguarda le diminuzioni deve seguire quanto riportato nel suggerimento per le diminuzioni. Buon lavoro!

28.05.2023 - 21:06

country flag Rosy wrote:

Diminuire per il collo all’inizio di ogni ferro dal diritto del lavoro 15-17-18-19-21 volte. Allo stesso tempo, diminuire per lo scalfo alla fine di ogni 4 ferri 4 volte, poi ogni 2 ferri 7-9-10-11-13 volte. Alla fine di tutte le diminuzioni ci sono 10-10-10-12-12 maglie sulla spalla.

25.05.2023 - 00:30

DROPS Design answered:

Buonasera Rosy, abbiamo risposto alla sua domanda successiva: deve seguire il SUGGERIMENTO PER LE DIMINUZIONI. Buon lavoro!

28.05.2023 - 21:08

country flag Rose wrote:

Also, how would the decreases work if I am knitting in the round until the v neck?And the cast offs? For the beginning ow decreases, would I still knit 5? OR only 4, as there is one edge garter stitch? I'm sorry to bother you, Thank you.

16.05.2023 - 09:51

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Rose, you can work in the round from the cast on edge towards the first cast off for armhole, then you will have to finish each piece separately back and forth, ie including both armhole + V-neck decreases, ie just work as explained in the pattern. Happy knitting!

16.05.2023 - 14:11

country flag Rose wrote:

Hi, great pattern, but if I wanted to change it to be in the round until the armholes could I do that. I have trouble understanding how to work it in the round until the armholes if I wanted to (minimal assembly.) I am knitting the smallest size. How many stitches fo I cast on? Would appreiate some help. Thanks!

13.05.2023 - 02:00

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Rose, you'd need to remove the garter stitches (that is, 1 stitch on each side for each piece). Therefore, you would cast on 78x2 = 156 stitches. Happy knitting!

14.05.2023 - 18:42