German short rows
This popular method of working short rows is done by pulling up the last stitch worked (see detailed instructions below) in pattern. On subsequent rows instead of picking up a wrap as in the wrap and turn methods, the two legs of the pulled stitch are worked together as one stitch in the form of a k2tog or p2tog (I call it a Gtog), thereby closing the gap caused by the slipping and turning at the pulled stitch.
Not only is this easy to work, it creates less of a visible map of the short rows in the knitting. Like other short row methods it may be worked either from the center outward or from the edge inward. Working from the center outward means that the Gtog is performed on each subsequent short row before the next short row is worked. Working from the edge inward will result in all the Gtogs being worked on a single row.
I think working from the center out is nicer, but it works either way.
k1-GSR/ German short row
At the point of turning, where the instructions say k1-GSR, do the following:
- Knit the last stitch (to be in pattern).
- Turn to work the next row.
- Yarn forward (regardless of where the yarn was/is).
- Slip the last stitch worked to the right needle.
- Pull the yarn over and into position to work the next stitch.
This slipped and pulled stitch is not worked until the following row (see Gtog, below).
p1-GSR/ German short row
At the point of turning, where the instructions say p1-GSR, do the following:
- Purl the last stitch (to be in pattern).
- Turn to work the next row.
- Yarn forward (regardless of where the yarn was/is).
- Slip the last stitch worked to the right needle.
- Pull the yarn over and into position to work the next stitch.
This slipped and pulled stitch is not worked until the following row (see Gtog, below).
Gtog
The two legs created by pulling the slipped stitch when working the k1-GSR or p1-GSR are worked as a k2tog or p2tog to stay in pattern.
I have chosen this abbreviation because it really isn’t a k2tog or p2tog and it needs to be consistent with what the stitch needs to be (knit or purl). (Which way this should be worked is specified in each pattern.)
Gtog-GSR
Work a Gtog, then GSR that same stitch.
Changing s-w-s or wrap and turn short rows to GSR
I didn’t even know German short rows existed until recently. I plan to change every pattern as I can, but until I do, you can change a pattern written with s-w-s or wrap and turn as you work. Simply work the slip stitch as the k1-GSR or p1-GSR. It is a little more complicated to reverse to center outward. The theory is the same, but you have to reverse the shaping.
