German Short Rows (GSR): Turns Without Holes
Our favorite way to knit short rows: a simple turn with a double stitch that closes the gap a turn would otherwise leave.
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. Done well, the turn is hard to see.
Why use GSR?
- Shaping: Used to make the neck higher in the back than in the front.
- Heels: One of the ways to shape a sock heel.
- Sloped shoulders: Shapes the shoulder line so it follows the body.
- 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
Turn & slip with yarn in front
Knit to the turning point and turn the work. With yarn in front, slip the first stitch purlwise onto the right needle.
Pull over to make Double Stitch (DS)
Pull the working yarn firmly up and over the needle to the back. This pulls up both legs of the stitch, creating a double stitch.
Resolve: Knit both legs together
On the return pass, insert the needle through BOTH legs of the double stitch and work them together as one stitch.
German Short Rows seals the turning gap with a double stitch worked as a single stitch on the return pass.
- Knit to the turn point: Knit the number of stitches the pattern calls for, then turn your work so the other side faces you.
- Make the double stitch: With the yarn in front of the needle, slip the first stitch purlwise.
- Pull back: Pull the yarn firmly up and over the needle toward the back. The stitch below is dragged up over the needle, so it looks like two stitches in one. That is your double stitch.
- Carry on: Work the rest of the row as usual.
- 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 (or purl them together, if the stitch should be a purl).
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 VeryPink Knits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between German Short Rows and Wrap and Turn?
Both methods avoid holes when turning, but German Short Rows use a "double stitch" instead of wrapping the yarn around a stitch (wrap and turn). We find GSR quicker to work and easier to knit over.
Can I use German Short Rows in ribbing or a stitch pattern?
Yes, the technique works regardless of pattern, but you need to remember to knit or purl the double stitch correctly depending on what it should be.
Why do I still see a small hole?
This is usually because you didn't tighten the double stitch enough when you made it. Pull the yarn firmly backwards until the two "legs" of the stitch are clearly visible before continuing to knit.
Can German Short Rows be used in the round?
Yes, the technique works the same in both flat and circular knitting, and it is one of the ways to shape a sock heel in cuff-down socks.
Published Updated