DROPS Big Merino
DROPS Big Merino
100% Wool
from 4.55 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 45.50$.

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

Holly Berry

Crochet DROPS shoulder piece with fans and lace pattern in ”Big Merino”. Size S-XXXL.

DROPS 164-30
DROPS design: Pattern no mb-026
Yarn group C or A + A
----------------------------------------------------------
Size: S/M – L/XL – XXL/XXXL
Materials:
DROPS BIG MERINO from Garnstudio
500-550-600 color no 12, maroon

DROPS Hook size 5 mm / H/8 - or size needed to get 14 dc x 8.5 rows = 4'' x 4'' (10 x 10 cm), and pattern A.x = width 8.5 cm / 3 1/4'' and approx. 13 cm / 5'' vertically.

-------------------------------------------------------

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

-------------------------------------------------------

DROPS Big Merino
DROPS Big Merino
100% Wool
from 4.55 $ /50g
Get the yarn to make this pattern from 45.50$.

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.
CROCHET INFO:
Replace first dc at beg of every dc row/round with 3 ch. Finish round with 1 sl st in 3rd ch at beg of round.
Replace first tr at beg of every tr row with 4 ch.
At beg of every row with sc work 1 ch to turn with before continuing with sc, i.e. ch does not replace first sc.

PATTERN:
See diagrams A.1 to A.3.

INCREASE TIP (applies to edge):
Inc 1 dc by working 2 dc in/around same st.
To calculate how often inc should be done, use the total no of sts on round (e.g. 190 dc) and divide by no of inc to be done (e.g. 18) = 10.5. I.e. in this example inc 1 dc after approx. every 10th and 11th st.
----------------------------------------------------------

SHOULDER PIECE:
Worked sideways until one sleeve is done, then work the other sleeve in opposite direction. Finally work an edge around the piece.

Work 111-126-140 ch (includes 3 ch to turn with) on hook size 5 mm / H/8 with Big Merino. Work 1st row in A.1-A.3 as follows: Work 1 dc in 4th ch from hook (= 2 dc), work 1 dc in each of the next 4-1-3 ch, * skip ch 1, 1 dc in each of the next 5 ch *, repeat from *-* the entire row = 91-103-115 dc.
Now work pattern from 1st row in A.x as follows: Work A.1 (= 3 sts) – READ CROCHET INFO, then work A.2 (= 12 sts) 7-8-9 times in width, work A.3 (= 4 sts). Continue like this back and forth until entire A.x has been worked 1 time vertically. REMEMBER THE CROCHET GAUGE! Repeat A.x 3-3-4 more times vertically. Piece measures approx. 53-53-66 cm / 21"-21"-26". Now work left side/sleeve as follows:

LEFT SIDE/SLEEVE:
Work 1 row with 1 dc in every dc. Then work the first 3 rows in A.x. Now repeat 1st and 2nd row in A.x 2-3-2 times vertically. Cut the yarn. Now continue with 1st and 2nd row in A.x over the middle 53-57-59 dc for sleeve (i.e. do not work the first and last 19-23-28 dc on row). Repeat 1st and 2nd row in A.x 3 more times in all sizes. Piece measures approx. 76-80-89 cm / 30"-31½"-35". Fasten off.

RIGHT SIDE/SLEEVE:
Now work in the same ch as the first 91-103-115 dc were worked in from beg of piece, just in the opposite direction as follows:
Work 1st row in A.1-A.3 as follows: Fasten yarn with 1 sl st in first ch, then work 3 ch (= 1 dc), 1 dc in each of the next 5-2-4 ch, * skip ch 1, 1 dc in each of the next 5 ch *, repeat from *-* = 91-103-115 dc. Continue with 1st, 2nd and 3rd row in A.x, then repeat 1st and 2nd row 2-3-2 more times vertically. Cut the yarn. Now continue with 1st and 2nd row in A.x over the middle 53-57-59 dc for sleeve (i.e. do not work the first and last 19-23-28 dc on row). Repeat 1st and 2nd row in A.x 3 more times in all sizes. Piece measures approx. 99-107-112 cm / 39"-42"-44". Fasten off.

ASSEMBLY:
Sew side and underarm seams in one in outer loops of edge sts - see dotted lines in chart.

EDGE:
Then work an edge around the entire opening on shoulder piece as follows:
ROUND 1: Fasten strand with 1 sl st in one side seam and work * 1 sc, ch 2, skip approx. 1½ cm / ½'' *, repeat from *-* around the entire opening, finish round with 1 sl st in 1st sc on round = 95-105-111 sc on round.
ROUND 2: Work * 1 dc in every sc, 1 dc around every ch-space *, repeat from *-* the entire round, finish with 1 sl st in 3rd ch from beg of round = 190-210-222 dc.
ROUND 3: * Skip 1 dc, 1 tr in next dc, 1 ch *, repeat from *-* the entire round, finish with 1 sl st in 4th ch from beg of round.
ROUND 4: Work 1 dc in every tr and around every ch - AT THE SAME TIME inc 18-24-30 dc evenly - READ INCREASE TIP = 208-234-252 dc, finish round with 1 sl st in 3rd ch at beg of round.
ROUND 5: Work as 3rd round.
ROUND 6: Work 1 dc in every tr and 1 dc around every ch - AT THE SAME TIME inc 18-24-30 dc evenly = 226-258-282 dc, finish round with 1 sl st in 3rd ch at beg of round.
ROUND 7: Work as 3rd round.
ROUND 8: Work 1 dc in every tr and 1 dc around every ch - AT THE SAME TIME inc 18-24-30 dc evenly = 244-282-312 dc, finish round with 1 sl st in 3rd ch at beg of round. Fasten off.

Diagram

All measurements in charts are in cm.

symbols = 1 ch
symbols = 1 sc in dc/tr
symbols = 1 sc around ch/ch-space
symbols = 1 dc in st
symbols = 1 dc around ch/ch-space
symbols = 1 tr in dc
symbols = beg on diagram here
symbols = crochet direction
diagram
diagram
diagram
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!

You might also like...

Post a comment to pattern DROPS 164-30

We would love to hear what you have to say about this pattern!

If you want to leave a question, please make sure you select the correct category in the form below, to speed up the answering process. Required fields are marked *.

Comments / Questions (9)

country flag Whitepaw wrote:

First row of A.x just to clarify is a chain 4 then another chain 1 then a treble crochet in the 3rd stitch from the hook ? But it says I should have 3 stitches and that I believe would only give me 2 .

08.12.2021 - 14:56

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Whitepaw, A.1 is worked over 3 sts = on first row: 4 chains (to replace 1st treble), 1 chain, skip 1 stitch, 1 treble in next stitch. Can this help?

08.12.2021 - 15:39

country flag Betina Boye Christensen wrote:

Som der står i opskriften: hækl 1 st i hver af de næste 4-1-3 næste lm, * spring over 1 lm, 1 st i hver af de næste 5 lm *, gentag fra *-* = 91-103-115 st. Mit spørgsmål er så Hva menes der med 4-1-3 ? Skal jeg hækle 1 st i de næste 4 lm og springe 1 lm over og hækle 1 st i de næste 3 lm? eller skal jeg hækle 1 st i de næste 4 lm og lave en lm og hækle 1 st og lave lm igen og hækle 3 st i de næste 3 lm?

25.03.2020 - 02:58

DROPS Design answered:

Hei Betina. Det henviser til hvilken størrelse du hekler. Hekler du str S/M hekler du 1 stav i hver av de 4 neste luftmaskene, hekler du størrelse L/XL hekler du 1 stav i neste 1 luftmaskene, hekler du størrelse XXL/XXXL hekler du 1 stav i hver av de 3 neste luftmaskene. God Fornøyelse!

30.03.2020 - 09:51

country flag Lisa wrote:

Will be using this shrug pattern soon and need to find out the sizing measurements for S-M-L-XL. I will bust etc sizes as I'm making it for someone overseas, in England.

12.05.2019 - 10:22

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Lisa, you will find all measurements for each size in the measurement chart - measure a similar garment you have and like the shape to find out the matching size - read more about sizing here. Happy crocheting!

13.05.2019 - 09:22

country flag Sofia Burman Rogozinska wrote:

När jag följer mönstret blir ärmarna osymetrisk. Den ena högra sidan/ärmen får en rad mer av dubbelstolpar. Tycker inte heller att boleron på bilen stämmer överens med mönstret, modellens vänstra ärm är den som, om man tittar på hur mönstret går, är den som virkats sist och då borde den ha minst åtta ränder av dubbelstolpar, sju virkade när sidan gjordes men även den allra först raden av dubbelstolpar borde synas då det är där som hela virkningen startades.

19.11.2018 - 00:51

country flag Steen wrote:

Good article\r\nnocel

21.07.2018 - 16:15

country flag Louise wrote:

Is it possible to have this pattern in french ? Thank you !

02.04.2018 - 16:54

DROPS Design answered:

Hi Louise, If you click on the menu under the photograph of the model, you can choose your language and French is one of the languages available. Happy crocheting!

03.04.2018 - 08:08

country flag Marianne Vester wrote:

Hi I have started this with drops big merino. I have tested the crochet tension and my hight are as written 13 cm. But I do not understand where to messure the width at 8,5 cm. Is it the A2 width? My A2 are between 9,5 and 10..

19.11.2016 - 15:26

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Mrs Vester, you should have A.2 in width x A.x in height = 8.5 cm in width x 13 cm in height - adjust the crochet hook size to get the tension. Happy crocheting!

21.11.2016 - 09:22

country flag Amanda wrote:

I find your patterns very confusing and don't understand the pattern how it's been written out thanks

10.07.2016 - 13:58

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Amanda, follow the pattern step by step to get the optimal result - for any individual assistance remember you can contact your DROPS Store even per mail or telephone. Happy crocheting!

11.07.2016 - 10:04

country flag Jane Tommaselli wrote:

How many skeins of Drops Big Merino yarn would I need to purchase to crochet a L-XL Holly Berry Shrug, pattern number 164-30?

11.04.2016 - 19:04

DROPS Design answered:

Dear Jane, for a size L/XL you need 550 g of Big Merino = 11 skeins. Happy crocheting!

11.04.2016 - 20:38