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German Short Rows in Knitting: Step-by-Step Tutorial

What are German Short Rows in Knitting?  by Janice Jones, Updated September 6, 2026

German short rows are a technique for adding shaping by partially knitting a row, turning your work, and creating a discreet "double stitch" to prevent holes. You may also see them referred to as double-stitch short rows. 

This technique is not the only way to make short rows (wrap-and-turn or yarn-over), but in my opinion, it is the easiest and neatest.

A swatch showing the German Short Row worked in stockinette and garter Stitches

The German Short Rows Method is Known for Being:

1.     Cleaner and more invisible than older methods like wrap-and-turn (W&T)

2.     Simpler to execute once you understand the “double stitch” trick

3.     Useful in both garter and stockinette stitch

Why Use German Short Rows?

  • Less bulky than wrap-and-turn
  • No need to pick up wraps on the return row
  • Looks smooth in both garter and stockinette
  • Excellent for garment shaping, sock heels, and curves

When to Use German Short Rows in Knitting

  • Sock heels (like the Fish Lips Kiss heel)
  • Shoulder shaping in sweaters
  • Bust darts for a better fit
  • Curved hems and shirt tails
  • Shawls and crescent shapes

How to Work German Short Rows in Stockinette
(Step-by-Step on Both the Knit Side and the Purl Side

Working on the Knit Side

1.  Work to the point where you want the short row to appear to start.

step one for working the german short row technique on the knit side of the fabric

2. Turn your work over so the purl side is facing you.  Using the right needle, slip the first stitch on the left needle purlwise onto the right needle.

Step two when working the german short row technique on the knit side of the fabric

3. Pull the working yarn up and over the top of the needle so it looks like it has two legs (also called a double-stitch).  If you are working from a pattern, you might see the abbreviation mds (make double stitch).

Step 3 and 4 for making the german short row technique on knit side of fabric
Step 4 for doing the german short row technique on the knit side of the work

5.  Bring the yarn to the front and continue purling to the end of the row or until the pattern states to make a double stitch. Turn your work.

Step 6 for making the german short row technique

7. To finish, work the next row as you would normally, until you reach the double-stitch and work it as if it were just one stitch.

Working on the Purl Side

1.  Purl to the point where you need to turn.

Step one for making the german short row on the purl side of the fabric

2.  Turn the work so the right side is facing you.

3.  Move the yarn to the front and then slip the first stitch purlwise to the right needle.

4. Pull the yarn firmly up and over the needle and towards the back.  The stitch will look like it has two legs (double-stitch).

5. Bring the yarn to the back and continue to knit to the end of the row.

6. To resolve the stitch, work the next row to where the double-stitch is located.  Work the double stitch as if it were one stitch, then continue to the end of the row.

How to Work German Short Rows in Garter (Step-by-Step)

Since you are knitting every row in the garter pattern, your short-row technique will be similar to working in stockinette, but you will treat each row as if you were working the right side.

1.  Work to the point where you want the short row to appear.  

2. Turn your work over to the reverse side.

3. With the yarn in the front, slip the first stitch purlwise.

4. Pull the working yarn up and over the top of the needle so it looks like it has two legs (double-stitch).

5.  Bring the yarn to the back and continue knitting to the end of the row.

6.  Repeat the same procedure on both sides of the fabric.

7.  To resolve, knit across until you reach the double stitch.  Insert your needle under both legs and knit it as if it were one stitch.

Tips for Success with German Short Rows

  • Tension matters: Pull the yarn firmly to create a clear double stitch, but not so tight that it distorts the fabric.
  • Consistency is key: Always slip stitches purlwise and maintain even tension.
  • Mark your turning points: Stitch markers or row counters can help you keep track.
  • Practice in swatches: Try it in both stockinette and garter stitch to see how the technique adapts.
  • Blocking will smooth out the fabric.

Frequently Asked Questions About German Short Rows

What are German short rows, and why use them?

They’re a shaping technique that turns mid-row and creates a tidy double stitch to avoid holes. They’re popular because they’re quick, easy to memorize, and look clean in both stockinette and garter—great for sock heels, shoulders, bust darts, and curved hems.

How do I make the double stitch correctly?

Turn your work, slip 1 purlwise, then pull the working yarn firmly over the needle so the stitch shows two legs. On the return pass, work both legs together as one stitch. Pull firmly—but not so tight that the fabric puckers.

Do I knit the double stitch as one or two stitches?

Treat the double stitch as one stitch. Insert the needle through both legs and knit (or purl) them together. This closes the gap at the turning point and maintains your stitch count.

How do I do German short rows in the round?

Work the same turns and double stitches at the indicated points. Place a marker at each turn so you don’t miss them. When you reach a double stitch, work both legs together as one. The method is identical; you continue around instead of turning at the edge.

Video About German Short Rows

I haven't created a video on how to make a German Short Row, but there are plenty of excellent video tutorials that will help you visualize this technique.  Here is a video done by master hand knitter, Heather Storta.

Other Ways to Make Short Rows

Method Pros Cons Best For
German Short Rows Clean finish, no gaps, no wrap pick-up Requires learning the “double stitch” technique Garments, socks, short-row heels
Wrap & Turn Widely known, works in most patterns Can leave visible gaps if wraps aren’t hidden well General use in sweaters and scarves
Yarn Over Short Rows Simple and quick to work YO can be visible if not disguised properly Decorative edges, textured designs
Japanese Short Rows Very neat results, minimal bulk Requires a pin or marker, slower to execute Lace knitting, precise shaping
Shadow Wrap Short Rows Very clean, no holes, no wrap pickup More steps, slightly more complex Garments, invisible shaping in stockinette

Final Thoughts

German short-row knitting provides a modern and elegant solution for shaping in hand-knit garments. With just a few practice swatches, you’ll find this method to be intuitive, flexible, and impressively seamless.

Whether you’re shaping sock heels or adding bust darts to a sweater, the German short row technique deserves a spot in your knitting toolbox.

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