How to Knit German Short Rows for the Bubbly Shawl
The Bubbly Shawl is full of playful color and texture—and it’s all thanks to the fun little bubbles that run across the fabric!
The Bubbly Shawl is an asymmetrical triangular shawl bursting with color and texture. Designed by Meaghan Schmaltz and Heather Walpole, this sport weight shawl features clever construction and cheerful bubble motifs created using German Short Rows.
These bubbly shapes are created using a technique called German Short Rows, and today I’ve got a step-by-step video tutorial to help you knit them with confidence.
🎥 Watch the tutorial here:
✨ What Are German Short Rows?
German Short Rows are a clever way to add shaping to your knitting without using increases or decreases. In the Bubbly Shawl, they form those cute, raised “bubble” sections in contrasting colors.
If you’ve never done German Short Rows before, don’t worry—this video walks you through:
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How to create the Double Stitch (DS)
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How to knit through the DS when you return to it
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How the rows build into a beautiful bubble
I also walk through a real bubble row from the Bubbly Shawl pattern, so you can follow along with your knitting in hand. 🧶
💡 Why It Matters for the Bubbly Shawl
The bubbles are what give the Bubbly Shawl its charm—they’re joyful little moments of color that really pop off the garter stitch background. But beyond looks, they’re fun to knit! The rhythm of wrapping, turning, and resolving each bubble is surprisingly satisfying.
This tutorial is here to help you feel confident and excited to give it a try. You’ve got this!
🧶 Don’t Have the Pattern Yet?
The Bubbly Shawl is a brand-new design by Meaghan Schmaltz and myself (Heather Walpole!). It uses 10 skeins of my Ewe So Sporty 100% merino wool yarn and comes in 10 curated color kits.
🧵 Get the pattern here:
👉 Bubbly Shawl Knitting Pattern
🎨 Shop yarn kits:
👉 Bubbly Shawl Yarn Kits in Ewe So Sporty
Happy knitting, and I hope this video brings you clarity and confidence as you dive into your Bubbly Shawl! 💞
– Heather
