Unlocking the secrets of knitting, embark on a journey to master the art of seamlessly increasing stitches. This indispensable guide will unveil the techniques that transform plain yarn into intricate masterpieces. Whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just starting to cast on, this article will empower you with the knowledge to elevate your knitting projects to new heights. Prepare to witness your skills soar as you learn essential techniques for adding stitches while knitting, expanding the possibilities of your creations.
As we delve into the world of increasing stitches, let’s explore a technique that’s as versatile as it is simple: the knit front and back method. This technique involves working into the front and back loops of a stitch, creating two new stitches in its place. Start by identifying the stitch you wish to increase. Then, insert your right-hand knitting needle into the front loop of the stitch as you would normally knit. Wrap the yarn around the needle counterclockwise and draw it through the loop. Next, insert the left-hand needle into the back loop of the same stitch and knit into it. Once again, wrap the yarn around the needle and pull it through the loop. Voilà! You’ve successfully created two new stitches from one.
Another effective method for increasing stitches is the make one method. This technique is particularly useful for adding stitches at the beginning or end of a row. Begin by holding the yarn in your right hand and the knitting needle in your left. Insert the left-hand needle into the next stitch on the right-hand needle, as if to knit. However, instead of knitting into the stitch, wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle counterclockwise and draw it through the loop. This creates a new stitch on your left-hand needle. Repeat this process as many times as necessary to achieve the desired number of increased stitches. With these techniques under your belt, you’ll be able to effortlessly expand the canvas of your knitting, unlocking endless possibilities for your creative expressions.
Understanding the Basics of Increasing Stitches
Increasing stitches while knitting is a fundamental technique used to create shapes, expand fabric, and add decorative elements to your projects. Before delving into the various methods, it’s crucial to grasp the basic principles involved in increasing stitches:
**1. Stitch Anatomy**
Each stitch on a knitting needle consists of two loops: the front loop and the back loop. The front loop is the one closest to you, and the back loop is behind it. When you increase a stitch, you essentially create a new loop from one of these existing loops.
**2. Needle Size**
The size of your knitting needle can impact the ease and appearance of increasing stitches. Smaller needles (e.g., sizes 5-6) produce tighter stitches, making it more challenging to increase without distorting the fabric. Larger needles (e.g., sizes 8-10) provide more space for new stitches, resulting in a smoother increase.
**3. Yarn Tension**
The tension of the yarn also affects the quality of increased stitches. Loose tension can lead to droopy or uneven stitches, while too tight tension can make it difficult to complete the increase. Aim for a consistent and moderate tension throughout your knitting.
Common Abbreviations
In knitting patterns, you may encounter abbreviations for specific ways of increasing stitches. Here are some of the most common terms:
| Abbreviation | Method |
|---|---|
| M1 | Make 1 |
| KFB | Knit front and back |
| M1P | Make 1 purlwise |
Common Methods for Increasing Stitches
Make 1 (M1)
The Make 1 (M1) technique is a versatile method that can be used to increase stitches at the beginning, middle, or end of a row.
- To increase at the beginning of a row: Create a new stitch by lifting the horizontal bar between the first and second stitches on the left-hand needle and knitting it through the front loop.
- To increase in the middle of a row: Knit to the stitch before where you want to increase. Slip that stitch onto the right-hand needle, yarn over, and pass the slipped stitch back onto the left-hand needle. Then, knit the yarn over.
- To increase at the end of a row: Knit to the last stitch. Slip the last stitch onto the right-hand needle, yarn over, and pass the slipped stitch back onto the left-hand needle. Then, knit the yarn over.
Knit Front, Back, Knit (KFB)
The Knit Front, Back, Knit (KFB) technique produces a slightly slanted increase that is ideal for knitted fabrics that require a bit of stretch.
- To increase in the middle of a row: Knit to the stitch before where you want to increase. Knit the next stitch from the front loop (front), then from the back loop (back), and finally from the front loop again (knit).
- Note: The KFB increase adds 2 stitches to the row, so it is often used in combination with other decreasing techniques to maintain the overall stitch count.
Knit Two Together (K2tog)
The Knit Two Together (K2tog) technique decreases the number of stitches in a row by combining two stitches into one. This method can be used to increase stitches by working it in reverse.
- To increase in the middle of a row: Knit to the first stitch you want to include in the increase. Knit the next stitch from the back loop (back), then knit the first stitch over the back loop (knit).
- Note: The K2tog increase adds 1 stitch to the row, making it a useful technique for creating localized increases without significantly affecting the overall stitch count.
M1: Make One Increase
The M1 method, or “Make One Increase,” involves creating a new stitch from a section of yarn between two existing stitches. It’s an easy increase that can be used in various knitting patterns.
Step 1:
Insert your right-hand needle into the center of the yarn between two stitches on the left-hand needle, as if you were about to purl.
Step 2:
Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front, as if you were knitting.
Step 3:
Pull the new loop onto the left-hand needle and knit it, as you would knit any other stitch. You have now created an additional stitch between the two original stitches.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert your right-hand needle into the center of the yarn between two stitches on the left-hand needle. |
| 2 | Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front. |
| 3 | Pull the new loop onto the left-hand needle and knit it, as you would knit any other stitch. |
M1RL: Make One Increase Right Leaning
The M1RL stitch is used to increase the number of stitches on the right-hand side of your work. The new stitch will lean to the right, creating a slanted edge.
-
Insert your right-hand knitting needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle, as if to knit.
-
Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front.
-
Pull the new loop through the stitch on the left-hand needle.
-
You now have two loops on the right-hand needle.
Insert the left-hand needle into the front loop on the right-hand needle, as if to knit.
Wrap the yarn around the left-hand needle from back to front.
Pull the new loop through the front loop on the right-hand needle.
Slip the new stitch onto the left-hand needle.
You now have one new stitch on the left-hand needle.
Repeat steps 1-7 for each additional stitch you want to increase.
Knitting into the Front and Back Loops
Knitting into the front and back loops of the same stitch creates a stretchy, ribbed fabric.
Knit Front Loop Knit Back Loop Insert the right-hand knitting needle into the front loop of the next stitch on the left-hand needle, as if to knit. Insert the right-hand knitting needle into the back loop of the next stitch on the left-hand needle, as if to knit. Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front. Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front. Pull the new loop through the front loop on the left-hand needle. Pull the new loop through the back loop on the left-hand needle. Slip the new stitch onto the left-hand needle. Slip the new stitch onto the left-hand needle. M1LL: Make One Increase Left Leaning
This technique creates a stitch that leans to the left, resulting in a seamless and cohesive increase. To perform M1LL, follow these detailed steps:
- With the yarn in front, insert the left-hand needle into the next stitch as if to knit.
- Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the needle from front to back.
- Slide the newly created loop onto the left-hand needle.
- Transfer both the original stitch and the new loop to the right-hand needle.
- Knit the two stitches together, making sure to place the new stitch in front of the original stitch.
The M1LL technique adds a single stitch that leans slightly to the left, providing a subtle yet elegant transition between stitches.
Tips for Using M1LL:
Tip Description Tighten the Wrap Wrap the yarn snugly around the needle to create a secure and even new stitch. Insert Deeply Insert the needle deep into the next stitch to avoid splitting the yarn. Knit Together Carefully Pay attention to the order of the stitches when knitting together to ensure the proper lean. KFB: Knit Front Back
The KFB increase creates a new stitch in the front loop of the stitch below. It is a simple increase that works well for both stockinette and ribbed patterns.
Instructions:
- Insert the left-hand needle into the front loop of the stitch below the current stitch.
- Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the needle.
- Pull the new loop through the front loop.
- Slip the new loop onto the left-hand needle.
- Knit the new stitch.
The M1 increase creates a new stitch between two existing stitches. It is a versatile increase that can be used in a variety of patterns.
Instructions:
- Hold the left-hand needle parallel to the right-hand needle, with the tips pointing towards each other.
- Insert the left-hand needle into the center of the horizontal bar between the two stitches.
- Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the left-hand needle.
- Pull the new loop through the horizontal bar.
- Slip the new loop onto the left-hand needle.
- Knit the new stitch.
| Increase Method | Description | Difficulty |
|—|—|—|
| KFB | Knits into the front loop of the stitch below. | Easy |
| M1 | Creates a new stitch between two existing stitches. | Moderate |
| YO | Wraps the yarn around the needle before knitting or purling a stitch. | Easy |
| PFB | Purls into the back loop of the stitch below. | Difficult |
| M1R | Creates a new stitch to the right of an existing stitch. | Moderate |
| M1L | Creates a new stitch to the left of an existing stitch. | Moderate |
| Slip, Knit, Pass over | Slips a stitch to the left-hand needle, knits the next stitch, and then passes the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch. | Easy |Increase More Evenly
If you want to increase your stitches more evenly, you can use the PFB (purl front back) method. This method creates a less noticeable increase than the M1 method.
To increase with PFB, insert the left-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle as if you were going to purl. Wrap the yarn around the needle from front to back and pull the loop through the stitch. Then, slip the new loop back onto the left-hand needle and purl it.
Increase After the First Stitch
If you want to increase after the first stitch, you can use the M1L (make 1 left) method. This method creates a new stitch on the left side of the needle.
To increase with M1L, insert the left-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle as if you were going to knit. Wrap the yarn around the needle from back to front and pull the loop through the stitch. Then, slip the new loop back onto the left-hand needle and knit it.
Increase Before the Last Stitch
If you want to increase before the last stitch, you can use the M1R (make 1 right) method. This method creates a new stitch on the right side of the needle.
To increase with M1R, insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the right-hand needle as if you were going to knit. Wrap the yarn around the needle from front to back and pull the loop through the stitch. Then, slip the new loop back onto the right-hand needle and knit it.
Increase Between Two Stitches
If you want to increase between two stitches, you can use the M1B (make 1 between) method. This method creates a new stitch in the center of two stitches.
To increase with M1B, insert the left-hand needle between the next two stitches on the left-hand needle. Wrap the yarn around the needle from back to front and pull the loop through the stitch. Then, slip the new loop back onto the left-hand needle and knit it.
Increase Evenly Throughout the Row
If you want to increase evenly throughout the row, you can use the KFB (knit front back) method. This method creates a new stitch in the center of two stitches.
To increase with KFB, knit into the next stitch on the left-hand needle. Then, insert the left-hand needle into the same stitch from the back and knit again. This will create a new stitch in the center of the original stitch.
Increase at the Beginning of the Row
If you want to increase at the beginning of the row, you can use the CO (cast on) method. This method creates a new stitch at the beginning of the row.
To increase with CO, make a slip knot and place it on the left-hand needle. Then, insert the right-hand needle into the slip knot from front to back and wrap the yarn around the needle. Pull the loop through the slip knot and then slip the new loop back onto the left-hand needle.
Increase at the End of the Row
If you want to increase at the end of the row, you can use the BO (bind off) method. This method creates a new stitch at the end of the row.
To increase with BO, knit the last stitch on the left-hand needle. Then, insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle from back to front and wrap the yarn around the needle. Pull the loop through the stitch and then slip the new loop back onto the left-hand needle.
Increase Method Description M1L (make 1 left) Creates a new stitch on the left side of the needle. M1R (make 1 right) Creates a new stitch on the right side of the needle. M1B (make 1 between) Creates a new stitch in the center of two stitches. KFB (knit front back) Creates a new stitch in the center of two stitches. CO (cast on) Creates a new stitch at the beginning of the row. BO (bind off) Creates a new stitch at the end of the row. Increase on a Turn
Increasing stitches on a turn is a straightforward technique that can be used in various knitting projects. This method involves creating new stitches at the beginning or end of a row, resulting in an increase in the number of stitches in your work.
To increase stitches on a turn, follow these steps:
- Turn your work: Bring the working yarn to the front and slide the stitches onto the right-hand needle.
- Insert the left-hand needle: Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle as if you were going to knit it.
- Wrap the yarn: Wrap the yarn around the left-hand needle from back to front, as you would when knitting.
- Knit the new stitch: Pull the wrapped yarn through the stitch on the right-hand needle, creating a new stitch.
- Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 to create additional stitches on the turn.
- Turn the work: Bring the working yarn to the back and slide the stitches onto the left-hand needle.
- Knit the row: Knit the remaining stitches in the row as usual.
- Repeat on the next turn: Repeat steps 1-7 on the next row to increase stitches on the opposite side of the work.
Increase Method Description Yarn over (YO) Wrap the yarn around the needle before knitting the next stitch. Knit front and back (KFB) Knit into the front and back loops of the same stitch. Make one left (M1L) Create a new stitch from the horizontal bar between two existing stitches. Make one right (M1R) Create a new stitch from the vertical strand between two existing stitches. Incorporating Increases into Patterns
When following a knitting pattern, increases are often incorporated into specific rows or stitches to create desired shapes or details. Patterns may provide detailed instructions on where and how to increase stitches.
**How to Increase Stitches in Patterns**
Follow the guidelines provided in the pattern to determine the exact location and method for increasing stitches. Common techniques include:
- **Knit Front and Back:** Knit into the front and back loops of the same stitch, creating 2 new stitches.
- **Knit Two Together:** Knit 2 stitches together, decreasing one stitch.
- **Yarn Over:** Pass the yarn over the needle before knitting the next stitch, creating an extra loop.
- **Make 1:** Lift the horizontal bar connecting two stitches above the left-hand needle, place it on the right-hand needle, and knit it, creating a new stitch.
- **Slip Slip Knit:** Slip the first stitch knit-wise, slip the next stitch knit-wise, then knit both stitches together, creating a new stitch.
- **Cable Cast On:** Insert the left-hand needle into the horizontal bar connecting two stitches and pull up a new loop, then knit it, creating a new stitch.
- **Left-Hand Increase:** Lift the horizontal bar connecting two stitches above the right-hand needle and knit it, creating a new stitch.
- **Right-Hand Increase:** Lift the horizontal bar connecting two stitches above the left-hand needle and knit it, creating a new stitch.
- **Increase N stitches:** Knit N before the next stitch, then knit the next stitch.
Increase Type Description KFB Knit into the front and back loops of the same stitch, creating 2 new stitches. K2tog Knit 2 stitches together, decreasing one stitch. YO Pass the yarn over the needle before knitting the next stitch, creating an extra loop. M1 Lift the horizontal bar connecting two stitches above the left-hand needle, place it on the right-hand needle, and knit it, creating a new stitch. SSK Slip the first stitch knit-wise, slip the next stitch knit-wise, then knit both stitches together, creating a new stitch. CCO Insert the left-hand needle into the horizontal bar connecting two stitches and pull up a new loop, then knit it, creating a new stitch. LI Lift the horizontal bar connecting two stitches above the right-hand needle and knit it, creating a new stitch. RI Lift the horizontal bar connecting two stitches above the left-hand needle and knit it, creating a new stitch. Inc N Knit N before the next stitch, then knit the next stitch. Troubleshooting Stitch Increases
Increased stitches appear too loose
Use a smaller needle size or increase the yarn weight to tighten the stitches.Increased stitches appear too tight
Use a larger needle size or decrease the yarn weight to loosen the stitches.Increased stitches are uneven
Ensure consistent tension throughout the row and use a stitch marker to mark the increase point.I dropped a stitch while increasing
Use a crochet hook or knitting needle to retrieve the dropped stitch and reattach it to the working needle.I accidentally increased more (or less) stitches than intended
Unravel and knit back to the point of the error. Correct the number of stitches and continue knitting.The increase is not visible in the finished fabric
Use a different stitch pattern or a contrasting yarn color to make the increase more prominent.The increase creates a hole in the fabric
Tighten the tension around the increased stitches or use a slip stitch instead of a yarn over to avoid the hole.The increase creates a ridge in the fabric
Spread the increase over two or more rows to minimize the ridge.The increase creates a twist in the fabric
Insert the needle into the correct space and knit the stitch in the correct direction to avoid twisting.The increase creates a knot in the fabric
Loosen the tension and carefully untangle the knot. Ensure the stitches are aligned correctly before continuing to knit.Increase Table
Increase Description M1 Make 1 stitch by picking up the horizontal bar between two existing stitches and knitting it M1L Make 1 stitch by picking up the left leg of an existing stitch and knitting it M1R Make 1 stitch by picking up the right leg of an existing stitch and knitting it Yo Yarn over the needle by wrapping the yarn around it before knitting the next stitch Kfb Knit into the front and back loops of the same stitch to create two stitches Kff Knit the front loop and then the back loop of the same stitch to create two stitches How to Increase Stitches While Knitting
Increasing stitches while knitting is a fundamental technique that allows you to create a wider fabric or shape your knitted piece. There are several methods for increasing stitches, each with its own purpose and effect on the overall appearance of your project.
Yarn Over (YO): The most common method of increasing is the yarn over (YO). To do a YO, simply bring the yarn to the front of your work and wrap it around the right-hand needle before knitting into the next stitch. This creates a new loop on the needle, which will become the new stitch.
Knit into the Back Loop (KFB): Another method is the knit into the back loop (KFB). This increase creates a stitch that leans slightly to the right, making it useful for shaping. To do a KFB, insert the right-hand needle into the back loop of the next stitch, as if you were going to purl, and knit into it.
Make One (M1): The make one (M1) increase creates a new stitch by picking up the horizontal strand between two existing stitches and knitting into it. This increase is less visible than other methods and is often used for adding stitches in the middle of a row.
People Also Ask
How do I increase stitches at the beginning of a row?
Use a Yarn Over (YO):
Bring the yarn to the front and wrap it around the right-hand needle before knitting into the first stitch of the row.
How do I increase stitches at the end of a row?
Use a Yarn Over (YO):
Bring the yarn to the front and wrap it around the left-hand needle before knitting into the last stitch of the row.
What is the difference between a YO and a KFB increase?
Appearance:
A YO increase creates a more obvious and raised stitch, while a KFB increase leans slightly to the right.
Placement:
A YO increase can be placed anywhere in a row, while a KFB increase is typically used at the beginning or end of a row.
