Knit Increases

Are you wondering what else you can knit other than squares and rectangles? If so, you'll want to learn to knit increases, adding to the number of stitches that you have on the needle. This allows shaping of the finished knitted product.

Steps

  1. Decide which increase you're going to use. There are several increase stitches, and while you can pick one and use it all the time, you will achieve the best effect if you learn them all. If possible, use the increase mentioned in the pattern. If the pattern doesn't mention an increase, or uses the nebulous "M1" (which can mean one of several types of increases) you must choose the increase type. Your choice will determine the overall appearance, whether there is a hole, a bar or seamless knitting left behind. Each has its place, so learn them all.
  2. M1A or make one away: Take the yarn and twist a backwards loop. Place this loop onto the right needle, so the working yarn is pointing away from you. This makes an increase with a small hole.
  3. M1T or make one towards: Take the yarn and twist a backwards loop. Place this loop onto the right needle, so the working yarn is pointing towards you. This makes an increase with a small hole.
  4. M1F or make one front: Pick up the top strand of yarn between the needles from the the front, with the left needle. Knit into the back loop. This creates a tight, seamless increase.
  5. M1B or make one back: Pick up the top strand of yarn between the needles from the back, with the left needle. Knit into the front loop. It may be easier if you create some slack in the loop first. This creates a tight, seamless increase.
  6. KFB, or k1f&b, bar increase, or knit front and back: Knit a stitch like you usually would, but before you pull the loop off, knit into the back of the stitch too. This increase creates a characteristic bar in your knitting.
  7. PBF or purl back and front: Purl a stitch from the back and then purl it from the front as well.
  8. YO or yarn over: Scoop the yarn up with your right needle and knit or purl the stitch as you usually would. This creates a large hole, and it's a decrease used in lace patterns a lot.

Things You'll Need

  • Yarn
  • Knitting needles

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Sources and Citations

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