Unlock the secrets of knitting’s versatility with the art of increasing stitches. Whether you desire a wider canvas for your creations or seamless transitions in your designs, mastering this technique empowers you to transform your knitted fabric into intricate works of art. By deftly adding stitches at strategic points, you can expand the boundaries of your knitting repertoire and elevate your projects to new heights.
Contrary to the misconception that knitting’s essence lies in decreasing stitches for shaping, increasing stitches holds equal importance. It grants you the flexibility to accommodate intricate patterns, expand the width of your fabric, or even create unique textures by alternating between increasing and decreasing. Embracing this technique unlocks a realm of knitting possibilities, allowing you to weave your imagination into tangible, three-dimensional expressions.
Moreover, increasing stitches is a fundamental skill that transcends project types. Whether you’re embarking on a delicate lace shawl, a cozy sweater, or a vibrant afghan, the ability to increase stitches seamlessly ensures a harmonious and polished outcome. By incorporating this technique into your knitting repertoire, you not only expand your creative horizons but also lay the foundation for more complex and sophisticated projects in the future.
Assessing the Pattern: Identifying Stitch Increase Points
Before increasing stitches, it’s crucial to examine the knitting pattern thoroughly to locate the designated points for stitch increases. Here’s a detailed guide to help you identify these points:
Step 1: Locate the “Increase” Instruction
Scan the pattern for any instructions that explicitly mention “increase” or “inc.” These instructions will typically specify the row and stitch number where the increase should occur.
Step 2: Determine the Increase Type
There are various ways to increase stitches, each with its own symbol or abbreviation. Make sure you understand which type of increase is specified in the pattern (e.g., knit front and back, make one stitch, yarn over).
Step 3: Identify the Row and Stitch Number
The pattern will indicate the precise row and stitch number where the increase is to be made. This information is usually presented in this format: “Row [number]: Increase 1 stitch at stitch [number].”
Step 4: Understand the Increase Pattern
Pay attention to any additional instructions regarding the increase pattern. The pattern may specify how often you should increase stitches (e.g., every other row, every 4 stitches), or it may include specific instructions for increasing stitches in a particular section of the garment.
Essential Tools: Needles and Yarn for Expansion
Expanding stitches in knitting requires suitable tools to ensure a smooth and successful process.
Needles
For increasing stitches, it is recommended to use knitting needles that are slightly larger than the ones used for the base knitting. This allows for easier manipulation of the stitches and prevents them from becoming too tight. Circular needles are particularly useful for this purpose, as they provide continuous loops for knitting around.
Yarn
The type of yarn used for expanding stitches should be compatible with the yarn of the base knitting. It is advisable to use a yarn with a similar weight and texture. This ensures that the expanded stitches blend seamlessly with the existing fabric.
| Yarn Type | Weight | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Woolen | Light to medium | Soft and insulating |
| Cotton | Light to heavy | Breathable and durable |
| Acrylic | Light to medium | Lightweight and machine-washable |
To avoid creating bulky or uneven stitches, it is important to pay attention to the tension of the yarn. Maintaining consistent tension throughout the knitting process ensures that the expanded stitches have a uniform appearance.
Knitting into the Back Loop
This method produces an increase that leans slightly to the right, giving a subtle textured effect.
- Insert the right-hand needle into the back loop of the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
- Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle and pull it through the back loop.
- Knit the new stitch as usual.
Additional Tips for Knitting into the Back Loop:
- Pay attention to the orientation of the stitch: the back loop is the one closest to the tip of the left-hand needle.
- Use a slightly smaller hook when knitting into the back loop to prevent the increase from becoming too loose.
- Experiment with different yarns and needle sizes to achieve varied textures and effects.
- Combine knitting into the back loop with other increase methods to create interesting stitch patterns.
| Method | Effect |
|---|---|
| Knitting into the front loop | Increases slightly to the left, creating a more even texture |
| Knitting into the back loop | Increases slightly to the right, giving a subtle textured effect |
| Yarn over | Creates a larger, more noticeable increase |
KFB: The Knit Front and Back Technique
The Knit Front and Back (KFB) technique is a versatile method for increasing stitches in knitting. It involves creating a new stitch from the front and back of the existing stitch, resulting in a symmetrical increase.
Step-by-Step Guide to KFB
- Insert the left-hand needle into the front loop of the stitch.
- Bring the yarn over the needle and knit into the front loop.
- Lift the newly created loop over the original stitch.
- Insert the left-hand needle into the back loop of the original stitch.
- Bring the yarn over the needle and knit into the back loop.
- Lift the newly created loop over the original stitch.
Tips for KFB
To avoid holes or uneven stitches, make sure to:
- Insert the needle into the center of the loop.
- Tighten the stitches evenly.
- Practice on a swatch before using it in a project.
| Increase Type | Method |
|---|---|
| KFB | Knit into front and back loops of the same stitch |
| M1L | Make 1 stitch left (create a new stitch from the front loop) |
| M1R | Make 1 stitch right (create a new stitch from the back loop) |
K2tog: The Knit Together Method
The knit together (K2tog) stitch is a fundamental technique in knitting that allows you to decrease the number of stitches in your row. By knitting two stitches together, you reduce them to one.
To perform the K2tog stitch, follow these steps:
-
Insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle as if to knit it.
-
Move the left-hand needle to the back of the right-hand needle, slipping the first stitch over the second stitch.
-
With the left-hand needle, lift the second stitch over the first stitch and off the right-hand needle.
-
You now have one new stitch on your left-hand needle.
-
Advanced K2tog Variations:
-
K2tog tbl: Insert the right-hand needle into the back loop of the first stitch and the front loop of the second stitch, then knit the stitches together.
-
K2tog psso: Insert the left-hand needle into the second stitch, slip the first stitch over the left-hand needle, then lift the second stitch over the first stitch and off the left-hand needle.
-
K2tog left-leaning: Knit the first stitch, then insert the left-hand needle into the back loop of the first stitch and the front loop of the second stitch, and knit the stitches together.
-
M1: The Make 1 Technique
This is the most basic method of increasing stitches when knitting. To make 1 (M1), simply insert the right-hand needle into the stitch below the one you’re knitting and lift it up onto the left-hand needle.
This creates a new stitch that is essentially the same as the original stitch. The M1 increase can be used in any situation where you need to add stitches, such as at the beginning or end of a row, or to create decreases.
M1L: The Make 1 Left Technique
The M1L increase is worked similarly to the M1, but it creates a stitch that leans to the left. To work an M1L, insert the right-hand needle into the stitch below the one you’re knitting, from left to right. Lift the new stitch up onto the left-hand needle.
The M1L increase is often used when increasing stitches at the beginning of a row, as it creates a neater edge.
M1R: The Make 1 Right Technique
The M1R increase is worked similarly to the M1, but it creates a stitch that leans to the right. To work an M1R, insert the right-hand needle into the stitch below the one you’re knitting, from right to left. Lift the new stitch up onto the left-hand needle.
The M1R increase is often used when increasing stitches at the end of a row, as it creates a neater edge.
PFB: The Purl Front and Back Technique
The PFB increase is a more advanced technique that creates two new stitches from one. To work a PFB, follow these steps:
- Insert the right-hand needle into the stitch below the one you’re knitting, from front to back.
- Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front.
- Pull the new loop up onto the left-hand needle.
- Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
- Insert the right-hand needle into the back of the newly knitted stitch, from back to front.
- Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from front to back.
- Pull the new loop up onto the left-hand needle.
The PFB increase is often used to create increases in the middle of a row, as it creates two new stitches that are evenly spaced.
| Method | Result | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| M1 | Creates a new stitch that is the same as the original stitch | Any situation where you need to add stitches |
| M1L | Creates a stitch that leans to the left | Increasing stitches at the beginning of a row |
| M1R | Creates a stitch that leans to the right | Increasing stitches at the end of a row |
| PFB | Creates two new stitches from one | Creating increases in the middle of a row |
SSK: The Slip, Slip, Knit Approach
This method involves slipping two stitches onto the right-hand needle, one at a time, and then knitting them together. To perform an SSK:
- Slip the first stitch from the left-hand needle onto the right-hand needle.
- Slip the next stitch from the left-hand needle onto the right-hand needle.
- Insert the left-hand needle into the back loops of both slipped stitches on the right-hand needle.
- Lift the two stitches up onto the left-hand needle.
- Knit the two stitches together.
Into the Detail of SSK.
- The SSK stitch is worked exactly like the SKP decrease, however, instead of slipping the next two stitches onto the right-hand needle purlwise, you slip them on knitwise. This means that the stitches will remain on the right-hand needle with the left leg in front and the right leg in back when you knit them together.
- The SSK stitch leans to the left, like the SKP stitch leans to the right.
- It is possible to SSK three or even four stitches together, but remember that each additional stitch will increase the size of the hole at the joining, so if you are planning on increasing a stitch between two pieces of knitting, work it over several rows.
Here is a table summarizing the differences between the SSK and SKP stitches:
| SSK Stitch | SKP Stitch |
|---|---|
| The next two stitches are slipped onto the right-hand needle knitwise. | The next two stitches are slipped onto the right-hand needle purlwise. |
| The stitched will remain on the right-hand needle with the left leg in front and the right leg in back when you knit them together. | The stitches will remain on the right-hand needle with the left leg in back and the right leg in front when you knit them together. |
| The SSK stitch leans to the right. | The SKP stitch leans to the left. |
Yfwd: The Yarn Forward Trick
This technique involves bringing the yarn forward before knitting the next stitch. It creates an extra loop on the left-hand needle, resulting in an increase of one stitch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Holding the left-hand needle in your left hand and the right-hand needle in your right hand, insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle as if to knit.
2. Instead of knitting the stitch, bring the yarn from the back forward between the needles.
3. Wrap the yarn around the left-hand needle from back to front.
4. Now, knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
5. The yarn forward will now be incorporated into the knit stitch, creating an additional loop on the left-hand needle.
Applications:
* Increasing the width of a knitted fabric.
* Creating shaping, such as a flare in a skirt or a curve in a shoulder.
* Making decorative elements, such as eyelets or lace.
| Before Yfwd | After Yfwd |
|---|---|
|
One stitch on left-hand needle. |
Two stitches on left-hand needle. |
Combining Techniques for Optimal Stitch Growth
Understanding Stitch Increase
Increasing stitches occurs by creating an additional loop in the fabric. By mastering various techniques, knitters can effectively enhance the size and shape of their garments.
The Lifted Increase
Insert the left-hand needle into a stitch from the row below, lifting it over the stitch on the right-hand needle. Knit the lifted stitch.
The Make One Increase (M1)
Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle and insert it into the same stitch as the previous stitch. Knit the new stitch created by the wrapped yarn.
The Knit Front and Back Increase (KFB)
Knit the stitch, then insert the right-hand needle into the back loop of the stitch and knit it again. This results in two new stitches.
The Bar Increase
Slip the stitch onto the right-hand needle. Make a yarn-over on the right-hand needle, then slip the stitch back onto the left-hand needle. Knit the yarn-over and the slipped stitch together.
The Slip Stitch Increase
Slip a stitch onto the right-hand needle. Knit the next stitch, then slip the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.
The Knit Two Together Increase (K2tog)
Knit the first two stitches on the left-hand needle together.
The Purl Two Together Increase (P2tog)
Purl the first two stitches on the left-hand needle together.
The Double Increase (K2tog, M1)
Knit two stitches together, then make one increase into the stitch below the two that were just knitted.
The Triple Increase (K2tog, M1, K2tog)
Knit two stitches together, make one increase into the stitch below, then knit two more stitches together.
Tips for Optimal Growth
| Technique | Result |
|---|---|
| Lifted Increase | Creates a subtle increase with a slight ridge |
| M1 | Produces a small, even increase |
| KFB | Results in two new stitches with a slight hole |
| Bar Increase | Creates a sturdy increase with a diagonal line |
| Slip Stitch Increase | Produces an invisible increase without a hole |
How To Increase Stitches When Knitting
Increasing stitches is a fundamental technique in knitting that allows you to create a wider fabric or add decorative elements to your project. There are several methods for increasing stitches, each with its own advantages and applications. Here are the most common ways to increase stitches when knitting:
Knitfront (Kf) or Knit into Front Loop:
This is the simplest method, which involves knitting into the front loop of the next stitch. It creates a new stitch that leans to the right.
Knitback (Kb) or Knit into Back Loop:
Similar to Kf, but instead of knitting into the front loop, you knit into the back loop of the next stitch. This creates a new stitch that leans to the left.
Make One (M1):
This method creates a new stitch by lifting a vertical strand of yarn between two existing stitches and knitting it. The resulting stitch will be centered over the lifted strand.
Yarn Over (YO):
This method creates a new stitch by wrapping the yarn over the right-hand needle and knitting into the next stitch as usual. The wrapped yarn will create a hole in the fabric that can be incorporated into lace or cable patterns.
Double Increase (DI):
This method creates two new stitches by knitting into the front and back loops of the next stitch.
People Also Ask About How To Increase Stitches When Knitting
How do I increase stitches without a hole?
The M1 (Make One) method is a good choice for increasing stitches without creating a hole. It creates a new stitch by lifting a strand of yarn between two existing stitches and knitting it.
How to increase stitches at the beginning of a row?
To increase stitches at the beginning of a row, you can use the M1 (Make One) method. Simply lift a vertical strand of yarn from the cast-on edge and knit it.
How to increase stitches at the end of a row?
To increase stitches at the end of a row, you can use the Kfb (Knit front and back) method. Simply knit into the front and back loops of the last stitch on the row.
