Knitting is a versatile craft that allows you to create beautiful garments and accessories. One of the most important techniques in knitting is the ability to increase stitches. This allows you to shape your work and create interesting designs. There are several ways to increase stitches, and the method you choose will depend on the pattern you are following and the desired effect.
One common way to increase stitches is by knitting into the front and back loops of the same stitch. This creates two new stitches where there was only one before. Another way to increase stitches is by knitting two stitches into the same stitch. This also creates two new stitches, but they are stacked on top of each other. Finally, you can increase stitches by slipping a stitch onto the right-hand needle, knitting into the next stitch, and then slipping the first stitch back over the second stitch. This creates a new stitch in between the two original stitches.
No matter which method you choose, increasing stitches is a simple technique that can add interest and shape to your knitting. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master this technique and create beautiful garments and accessories.
Understanding Yarn Weight and Needle Size
Understanding yarn weight and needle size is the first step towards learning to increase stitches while knitting. Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn, while needle size refers to the diameter of the knitting needles. The weight of the yarn will play a significant role in determining the appropriate needle size to use, as different weights of yarn require different size needles to create the desired fabric.
Yarn weight is typically categorized into a range of weights, from “lace” (the lightest weight) to “super bulky” (the heaviest weight). Each weight category has a recommended range of needle sizes that are suitable for use with that weight of yarn. Using the correct needle size for the yarn weight will help to create a fabric with the desired drape, stitch definition, and durability.
Yarn Weight Categories and Recommended Needle Sizes
| Yarn Weight | Needle Size Range |
|---|---|
| Lace | US 0-2 (2.00-2.75mm) |
| Fingering | US 1-3 (2.25-3.25mm) |
| Sport | US 3-4 (3.25-3.50mm) |
| DK (double knitting) | US 4-5 (3.50-3.75mm) |
| Worsted | US 6-7 (4.00-4.50mm) |
| Aran | US 8-9 (5.00-5.50mm) |
| Bulky | US 10-11 (6.00-6.50mm) |
| Super bulky | US 11-15 (6.50-10.00mm) |
Determining the Stitch Multiple
Calculating the Increase Rate
To determine the stitch multiple, you need to calculate the increase rate, which is the number of stitches you want to increase per row. This depends on the desired outcome and the stitch pattern you’re using. For example, if you want to increase 10 stitches over 5 rows, the increase rate would be 2 stitches per row.
Determining the Row Interval
Once you have the increase rate, you need to determine the row interval, which is the number of rows between each increase. This interval depends on the stitch pattern and the desired effect. For example, if you’re using a simple knit stitch pattern and want a subtle increase, you might choose a row interval of 5. This means you would increase 2 stitches every 5th row.
Creating the Increase Pattern
Based on the increase rate and row interval, you can create an increase pattern. The pattern outlines when and where to increase stitches within the row. For instance, if you have an increase rate of 2 stitches and a row interval of 5, your pattern might look like this:
| Row | Increase Location |
|---|---|
| 5 | Beginning and end of row |
| 10 | Beginning and end of row |
| 15 | Beginning and end of row |
Knit the Edge Stitches
To prepare for increasing the number of stitches, the first step is to knit the edge stitches.
1. Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch, which is a purl stitch from the previous row.
2. Wrap the yarn clockwise around the needle from back to front.
3. Pull the yarn through the purl stitch, and slide the new loop onto the left-hand needle, creating a new knit stitch on the left-hand needle.
4. Repeat this process for the next stitch, which is also a purl stitch.
Make a Yarn Over
This method creates a new stitch on the right-hand needle and is often indicated in a knitting pattern as “yo.” Making a yarn over is simple, but the placement of the new stitch can vary depending on the desired result.
Here’s a step-by-step guide with variations on the yarn over technique:
| Method | Effect |
|---|---|
| Yarn Over Between Two Stitches | Creates a small gap between stitches, often used for decorative effects or lace patterns. |
| Yarn Over Before a Stitch | Adds a stitch to the left of the worked stitch, increasing the width of the fabric. |
| Yarn Over After a Stitch | Adds a stitch to the right of the worked stitch, increasing the width of the fabric. |
| Yarn Over Into a Stitch | Lifts the stitch and forms a new loop on the right-hand needle, often used for cabling techniques. |
Yarn Over Before a Stitch
To make a yarn over before a stitch:
1. Insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle as if to knit.
2. Hold the working yarn in your left hand and wrap it around the back of the right-hand needle.
3. Bring the yarn to the front of the needle.
4. Slip the stitch from the left-hand needle onto the right-hand needle over the newly formed loop.
5. You now have two stitches on the right-hand needle. The yarn over is the stitch closest to the point of the needle.
Knit the Yarn Over
In this technique, an extra stitch is created by knitting into the space between two existing stitches on the needle. This is also known as a “yarn over” (yo).
To knit a yo:
- Bring the working yarn forward.
- Insert the left-hand needle into the stitch on the right-hand needle as if to knit.
- Wrap the working yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front.
- Pull the wrapped yarn through the stitch to create a new stitch on the left-hand needle.
- Slide the new stitch off the right-hand needle onto the left-hand needle.
The yarn over will appear as a small bump on the knitted fabric. When the fabric is blocked or washed, this bump will become a new stitch.
Additional Information
Yarn overs can be made on either the knit or purl side of the work. When made on the knit side, they create a “left-leaning” yo. When made on the purl side, they create a “right-leaning” yo.
The table below summarizes the information provided above:
| Yarn Over | Knit into the space between two existing stitches. |
| Left-Leaning Yarn Over | Knit a yo on the knit side. |
| Right-Leaning Yarn Over | Knit a yo on the purl side. |
Repeat the Yarn Over
Once you have created the first yarn over stitch, the process of repeating it is fairly straightforward:
- Insert the left-hand needle into the stitch below the yarn over. This is the stitch that you just created.
- Hook the yarn from the back of the work onto the left-hand needle.
- Pull the hooked yarn through the stitch.
- Slide the new stitch onto the left-hand needle.
- Repeat steps 1-4 until you have created the desired number of yarn over stitches.
Example:
To create three yarn over stitches, you would repeat steps 1-4 three times. The resulting stitches would look like this:
<p>
<table>
<tr>
<th>Stitch</th>
<th>Description</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Original stitch</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Yarn over stitch</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Yarn over stitch</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Yarn over stitch</td>
</tr>
</table>
</p>
Bind Off the New Stitches
Once you have created the new stitches, you need to bind them off to secure them and prevent them from unraveling. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to bind off the new stitches:
Step 1: Insert the Left-Hand Needle
Insert the left-hand needle into the first stitch on the right-hand needle, from back to front.
Step 2: Transfer the Stitch
Using the left-hand needle, transfer the stitch from the right-hand needle to the left-hand needle.
Step 3: Knit the Next Stitch
Knit the next stitch on the right-hand needle onto the left-hand needle.
Step 4: Lift the First Stitch Over the Second
Slide the first stitch on the left-hand needle over the second stitch.
Step 5: Continue Binding Off
Repeat steps 1-4 until there is only one stitch remaining on the left-hand needle.
Step 6: Cut the Yarn and Pull Through
Cut the yarn leaving a 6-inch tail, thread the tail through the last stitch on the left-hand needle, and pull it tight. This will secure the bind-off.
Step 7:weave in the Loose Ends
To ensure a neat and professional finish, weave in the loose ends of the yarn using a tapestry needle or yarn needle. Pass the yarn through a few stitches on the row below the bind-off, hiding the ends within the fabric.
Using a Stitch Marker
A stitch marker is a small, circular clip that you can attach to your knitting to mark a specific stitch or section. This can be helpful for keeping track of increases and decreases, or for marking the beginning of a round.
Step 1: Place the Stitch Marker
To place a stitch marker, simply hook it over the right-hand needle, just before the stitch you want to mark. Make sure that the marker is securely attached, but not too tightly, as you don’t want to pull the yarn or snag the stitches.
Step 2: Knit or Purl to the Stitch Marker
Once the stitch marker is in place, knit or purl to the stitch before the one marked. This will leave the marked stitch on the left-hand needle.
Step 3: Slip the Stitch Marker
With the marked stitch on the left-hand needle, insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle and slip it onto the right-hand needle. Then, slip the stitch marker over the right-hand needle and onto the left-hand needle, just before the slipped stitch.
Step 4: Knit or Purl the Marked Stitch
Now you can knit or purl the marked stitch. The stitch marker will now be on the right-hand needle, just after the stitch you’ve knitted or purled.
Step 5: Continue Knitting or Purling
Continue knitting or purling as usual, until you reach the stitch marker again. Once you reach the stitch marker, repeat Steps 3 and 4 to increase the number of stitches in your knitting.
Tip: Use multiple stitch markers for larger increases
For increases of more than one stitch, you can use multiple stitch markers to mark the stitches you want to increase. This will help you keep track of your increases and ensure that they are evenly spaced.
| Number of stitches increased | Number of stitch markers |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 |
| 2 | 2 |
| 3 | 3 |
| 4 | 4 |
| 5 | 5 |
Increasing Stitches in a Pattern Row
Increasing stitches in a pattern row is a technique used to create additional stitches in a knitting row while following a specific stitch pattern. This allows you to shape a knitted piece, create decorative details, or simply adjust the overall size. There are several methods for increasing stitches in a pattern row, each with its own advantages and uses.
Yarn-Over (YO)
The yarn-over (YO) method involves wrapping the working yarn around the right-hand knitting needle once, creating a loop on the needle. The loop is then knitted on the next row to form a new stitch. This method is versatile and can be used in various stitch patterns.
Make One Left (M1L)
The make one left (M1L) method involves creating a new stitch from the horizontal bar between two existing stitches on the left-hand knitting needle. Using the left-hand knitting needle, hook the bar and lift a loop onto the right-hand knitting needle. Knit the new loop to form a stitch.
Make One Right (M1R)
The make one right (M1R) method is similar to the M1L method but creates a new stitch from the horizontal bar between two existing stitches on the right-hand knitting needle. Using the right-hand knitting needle, hook the bar and lift a loop onto the left-hand knitting needle. Knit the new loop to form a stitch.
Lift and Knit
The lift and knit method involves lifting the horizontal bar between two existing stitches onto the right-hand knitting needle and immediately knitting it to form a new stitch. This method is similar to the M1L and M1R methods but does not involve hooking the bar.
Knit Front and Back (KFB)
The knit front and back (KFB) method creates two new stitches from one existing stitch. First, knit the front loop of the stitch. Then, insert the right-hand knitting needle into the back loop of the stitch and knit it. This results in three stitches on the right-hand knitting needle.
Knit Two Together (K2tog)
The knit two together (K2tog) method is used to decrease stitches but can also be used to increase stitches in a pattern row. Knit the first two stitches on the left-hand knitting needle together. This creates a new stitch on the right-hand knitting needle, effectively adding one stitch.
Slip, Knit, Pass Slip Stitch Over (SKPO)
The slip, knit, pass slip stitch over (SKPO) method creates a new stitch by slipping one stitch onto the right-hand knitting needle, knitting the next stitch, and then passing the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.
Slip, Knit, Knit, Pass Slip Stitch Over (SKKPO)
The slip, knit, knit, pass slip stitch over (SKKPO) method is similar to the SKPO method but creates two new stitches instead of one. After slipping a stitch onto the right-hand knitting needle, the next two stitches are knitted. The slipped stitch is then passed over the two knitted stitches.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you practice, the easier it will become. Try knitting a simple swatch with a few different stitch patterns to get the hang of it. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start experimenting with more complex patterns.
Here are some tips for practicing:
- Start with a small project. This will help you get the hang of the basics without getting overwhelmed.
- Use a light-colored yarn. This will make it easier to see your stitches.
- Knit in a well-lit area. This will help you avoid making mistakes.
- Take your time. Don’t rush through your knitting. It’s important to be precise.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they’re first learning to knit. Just rip out the stitches and start over.
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| Dropping a stitch | Use a crochet hook to pick up the dropped stitch and put it back on the needle. |
| Knitting a stitch into the wrong loop | Rip out the stitch and knit it into the correct loop. |
| Purl stitch instead of knit stitch | Rip out the stitch and knit it correctly. |
How To Increase Stitches While Knitting
There are two main ways to increase stitches while knitting: the make one increase (M1) and the yarn over increase (YO). The M1 increase creates a new stitch between two existing stitches, while the YO increase creates a new stitch from the yarn between two needles.
To perform an M1 increase, insert the left-hand needle into the stitch below the two stitches you want to increase between. Wrap the yarn around the needle from back to front and pull it through the stitch. You will now have three stitches on the left-hand needle.
To perform a YO increase, wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front. Knit the next stitch as usual, then slip the loop of yarn over the left-hand needle. You will now have two stitches on the left-hand needle.
Both the M1 and YO increases can be used to create a variety of shapes and patterns in your knitting. The M1 increase is often used to increase the width of a piece, while the YO increase is often used to increase the height.
People Also Ask About How To Increase Stitches While Knitting
What is the difference between an M1 increase and a YO increase?
The M1 increase creates a new stitch between two existing stitches, while the YO increase creates a new stitch from the yarn between two needles.
Which type of increase is better?
The best type of increase for your project will depend on the desired outcome. The M1 increase is more visible than the YO increase, so it is often used when you want to create a textured effect. The YO increase is less visible, so it is often used when you want to increase the number of stitches without adding bulk to the fabric.
How can I increase stitches in the middle of a row?
To increase stitches in the middle of a row, you can use either the M1 or YO increase. If you are using the M1 increase, insert the left-hand needle into the stitch below the two stitches you want to increase between. Wrap the yarn around the needle from back to front and pull it through the stitch. You will now have three stitches on the left-hand needle.
If you are using the YO increase, wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front. Knit the next stitch as usual, then slip the loop of yarn over the left-hand needle. You will now have two stitches on the left-hand needle.
