Knitting is a versatile and popular craft that allows you to create beautiful and functional items. One of the essential skills in knitting is knowing how to increase stitches. This technique is used to add stitches to your work, allowing you to shape your knitting and create intricate patterns.
Increasing a stitch in knitting can be done in a variety of ways, depending on the desired effect and the pattern you are working on. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through some common methods of increasing stitches, including yarn overs, make one (M1), and knit front and back (KFB).
Yarn overs are a simple and versatile way to increase stitches. To do a yarn over, simply bring the yarn to the front of your work, then wrap it over the top of the right-hand needle and bring it back to the front. On the next row, you will knit or purl the yarn over as a regular stitch, creating a new stitch on your needle.
Make one (M1) is another method of increasing stitches. To make one, insert your right-hand needle into the horizontal loop of yarn between two stitches, from front to back, then knit or purl into the loop as a regular stitch. This creates a new stitch on your needle, increasing the stitch count.
The knit front and back (KFB) method is commonly used to increase stitches in a uniform and neat manner. To KFB, knit the next stitch as usual, but instead of sliding the stitch off the left-hand needle, leave it on. Then, insert the right-hand needle into the back of the stitch and knit it again. Now, you can slide both stitches off the left-hand needle, creating two new stitches.
Choosing the Right Increase Method
When it comes to increasing stitches in knitting, there are several methods to choose from. The right method will depend on the pattern you are following and the effect you want to achieve.
- Knit Front and Back (KFB): This is a simple and commonly used method. To use this method, knit into the front of a stitch as usual, but before slipping it off the left needle, knit into the back of the same stitch. This creates a new stitch.
- Make One (M1): This method is also simple but creates a slightly different look. To use this method, insert the left needle into the strand of yarn between the stitches from front to back. Then, knit into the back of the strand, creating a new stitch.
- Lifted Increase: This method is often used when working with lace patterns. To use this method, insert the right needle under the horizontal strand between two stitches on the left needle. Lift the strand onto the left needle, and then knit into the back of the lifted strand, creating a new stitch.
- Knit into the Front and Back of a Stitch (KFB again): This method is similar to the KFB increase but creates a different effect. To use this method, knit into the front of a stitch, but before slipping it off the left needle, knit into the back of the same stitch. Then, knit into the front of the same stitch again. This creates two new stitches.
It is important to carefully read your pattern and any accompanying instructions to determine which increase method to use. Some patterns may specify a particular method, while others may give you the flexibility to choose. Experiment with different methods to see which one best meets your needs and gives you the desired effect.
Preparing Your Yarn and Needles
Before you begin increasing stitches in your knitting project, it is important to ensure that your yarn and needles are ready for the task. Follow these steps to prepare your materials:
- Choose the right yarn: Select a yarn that is appropriate for the project you are working on. Different yarns have different textures, weights, and stretching capabilities, so it is important to choose a yarn that will work well with the increase stitches you plan to make.
- Check your gauge: Before you start increasing stitches, it is essential to check your gauge. This involves knitting a swatch using your chosen yarn and needles, and measuring the number of stitches and rows per inch. This will help you determine how many stitches to increase and ensure that your finished project will have the correct dimensions.
- Choose the right needles: Depending on the type of increase stitch you plan to make, you may need specific types of needles. For example, if you are using a technique like knitting into the front and back of a stitch, you may prefer to use circular needles to help accommodate the increasing number of stitches. Selecting the right needles for your project will make the increasing process easier and more comfortable.
- Prepare your yarn: If your yarn is in a skein or hank, you will need to wind it into a ball or cake before starting. This can be done using a ball winder or by winding the yarn by hand. Winding the yarn will prevent it from tangling as you work and make it easier to control.
- Set up your workspace: Find a comfortable place to work on your knitting project. Make sure you have enough space to spread out your yarn and knitting needles. A well-lit and organized workspace will make it easier to keep track of your stitches and spot any mistakes or issues that may arise.
By properly preparing your yarn and needles, you will set yourself up for success as you start increasing stitches in your knitting project. Take the time to check your materials and create a comfortable workspace to make the process more enjoyable and efficient.
Knitting the First Row
Once you have cast on the desired number of stitches for your project, you are ready to start knitting the first row. This is an important step as it sets the foundation for your entire knitting project.
Step 1: Hold the Needle
Hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your right hand. Make sure the working yarn is on the backside of your work.
Step 2: Insert the Empty Needle
Take the empty needle in your left hand and insert it into the first stitch on your right needle from left to right.
Step 3: Wrap the Yarn
Take the working yarn in your right hand and wrap it around the right needle from back to front, creating a loop around the needle.
Step 4: Pull the Loop Through
Using the right needle, pull the loop of yarn through the stitch from left to right, bringing it through to the front of the work.
Step 5: Drop the Stitch
Let the stitch slide off the right needle, transferring it to the left needle. You have now completed the first knitted stitch.
Step 6: Repeat Steps 2-5
Continue to repeat steps 2-5 for each stitch on the right needle until you have knitted all the stitches of the first row.
Step 7: Turn Your Work
Once you have completed the first row, turn your work counter-clockwise so that the needle with the stitches is now in your left hand and the empty needle is in your right hand. You are ready to begin knitting the second row.
Remember to take your time and practice the steps until you feel comfortable with the knitting motion. As you continue to knit, your tension will become more consistent, and your stitches will look more even.
Identifying the Stitch to Increase
Before you can increase a stitch in knitting, you need to identify the stitch that you want to increase. This will depend on your knitting pattern and the specific instructions given.
1. Look at your knitting pattern to determine where the increase should be made. The pattern may specify a specific row or stitch number for the increase.
2. Count the stitches on your knitting needle to find the stitch that needs to be increased. Depending on the pattern, this stitch may be the next stitch on the needle or a stitch further along the row.
3. Pay attention to any stitch markers that may be indicating the stitch to be increased. These markers can help you easily identify the stitch and avoid confusion.
4. If your pattern doesn’t specify a specific stitch to increase, you can choose any stitch to increase. Just make sure to evenly distribute your increases across the row to maintain a balanced shape.
Overall, it’s important to carefully read and understand your knitting pattern to correctly identify the stitch to increase. Taking your time and double-checking your work can help ensure successful and accurate increases in your knitting project.
Performing the Increase Stitch
Increasing stitches is an essential skill in knitting and can be used to shape the fabric or create decorative patterns. There are several methods to increase a stitch, each with its own advantages and uses. Here, we will cover some of the most common methods.
1. Knit Front and Back (KFB)
The knit front and back method is one of the easiest ways to increase a stitch. To perform this method, follow these steps:
- Insert the right needle into the next stitch from left to right as if to knit.
- Knit the stitch normally, but do not drop it off the left needle.
- Instead, bring the right needle to the back of the work and insert it into the back leg of the same stitch.
- Knit the stitch through the back loop.
- Now, drop the stitch off the left needle.
The knit front and back method creates a new stitch by knitting into the front and back of the same stitch, resulting in a subtle increase. This method is commonly used to shape sleeves and shoulders.
2. Make One (M1)
The make one method is another common way to increase a stitch. To perform this method, follow these steps:
- Insert the left needle from front to back under the horizontal strand between the last stitch on the left needle and the first stitch on the right needle.
- Place the strand onto the left needle.
- Knit into the back of the strand.
The make one method creates a new stitch by making a loop from the horizontal strand and knitting into the back of it. This method creates a nearly invisible increase and is often used for lace patterns.
3. Yarn Over (YO)
The yarn over method is commonly used to create decorative eyelets and lace patterns. To perform this method, follow these steps:
- Bring the yarn to the front of the work between the needles.
- Knit the next stitch.
- Leave a small loop on the right-hand needle by bringing the yarn to the front again.
The yarn over method creates a new stitch by wrapping the yarn over the needle, creating a small hole in the fabric. This method is often used for decorative purposes and to create lace patterns.
These are just a few of the many methods available for increasing stitches in knitting. Experiment with different methods to achieve the desired effect and enhance your knitting skills.
Knitting the Next Row
Once you have successfully increased a stitch in your previous row, it’s time to move on to the next row. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to knit the next row after increasing a stitch:
- Hold your knitting needles with the stitches in your left hand and the working yarn in your right hand.
- Insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle as if to knit.
- Wrap the working yarn around the right needle from back to front, creating a loop.
- Pull the right needle with the looped yarn through the first stitch, sliding the stitch off the left needle.
- Continue to knit each stitch across the row using the same technique, inserting the right needle into the next stitch on the left needle, wrapping the yarn, and pulling the looped yarn through to create a new stitch.
- Remember to maintain an even tension and not pull the yarn too tightly.
- Once you reach the end of the row, turn your work, so the side with the increased stitches is facing you.
- Repeat the process of knitting the next row with increased stitches until you reach the desired length or complete your knitting project.
It’s important to practice knitting the next row after increasing stitches to maintain a consistent pattern and avoid making mistakes. Take your time and enjoy the process of creating beautiful knitted projects.
Checking the Increased Stitch
After you have successfully increased a stitch in your knitting, it’s important to check your work to ensure you’ve done it correctly. Checking the increased stitch will help you catch any mistakes early on so you can fix them before moving on.
Here’s how to check the increased stitch:
- Count the stitches: Carefully count the total number of stitches on your needle. Make sure the count matches the pattern instructions or your desired stitch count.
- Inspect the increase: Examine the increased stitch to ensure it looks neat and matches the surrounding stitches. It should not appear stretched or distorted.
- Check the stitch orientation: Verify that the increased stitch is facing the right direction. For example, if you’ve done a knit front and back (kfb) increase, the new stitch should be facing forward.
- Look for any dropped stitches: Check the area around the increased stitch for any dropped stitches. If you notice any gaps or loose strands, carefully pick up and secure the dropped stitches.
If you find any mistakes or issues, don’t panic! Knitting is a forgiving craft, and most mistakes can be easily fixed. Simply tink (unknit) the stitches until you reach the mistake, fix it, and continue knitting.
Remember, practicing these tips will improve your knitting skills and ensure your projects turn out beautifully!
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
When increasing stitches in knitting, it’s common to make a few mistakes along the way. Here are some common mistakes and how to troubleshoot them:
1. Accidental Yarnovers
One common mistake when increasing stitches is accidentally creating yarnovers. This can happen when you bring the yarn to the front or back of your work without actually knitting or purling a stitch.
To fix accidental yarnovers, carefully examine your stitches and look for any holes or gaps. If you find a yarnover, simply drop it off the needle and continue knitting or purling as normal to close the gap.
2. Uneven or Sloppy Increases
Another common mistake is making uneven or sloppy increases. This can happen when you’re not consistent in how you make your increases, or if you’re using a method that doesn’t give you a clean, neat result.
To troubleshoot uneven or sloppy increases, pay close attention to your knitting technique. Make sure you’re consistently using the same method for increasing stitches, whether it’s a knit front and back (kfb), make one (M1), or another technique. Practice the method until you can consistently achieve a clean, uniform increase.
3. Missed or Dropped Stitches
One mistake that can easily happen when increasing stitches is missing or dropping a stitch. This can lead to an uneven or incorrect stitch count in your work.
To address missed or dropped stitches, carefully count your stitches after each increase row. If you’re missing a stitch, carefully undo your work to the mistake and pick up the dropped stitch. If you’re dropping stitches regularly, make sure you’re paying attention to your knitting and not inadvertently dropping a stitch off the needle.
4. Confusion Between Knit and Purl Increases
It’s easy to get confused between knit and purl increases, especially if you’re working a pattern with both knit and purl stitches.
If you find yourself mixing up knit and purl increases, double-check the pattern instructions and make sure you’re using the correct increase technique for each stitch type. It can be helpful to write down the instructions or use stitch markers to remind yourself which increase to use for each stitch.
5. Too Many or Too Few Stitches
A common mistake when increasing stitches is ending up with too many or too few stitches in your row or round.
If you have too many stitches, carefully count your stitches and compare to the pattern instructions. Look for any accidental increases or yarnovers that may be causing the extra stitches. If you have too few stitches, check for missed increases or dropped stitches that may have caused the decrease in stitch count.
By being aware of these common mistakes and knowing how to troubleshoot them, you can achieve clean, professional-looking increases in your knitting projects. Practice your techniques, double-check your work, and don’t be afraid to go back and fix any mistakes you may find along the way.
FAQ:
What is the purpose of increasing a stitch in knitting?
The purpose of increasing a stitch in knitting is to add more stitches to your project in order to shape it, create patterns, or increase its width or length.
What are some methods for increasing a stitch in knitting?
Some common methods for increasing a stitch in knitting include yarn over (YO), make one (M1), knit front and back (KFB), and lifted increase.
How do you do a yarn over increase?
To do a yarn over increase, simply bring the yarn to the front of your work, then wrap it around the right-hand needle from front to back. The next stitch you knit will be the increased stitch.
What is the make one (M1) method of increasing?
The make one (M1) method of increasing involves lifting the horizontal strand between two stitches with the left-hand needle and knitting into the back loop of this strand. This creates a new stitch.
Can you explain how to do a knit front and back (KFB) increase?
To do a knit front and back (KFB) increase, insert the right-hand needle into the stitch as if to knit, but instead of just knitting it, leave the stitch on the left-hand needle. Then, insert the right-hand needle into the back of the same stitch and knit it. This creates an increased stitch.
What is a lifted increase and how is it done?
A lifted increase is done by inserting the right-hand needle into the stitch below the next stitch on the left-hand needle, then knitting into it. This creates an increased stitch.
When should I use each method of increasing?
The method of increasing you use depends on the specific pattern or desired effect. Yarn over (YO) increases are commonly used for lace patterns, while make one (M1) increases are versatile and can be used in any project. Knit front and back (KFB) increases are often used in sweater sleeves, and lifted increases work well for creating decorative details.