How to Increase in Knitting by Janice Jones |Updated 02-07-2024
Do you ever get stumped when a knitting pattern requires you to add stitches but doesn’t further illustrate how?
In this article, we will contemplate various methods of adding stitches in knitting to discover what techniques best complement your designs.
Creating new stitches in your knitting work can involve different techniques for increasing. Both increasing stitches and reducing them are essential for shaping the knitted material, like broadening a sleeve or crafting necklines.
However, adding stitches to knitting and reducing them isn’t always straightforward for a beginner.
Knitting creates new stitches when you use one of many different increase methods. Increasing and decreasing are necessary for shaping knitted fabric, such as widening a sleeve or forming necklines. Increases and decreases, however, are not entirely evident for the beginner knitter.
Where To Place Increases in Knitting
Easy Formula For Placing Increasing
How to Increase in Knitting, Directions: Four Methods
3. Make 1 (M1)
Knitting Patterns That Utilize Increasing and Decreasing Stitches
You can add stitches knitting in numerous ways, some of which will slant left (left-leaning increase), some right (right-leaning increase), and others won't slant at all. Let’s delve into understanding the visibility of the increases in knitting.
Depending on the technique used, some increases can almost be invisible, while others are intentionally done to add some decorative flair. Most of the time increases on garments are worked on the right side as it's simpler to keep track of, and inspecting the final look on the right side is less challenging.
When adding stitches to knitting, your increases on the left side should mirror those on the right. This gives your garment a balanced look, pleasing to the eye.
Where to best place your increases in knitting typically comes from the pattern you're using. If the pattern doesn't specify, it's usually tidier to knit the first two stitches, then add a stitch, work to the end of the row, and then increase when you're left with two more stitches.
There are four commonly used methods you can practice when you're looking to add stitches in knitting:
1. Yarn Over Increase: This method is straightforward and can be used on knit and purl rows. It results in small holes in the places where you've made the increase and is ideal for lace patterns or decorative elements.
2. Bar Increase: Also known as "Knit Front Back" or "kfb", the Bar Increase method is possibly the first and easiest way to increase knitting stitches. This method doesn't slant; it leaves a bar that looks like a purl bump after the increase, which can be slightly visible.
3. Make 1 (M1) Method: This method is ideal if you don't want any holes in your design. It's worked using the horizontal bar or strand of yarn between two stitches. You have three ways to make a M1: open, right-slanting, and left-slanting.
4. Lifted Increases: These increases can either be right-slanting or left-slanting and are worked in the "V" of the stitch just below the ones on the needles.
Some increases are almost invisible, whereas others are meant to add a decorative touch. Most increases used in garments are worked on the right side, and there is a good reason for this.
First, it's easier to keep track of your increased rows, especially if you make them at regular intervals, say every other row.
Second, seeing the finished look on the right side is more manageable. Do follow the pattern's recommendations, though, as the designer may have a reason for deviating from the norm.
Important Note. Videos on this page show you different methods of increasing rows of knitting. While the two videos demonstrate the English knitting style, they are still the same as the Continental Style if you watch how needles and yarn interact and ignore fingers.
When making increases in a garment, the increases on the left side should mirror those on the right. This makes the garment look symmetrical and is easy on the human eye as we instinctively look for symmetry.
Usually,
the pattern will give you directions as to where and when to place on
increases. If it does not, the rule of thumb is to never place increases in the
first or last stitch of the row.
It's much neater to knit two stitches, then increase, work to the end of the
row, where there are two stitches left, make your increase, and then knit the
last two stitches.
Here is a little formula that I learned from Arenda Holladay. Don't worry, you don't need a degree in advanced mathematics to make this work:
If it does not come out even, round up the next whole number.
Four
methods are used when you want to increase stitches while knitting.
The traditional yarnover increase method is the easiest of all to implement. A stitch can be added either on a knit or a purl row.
Directions
This method produces little holes in the place where a yarn-over was made. It works well for lace patterns, in case you need to make some decorative elements. It is usually not a good choice if you want a solid piece of fabric.
Advantages
Disadvantages
This
type of increase is likely the first and the easiest way to make increases. It
differs from the ones that follow in that it does not slant to the right or
left. It is called a bar increase because you can see a bar that looks like a
purl bump after the increase.
You may see this increase done on sweater patterns where the ribbing ends and
the first row of the pattern stitch begins. The knitting pattern may not
indicate exactly how to do this stitch but may say something like
"increase five stitches evenly across the row."
This stitch is usually made on the knit side of the fabric but can also be done on the purl side.
On the purl row: do the same, but use a purl stitch. You can repeat this process to increase the number of stitches you need.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Unless a pattern specifies it, do not increase in the first stitch at the beginning of a row. Likewise, increasing in the last stitch at the end of a row is not a good idea. This is a common mistake since most patterns don't tell you where to place the increases.
Rather, knit or purl a couple of stitches and place your first increase. Why? Increases in the first or last stitch can be unsightly. It also makes finishing harder to do. Seaming is much easier if you have a straight salvage on which to work.
Learn more about bar increases or kfb
Increasing
a stitch can be used if a hole is not desirable for your design (For example,
you wouldn't want holes in a warm winter sweater). They are worked using the
horizontal bar or strand of yarn between two stitches.
You can do a M1 in three ways:
This increase is created between two stitches on the row you are working on below.
Look at the horizontal strand of yarn between the stitches below the loops on the needles. Lift this bar onto the left needle, then knit (or purl) into the back of this loop.
The video below demonstrates how to increase a stitch in a knit row using the Make 1 (M1) method.
Lifted increases can either be left-slanting or right-slanting. These increases are worked in the "V" of the stitch just below those stitches on the needles.
This is similar to the M1 increase above, but instead, you are working in the "V" below the stitch on the needle rather than the little bar between the stitches.
These are usually worked on the right side of your work, but follow the pattern if it differs from this rule.
After you’ve grasped these methods of increasing knitting stitches, you can
explore patterns that involve these techniques. From lace shawls to cozy winter
sweaters, countless patterns emphasize the beauty of shaping with increases and
decreases.
Look for patterns incorporating different stitch patterns and techniques to challenge yourself and expand your knitting repertoire.
To enhance your knitting experience and ensure successful projects, investing in quality tools and resources is essential. Here are some recommended tools and resources:
Knitting is a versatile and rewarding craft that allows you to create beautiful and unique garments and accessories.
Mastering the art of increasing stitches opens up a world of possibilities in knitting, enabling you to shape your projects and add intricate details.
Following this article's expert tips and tricks, you can perfect the art of increasing stitches and taking your knitting skills to new heights.
So, pick up your needles, select your favorite yarn, and let your imagination take flight as you embark on your next knitting session. Happy knitting!