Mastering the Knit Increase: A Comprehensive Guide for Knitters
Knitting increases are essential techniques for shaping your knitted fabric. They allow you to widen your project, create curves, or add details like lace patterns. There are several ways to increase stitches, each with its own unique look and purpose. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various knit increase methods, providing detailed step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to achieve professional-looking results. We will cover the most common increase stitches and explain when to use each type for optimal outcomes.
Why Learn Different Knit Increase Techniques?
Different increase stitches create different effects on your knitting. Some are nearly invisible, blending seamlessly into the fabric, while others create a more decorative, visible increase line. Choosing the right increase technique is crucial for achieving the desired shape and aesthetic in your knitted project. Understanding the variations will give you greater control over your knitting and enhance the overall quality of your finished piece.
Types of Knit Increases
We’ll explore the following common knit increase methods in detail:
* Knit Front and Back (KFB): A simple and versatile increase that creates a small bump on the right side of the fabric.
* Make One Right (M1R): An almost invisible increase that leans to the right.
* Make One Left (M1L): An almost invisible increase that leans to the left.
* Yarn Over (YO): A simple increase that creates a small hole in the fabric, often used in lace patterns.
* Lifted Increase Right (LLI): A nearly invisible increase that lifts a stitch from the row below.
* Lifted Increase Left (RLI): A nearly invisible increase that lifts a stitch from the row below.
Knit Front and Back (KFB) Increase: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Knit Front and Back (KFB) increase is one of the easiest and most commonly used increase stitches. It creates a small, visible bump, making it suitable for projects where a subtle increase line is acceptable, such as shaping sweaters or adding fullness to skirts. It’s often used in patterns calling for a simple increase.
Materials You’ll Need:
* Yarn
* Knitting needles
* Your current knitting project
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Knit the Stitch as Usual: Insert your right needle into the next stitch on the left needle as if to knit.
2. Knit Through the Front Loop: Knit the stitch through the front loop, but do not slip the stitch off the left needle. Keep the stitch on the left needle.
3. Knit Through the Back Loop: Now, insert the right needle into the back loop of the same stitch on the left needle. Knit the stitch through the back loop. This creates a second stitch from the original stitch.
4. Slip the Stitch Off: Slip the original stitch off the left needle. You have now increased one stitch.
Tips for a Neat KFB:
* Tension: Maintain consistent tension throughout the increase to avoid creating loose or overly tight stitches. A slightly tighter tension on the back loop can help minimize the bump’s visibility.
* Needle Size: Using needles that are slightly smaller than what you’re using for the main body of the project can also tighten up the increase.
* Practice: Like any new technique, practice makes perfect. Knit a swatch with KFB increases to get comfortable with the stitch before incorporating it into a larger project.
Make One Right (M1R) Increase: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Make One Right (M1R) increase is an almost invisible increase that leans to the right. It’s perfect for projects where you want a seamless increase, such as shaping sleeves or creating a smooth curve. It’s commonly used in pairs with M1L to maintain symmetry.
Materials You’ll Need:
* Yarn
* Knitting needles
* Your current knitting project
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Locate the Horizontal Strand: Look at the horizontal strand of yarn that connects the stitch on your right needle to the stitch on your left needle. This is the strand you will be picking up.
2. Pick Up the Strand: With your left needle, pick up the strand from back to front. Essentially, you’re lifting the strand onto your left needle.
3. Knit Through the Front Loop: Insert your right needle into the front loop of the lifted strand on the left needle. Knit the strand through the front loop. This creates a new stitch.
4. Slip the Stitch Off: Slip the newly created stitch off the left needle. You have now increased one stitch that leans to the right.
Tips for a Neat M1R:
* Tighten the Strand: After picking up the strand, ensure it is snug on the left needle before knitting it. This will prevent a loose loop from forming.
* Consistent Placement: Consistently picking up the strand in the same way (back to front) will ensure that the increase leans correctly.
* Practice: Knit a swatch with M1R increases to get comfortable with the stitch and its directionality.
Make One Left (M1L) Increase: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Make One Left (M1L) increase is the counterpart to M1R and is also an almost invisible increase. It leans to the left and is typically used in conjunction with M1R to create symmetrical increases. It is ideal for shaping necklines, armholes, or any area where a subtle, mirrored increase is needed.
Materials You’ll Need:
* Yarn
* Knitting needles
* Your current knitting project
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Locate the Horizontal Strand: Identify the horizontal strand of yarn connecting the stitch on your right needle to the stitch on your left needle, just as with M1R.
2. Pick Up the Strand: With your left needle, pick up the strand from front to back. This is the opposite direction from M1R.
3. Knit Through the Back Loop: Insert your right needle into the back loop of the lifted strand on the left needle. Knit the strand through the back loop. This creates a new stitch.
4. Slip the Stitch Off: Slip the newly created stitch off the left needle. You have now increased one stitch that leans to the left.
Tips for a Neat M1L:
* Tighten the Strand: As with M1R, ensure the picked-up strand is snug on the left needle before knitting to avoid loose loops.
* Consistent Placement: Always pick up the strand from front to back to ensure the increase leans correctly to the left.
* Pair with M1R: For balanced shaping, use M1L and M1R in pairs, placing them symmetrically within your pattern.
Yarn Over (YO) Increase: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Yarn Over (YO) increase is the simplest increase, creating a small hole in the fabric. It’s most commonly used in lace patterns to create decorative openings but can also be used for shaping if the holes are part of the design. Be aware that the hole is a deliberate design element, so consider whether it fits with your project’s overall aesthetic.
Materials You’ll Need:
* Yarn
* Knitting needles
* Your current knitting project
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bring Yarn to Front: Bring the yarn to the front of your work, between the needles. This is the same position the yarn would be in for a purl stitch.
2. Yarn Over Needle: Move the yarn over the right needle, from front to back. This creates a loop on the needle, effectively adding a stitch.
3. Continue Knitting: Continue knitting as usual, incorporating the new stitch into the next row or round.
Tips for a Neat YO:
* Consistent Tension: Maintain consistent tension to ensure the yarn over creates a uniform hole size.
* Placement: Pay attention to the placement of the yarn over in your pattern. The surrounding stitches will influence the appearance of the hole.
* Consider Yarn Weight: The yarn weight will affect the size of the hole created by the yarn over. Thinner yarns will create smaller, more delicate holes.
Lifted Increase Right (LLI) Increase: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Lifted Increase Right (LLI) is a nearly invisible increase that blends smoothly into the fabric. It involves lifting a stitch from the row below and knitting it, making it a great choice for seamless shaping where you want to avoid any visible bumps or holes. It’s similar in concept to M1R and M1L but uses a slightly different method.
Materials You’ll Need:
* Yarn
* Knitting needles
* Your current knitting project
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Locate the Right Leg: Look at the stitch directly below the next stitch on your left needle. Identify the right leg of that stitch.
2. Insert Right Needle: Insert your right needle from front to back into the right leg of the stitch below.
3. Lift and Place: Lift the right leg onto your left needle. It should now be positioned on the left needle like a regular stitch.
4. Knit the Lifted Stitch: Knit the lifted stitch through the front loop as you normally would.
5. Slip the Stitch Off: Knit the next regular stitch as normal and slip it off the left needle.
Tips for a Neat LLI:
* Don’t Pull Too Tight: Avoid pulling the lifted stitch too tight, as this can distort the fabric around the increase.
* Consistent Leg: Always lift the *right* leg of the stitch below for an LLI.
* Practice: It might take a few tries to get the hang of lifting the stitch smoothly. Practice on a swatch to perfect your technique.
Lifted Increase Left (RLI) Increase: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Lifted Increase Left (RLI) is the counterpart to LLI and mirrors its appearance, providing a nearly invisible increase that leans to the left. Like LLI, it’s excellent for seamless shaping and creating smooth transitions in your knitting. It’s often paired with LLI for symmetrical shaping.
Materials You’ll Need:
* Yarn
* Knitting needles
* Your current knitting project
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Locate the Left Leg: Look at the stitch directly below the stitch you just knit. Identify the left leg of that stitch.
2. Insert Right Needle: Insert your right needle from back to front into the left leg of the stitch below.
3. Lift and Place: Lift the left leg onto your left needle. It should now be positioned on the left needle like a regular stitch.
4. Knit the Lifted Stitch: Knit the lifted stitch through the back loop as you normally would.
5. Slip the Stitch Off: Knit the next regular stitch as normal and slip it off the left needle.
Tips for a Neat RLI:
* Don’t Pull Too Tight: Avoid pulling the lifted stitch too tight, as this can distort the fabric around the increase.
* Consistent Leg: Always lift the *left* leg of the stitch below for an RLI.
* Practice: As with LLI, practice will help you develop a smooth and even technique. Use a swatch to get comfortable with the stitch.
Choosing the Right Increase for Your Project
The best increase technique depends on the desired look and function of your knitted project. Here’s a quick guide:
* For Simple Shaping (slight visibility acceptable): KFB is a great choice.
* For Invisible Increases (symmetrical shaping): Use M1R and M1L pairs, or LLI and RLI pairs.
* For Lace or Decorative Effects: Use YO to create intentional holes.
* For Smooth, Seamless Shaping: Use LLI and RLI for subtle, nearly invisible increases.
Troubleshooting Common Increase Problems
* Loose Loops: If you’re getting loose loops with M1R or M1L, ensure you are tightening the picked-up strand before knitting it. Also, try using a smaller needle size for the increase stitch itself.
* Uneven Tension: Uneven tension can make increases more visible. Focus on maintaining consistent tension throughout the increase and the surrounding stitches.
* Distorted Fabric: Pulling lifted stitches too tight can distort the fabric. Be mindful of your tension when working LLIs and RLIs.
Practice Makes Perfect
Mastering knit increases takes practice. Knit swatches using each technique to get comfortable with the steps and to see how each increase looks in your chosen yarn. Experiment with different placements and combinations of increases to explore the creative possibilities. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in your ability to shape your knitted projects with precision and style.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Increase Techniques
Once you’re comfortable with the basic increase techniques, you can explore more advanced variations. These include double increases (increasing two stitches at once), shadow increases (creating subtle textured lines), and specialized increases for specific lace patterns. Many advanced techniques are simply combinations or modifications of the basic increases we’ve covered.
Conclusion
Understanding and mastering knit increases is a fundamental skill for any knitter. By learning the different types of increases and practicing their execution, you’ll be able to shape your projects with precision, create intricate designs, and elevate the overall quality of your knitting. So, grab your needles and yarn, and start experimenting with these versatile techniques today! Happy knitting!