Adding stitches mid-row, also known as increasing, is a fundamental knitting technique used to shape garments, create lace patterns, form buttonholes, or add design elements. This process involves creating new loops on your needle to expand the fabric width.
Common Methods for Adding Stitches Mid-Row
Several methods allow you to add stitches within a row, each with a distinct appearance and best use case.
1. Make One (M1) Increase
The Make One increase is highly favored for its subtle appearance, as it creates a new stitch from the horizontal strand (or 'bar') found between two existing stitches. This method results in a neat increase that is often almost invisible.
- How it works: To perform a Make One increase, you typically locate and pick up the strand lying between the last stitch you worked and the next stitch on your left needle.
- Specific execution: One common approach to creating a new stitch mid-row involves inserting the tip of the right-hand needle in between the first two stitches on the left-hand needle, bringing the yarn around the back, and pulling a loop through to create a new stitch. This particular action forms a new stitch from the existing fabric, seamlessly integrating it into your work.
- Variations:
- Make One Left (M1L): Lifts the strand from front to back, then knits into the back of it. This increase leans towards the left.
- Make One Right (M1R): Lifts the strand from back to front, then knits into the front of it. This increase leans towards the right.
- When to use: Ideal for shaping (e.g., sleeves, necklines) where you want a clean, less noticeable increase line.
2. Knit Front and Back (KFB)
The Knit Front and Back increase is one of the simplest methods and creates a new stitch from an existing one, making it very straightforward for beginners.
- How it works: You knit into the front loop of a stitch as usual, but instead of slipping the old stitch off the left needle, you then knit into the back loop of the same stitch before slipping it off. This creates two stitches from one.
- Appearance: KFB leaves a small horizontal bar at the base of the new stitch, making it more visible than an M1 increase.
- When to use: Often used when a visible increase is acceptable or desired, or for quick increases that don't require specific lean.
3. Yarn Over (YO)
The Yarn Over increase is primarily used to create decorative holes in the fabric, common in lace knitting, but it also adds stitches.
- How it works: You simply wrap the working yarn around your right-hand needle (from front to back, or back to front depending on the next stitch). On the next row, this yarn-over loop is treated as a new stitch.
- Appearance: Creates a distinct hole in the fabric.
- When to use: Essential for lace patterns, eyelets, or decorative openwork designs.
4. Lifted Increase
A lifted increase creates a new stitch from the "leg" of a stitch in the row below, resulting in a very subtle and nearly invisible increase.
- How it works: You pick up the leg of a stitch from the row below the one on your needle and knit into it. There are variations for left-leaning and right-leaning lifted increases (LRI and RLI).
- Appearance: One of the most discreet increase methods, as it integrates smoothly into the fabric.
- When to use: Perfect for applications where invisibility is key, such as socks, sweater shaping, or other fine garments.
Choosing the Right Increase Method
The best method depends on your pattern's requirements and the desired aesthetic.
| Method | Appearance | Complexity | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Make One (M1) | Subtle, nearly invisible | Medium | Shaping (sleeves, necklines), general increases |
| Knit Front/Back (KFB) | Small bar, visible | Easy | Quick increases, non-critical shaping |
| Yarn Over (YO) | Creates a hole | Easy | Lace patterns, eyelets, decorative holes |
| Lifted Increase | Very subtle, invisible | Medium | Socks, fine garments, highly visible areas |
Tips for Successful Mid-Row Increases
- Read Your Pattern: Always refer to your pattern instructions, as they will specify the exact increase method to use and its placement.
- Practice: Try out different increase methods on a swatch to see how they look and feel before incorporating them into your main project.
- Tension: Maintain consistent tension when performing increases to ensure the new stitches blend smoothly with the existing fabric.
- Count Your Stitches: After adding stitches, always count your stitches to confirm you have the correct number before proceeding to the next row.
By understanding these common methods, you can confidently add stitches mid-row, effectively shaping your knitted projects and adding intricate details.
