6 Easy Ways to Increase in Knit

Are you a knitter looking to add some extra flair to your projects? Want to create garments that perfectly fit your body and accentuate your curves? If so, then mastering the art of increasing in knit is essential. Increasing refers to the technique of adding stitches to a row, which can create a wider fabric or shape contours in your knitting. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, learning how to increase in knit will open up a world of possibilities for your knitting adventures. Let’s delve into the techniques and tips to help you master this fundamental skill.

There are two main methods for increasing in knit: the knit front and back (KFB) and the make one (M1) increase. The KFB increase is worked into the same stitch, creating a new stitch in the center. To perform a KFB increase, insert the right-hand knitting needle into the front loop of a stitch, as if to knit, then knit into the back loop of the same stitch. This creates two stitches where there was once one. The M1 increase is worked between two stitches, creating a new stitch from the yarn. To perform an M1 increase, insert the right-hand knitting needle into the gap between two stitches, wrap the yarn around the needle from back to front, then knit the new stitch.

Increasing in knit is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of effects. It can be used to widen a fabric for garments like sweaters or blankets, or to shape contours in garments like socks or hats. The KFB increase is often used for shaping increases because it creates a centered increase, while the M1 increase is often used for widening because it creates a less noticeable increase. With practice, you’ll be able to confidently incorporate increases into your knitting projects, adding dimension and shaping to your creations.

Selecting the Correct Needles

The size and type of knitting needles you choose will significantly impact the outcome of your project. Consider the following factors when selecting needles:

Material

Size

The needle size is indicated in millimeters (mm) or US needle sizes. The correct needle size will depend on the yarn weight and the desired fabric density. As a general guide:

How to Increase in Knit

Increasing in knit is a fundamental technique that can transform your knit fabric, creating interesting details, shaping, and endless possibilities. While there are various ways to achieve an increase, the most common and versatile method is knitting into the front and back loops of the same stitch. This technique results in a clean and balanced increase that blends seamlessly into the fabric.

To increase in knit, follow these simple steps:

1. Locate the stitch where you wish to increase.
2. Insert your right-hand needle into the front loop of the stitch.
3. Hook the yarn onto the needle and pull it through the stitch.
4. Move the new loop to the left-hand needle.
5. Insert your left-hand needle into the back loop of the same stitch.
6. Hook the yarn onto the needle and pull it through the stitch.
7. Move the new loop to the left-hand needle.

You have now created an increase. The two new loops represent the increased stitches, which will be evident in the next row.

People also ask

How to increase in the middle of a row?

To increase in the middle of a row, knit into the front and back loops of the stitch that precedes the increase. This will create two new stitches at the beginning of the next row.

How to increase at the beginning of a row?

To increase at the beginning of a row, cast on an additional stitch before knitting into the first stitch. This will create a new stitch at the beginning of the row.

How to increase at the end of a row?

To increase at the end of a row, knit into the front and back loops of the last stitch. This will create two new stitches at the end of the next row.