5 Simple Steps to Increase Stitches in Knitting

Knitting is a versatile craft that allows you to create beautiful and unique items. One of the most important techniques in knitting is increasing stitches, which allows you to add width to your project. There are several different ways to increase stitches, and the method you choose will depend on the specific pattern you are following. In this article, we will discuss the two most common methods for increasing stitches: the knit increase and the purl increase. We will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform each increase.

The knit increase is the most basic method for increasing stitches. It is worked by knitting into the front and back loops of the same stitch. This creates a new stitch that is identical to the original stitch. The purl increase is similar to the knit increase, but it is worked by purling into the front and back loops of the same stitch. This creates a new stitch that is a purl stitch. Both the knit increase and the purl increase can be used to add width to a project, but the knit increase is more commonly used because it creates a neater and more even edge.

In addition to the knit increase and the purl increase, there are several other methods for increasing stitches. These methods include the M1 increase, the M2 increase, and the YO increase. The M1 increase is worked by inserting a new stitch between two existing stitches. The M2 increase is worked by inserting two new stitches between two existing stitches. The YO increase is worked by wrapping the yarn around the needle twice and then knitting it off. These methods for increasing stitches can be used to create a variety of different effects, so it is important to experiment with them to find the ones that work best for your project.

Understanding Row and Stitch Counts

### Row Count

The row count refers to the number of rows that you’ve completed in your knitting project. It’s typically kept track of by counting the number of rows you’ve knitted from the bottom up. Each row consists of one pass of the needle through the loops on the needle, creating a new row of stitches.

Knowing your row count is essential for following knitting patterns, as they often specify how many rows to complete for each section of the project. It also helps you estimate the overall size and progress of your project.

### Stitch Count

The stitch count refers to the number of stitches that are actively on your knitting needle at any given time. These are the stitches that you’re actively working with, and they determine the width of your knitted fabric.

Keeping track of your stitch count is crucial for preventing errors and ensuring that your knitting maintains the desired shape and size. If you have too few stitches, your fabric will be narrower, while if you have too many stitches, it will be wider.

To determine your stitch count, simply count the number of stitches on your needle. This can be done at the beginning or end of a row, or at any other convenient point during knitting.

### Counting Both Rows and Stitches

Property	Counting Method
Row Count	Count from the bottom up, one row for each pass of the needle through the loops.
Stitch Count	Count the number of stitches on the needle at any given time.

Casting On Additional Stitches

When knitting a project, you may sometimes need to increase the number of stitches on your needle to create a wider section or shape the fabric. Casting on additional stitches allows you to add these stitches seamlessly without breaking the flow of your knitting.

To cast on additional stitches, follow these steps:

Single Cast-On

Use the slip knot method to create a new stitch on the right-hand needle. Insert the right-hand needle into the next stitch on the left-hand needle, from front to back. Hook the yarn onto the right-hand needle and pull it through the stitch. Slip the new stitch onto the left-hand needle, creating a new stitch.

Double Cast-On

Create two new stitches simultaneously by performing a single cast-on twice in the same stitch on the left-hand needle. This method results in a more elastic cast-on edge.

Triple Cast-On

Repeat the double cast-on process, but insert the right-hand needle into the next two stitches on the left-hand needle. Hook the yarn and pull it through both stitches, creating three new stitches on the right-hand needle.

Other Cast-On Methods

Method	Description
Judy’s Magic Cast-On	Creates an invisible cast-on edge, ideal for ribbed or lace patterns
Long-Tail Cast-On	Produces a strong and stretchy cast-on edge
Cable Cast-On	Creates a decorative and twisted cast-on edge

Choose the cast-on method that best suits your knitting project and the desired appearance of the cast-on edge.

Using the Increase Stitch Technique

The increase stitch technique is a fundamental skill in knitting that allows you to add stitches to your work. This technique is used to create various shapes and patterns, such as triangles, circles, and cables. There are different methods to increase stitches, but the most common is known as the “make one” (M1) stitch.

To perform the M1 stitch, insert your left-hand needle into the center of the stitch below the working stitch on the right-hand needle. Wrap the yarn around the left-hand needle from back to front. Pull the new loop through to the front of the work. This creates a new stitch that is placed on the left-hand needle. Knit the new stitch together with the working stitch to complete the increase.

Variations of the M1 Stitch

The M1 stitch can be varied in several ways to create different effects. Here are some of the most common variations:

Variation	Description
Make One Left (M1L)	Insert the left-hand needle into the loop below the working stitch from left to right. Creates a slant towards the right.
Make One Right (M1R)	Insert the left-hand needle into the loop below the working stitch from right to left. Creates a slant towards the left.
Make One Center (M1C)	Insert the left-hand needle into the center of the stitch below the working stitch. Creates a straight increase.
Make Two (M2)	Similar to the M1 stitch, but two new loops are created and knitted together. Used for rapid increases.
Yarn Over (YO)	Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front. Creates a hole or eyelet in the fabric.

These variations allow you to customize the look of your knitted fabric and create a wide range of stitch patterns.

Increasing Stitches from Garter Stitch

There are four methods you can use to increase stitches from garter stitch:

Method 1: Knit Front and Back (Kfbf)

Insert the left-hand needle knitwise into the next stitch on the left-hand needle, as if to knit, but do not knit the stitch. Instead, wrap the yarn around the needle twice and knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle.

Method 2: Knit Into Front and Back (Kibf)

Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle. Then, insert the left-hand needle purlwise into the same stitch from the back, as if to purl, but do not purl the stitch. Wrap the yarn around the needle and knit the stitch.

Method 3: Yarn Over (Yo)

Wrap the yarn around the left-hand needle, as if to purl. Slip the next stitch on the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle without knitting it. Knit the wrapped stitch.

Method 4: German Twisted Cast On (GTCO)

Step	Description
1	Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle twice.
2	Insert the left-hand needle into the first loop on the right-hand needle, from front to back.
3	Grab the yarn from back to front, and pull it through the loop on the right-hand needle.
4	Slip the new loop onto the left-hand needle.
5	Knit the new stitch.
6	Repeat steps 2-5 to create a second stitch.

The Yarn Over (YO) Method

The Yarn Over (YO) method is a straightforward technique used to increase stitches in knitting. It involves creating a new stitch by wrapping the yarn over the right-hand needle (for knitters) or the left-hand needle (for crocheters). This method results in a clean and seamless increase that is virtually invisible in the final knitted fabric.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Insert Needle: Insert the right-hand needle (knitters) or the left-hand needle (crocheters) into the next stitch on the left-hand needle.
Wrap Yarn: With the working yarn (the yarn that is being held in the left hand), make a clockwise loop over the needle.
Pull Through: Pull the yarn through the stitch on the left-hand needle. You will now have two stitches on the right-hand needle.
Transfer Stitch: Transfer the original stitch back to the left-hand needle.
Guide Yarn: To create a clean increase, carefully guide the yarn over and around the loop that was created by wrapping the yarn over. This step is crucial for ensuring that the increase is seamless and undetectable.

Yarn Guide	Description
Over Yarn	Wrap the yarn over the loop from behind, passing it between the right-hand needle and the stitch on the left-hand needle.
Under Yarn	Wrap the yarn under the loop from behind, passing it between the right-hand needle and the stitch on the left-hand needle.

Increasing Stitches in Stockinette Stitch

The most basic stitch in knitting is the stockinette stitch, which creates a fabric with a smooth, even surface. When working in stockinette stitch, you can increase the number of stitches by using the following methods:

1. Make 1 (M1)

This is the simplest way to increase a stitch, and it results in a new stitch that is identical to the surrounding stitches. To make 1, insert the left-hand needle into the space below the stitch to be increased, and wrap the yarn around the needle from front to back. Pull the yarn through the space to create a new stitch on the left-hand needle.

2. Knit Front and Back (KFB)

This method creates an increase that is slightly narrower than an M1. To knit front and back, knit into the next stitch on the left-hand needle, then insert the left-hand needle into the front loop of the same stitch and knit again. This will create two new stitches on the left-hand needle.

3. Knit in Back (KB)

This method creates an increase that is slightly wider than an M1. To knit in back, insert the left-hand needle into the back loop of the next stitch on the left-hand needle, and knit. This will create a new stitch on the left-hand needle.

4. Yarn Forward (YF)

This method creates an increase that is slightly raised and nubbly. To yarn forward, wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front before knitting the next stitch. This will create a new stitch on the left-hand needle.

5. Yarn Over (YO)

This method creates an increase that is slightly lowered and lacy. To yarn over, wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from front to back before knitting the next stitch. This will leave a loop of yarn on the left-hand needle, which will be worked together with the next stitch to create two stitches.

6. Double Yarn Over (YOYO)

This method creates an increase that is very wide and lacy. To double yarn over, wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle twice from front to back before knitting the next stitch. This will leave two loops of yarn on the left-hand needle, which will be worked together with the next stitch to create three stitches.

| Increase Method | Description |
|—|—|
| M1 | Insert the left-hand needle into the space below the stitch to be increased, and wrap the yarn around the needle from front to back. Pull the yarn through the space to create a new stitch on the left-hand needle. |
| KFB | Knit into the next stitch on the left-hand needle, then insert the left-hand needle into the front loop of the same stitch and knit again. This will create two new stitches on the left-hand needle. |
| KB | Insert the left-hand needle into the back loop of the next stitch on the left-hand needle, and knit. This will create a new stitch on the left-hand needle. |
| YF | Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front before knitting the next stitch. This will create a new stitch on the left-hand needle. |
| YO | Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle from front to back before knitting the next stitch. This will leave a loop of yarn on the left-hand needle, which will be worked together with the next stitch to create two stitches. |
| YOYO | Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle twice from front to back before knitting the next stitch. This will leave two loops of yarn on the left-hand needle, which will be worked together with the next stitch to create three stitches. |

The Slip, Knit, Pass Technique (SKP)

This technique is used to decrease the number of stitches on a row by two.

To perform the SKP technique:

Slip the first stitch of the row onto the right-hand needle (RN).
Knit the next stitch of the row.
Pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.

The SKP technique can be used at the beginning, middle, or end of a row.

When using the SKP technique at the beginning of a row, slip the first stitch of the row onto the RN, then knit the next stitch of the row and pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.

When using the SKP technique in the middle of a row, slip the stitch to be decreased onto the RN, knit the next stitch of the row, and pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.

When using the SKP technique at the end of a row, slip the last stitch of the row onto the RN, knit the previous stitch of the row, and pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.

The SKP technique is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of effects in knitting. It can be used to decrease the number of stitches on a row, to shape a garment, or to create decorative details.

The Knit Front and Back (KFB) Method

The Knit Front and Back (KFB) method is a simple and versatile way to increase stitches in knitting. It creates a new stitch in the center of an existing stitch, resulting in a symmetrical and balanced increase.

Step 1: Knit into the Front Loop

Insert the right-hand needle into the front loop of the stitch on the left-hand needle.

Step 2: Wrap Yarn Forward

Wrap the yarn forward around the right-hand needle from back to front.

Step 3: Knit into the Back Loop

Insert the right-hand needle into the back loop of the same stitch.

Step 4: Wrap Yarn Again

Wrap the yarn forward around the right-hand needle from back to front, as in Step 2.

Step 5: Knit the Two Stitches Together

Slide both loops off the left-hand needle and onto the right-hand needle. Knit the two stitches together.

Step 6: Create a New Stitch

The two wraps you made in Steps 2 and 4 have created a new stitch in the center of the original stitch.

Step 7: Repeat for More Increases

Repeat Steps 1-6 for each additional stitch you wish to increase.

Step 8: Tips for KFB Increases

For a more even distribution of increases, alternate between knitting the KFB into the front and back loops of the stitch.
Experiment with different yarn weights and needle sizes to find the optimal combination for your desired fabric texture.
Use stitch markers to keep track of the stitches where you have increased.
Practice the KFB method on a swatch before attempting it on your actual project.

Increasing Stitches in Lace Knitting

Lace knitting involves creating delicate, openwork fabrics with intricate patterns. Increasing stitches is essential for shaping lace pieces and adding decorative elements.

Knit Front and Back

Knit one stitch into the front loop and then into the back loop of the same stitch. This creates a new stitch that leans to the right.

Knit Two Together

Slip two stitches onto the right-hand needle and knit them together through the back loops. This creates a new stitch that leans to the left.

Yarn Over

Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle before knitting the next stitch. This creates a new loop that can be used to make additional stitches.

Increase One Stitch

Knit one into the front and back loops of the same stitch, then yarn over and knit one into the back loop of the same stitch. This creates three new stitches.

Increase Two Stitches

Knit one into the front and back loops of the same stitch, yarn over twice, and knit one into the back loop of the same stitch. This creates four new stitches.

Increase Three Stitches

Knit one into the front and back loops of the same stitch, yarn over three times, and knit one into the back loop of the same stitch. This creates five new stitches.

Increase Four Stitches

Knit one into the front and back loops of the same stitch, yarn over four times, and knit one into the back loop of the same stitch. This creates six new stitches.

Increase Five Stitches

Knit one into the front and back loops of the same stitch, yarn over five times, and knit one into the back loop of the same stitch. This creates seven new stitches.

Estimating the Number of Stitches to Increase

Accurately estimating the number of stitches required for increases is crucial to achieving the desired final dimensions of your knitted piece. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make informed decisions:

Measure the Current Width: Using a ruler or measuring tape, determine the current width of your knitted fabric.
Establish the Desired Width: Decide on the final width you want your knitted piece to be.
Calculate the Width Difference: Subtract the current width from the desired width to determine the amount of additional width you need.
Set a Gauge for Increase: Knit a small swatch using the same yarn and needles as the main project. Knit a few rows and count the number of stitches required to cover a specific distance, such as 1 inch or 10 centimeters. This will establish your gauge for the increase.
Convert Width Difference to Stitch Number: Multiply the width difference by the gauge. For example, if you need to increase by 2 inches and your gauge is 5 stitches per inch, you would need to increase by 2 x 5 = 10 stitches.
Choose Increase Row Placement: Decide at which row(s) you want to make the increases. Evenly spacing them or clustering them at specific points can affect the final shape.
Distribute Increases: Consider whether you want to increase by 1 stitch at a time or in larger increments. The number of increase rows and the frequency of increases will impact the overall appearance.

Number of Stitches	Gauge	Width Difference	Increase Amount
20	5 stitches per inch	2 inches	10 stitches
30	6 stitches per inch	4 inches	24 stitches
40	7 stitches per inch	3 inches	21 stitches

How To Increase Stitches In Knitting

Increasing stitches in knitting is a technique used to add stitches to a row, creating a wider fabric. There are several methods for increasing stitches, each with its own result and application. Understanding how to increase stitches is essential for shaping and creating various patterns and garments in knitting.

Yarn Over (YO): The simplest method, YO involves wrapping the yarn once around the needle and knitting into the loop created. This adds one stitch.
Make 1 (M1): M1 increases one stitch by lifting a horizontal bar of yarn from the row below and knitting it as a new stitch.
Knit Front and Back (KFB): KFB increases two stitches by knitting into the front and back loops of the same stitch.
Slip, Knit, Pass (SKP): SKP increases one stitch by slipping a stitch knitwise, knitting the next stitch, then passing the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.