Increases
Increases are techniques used to add new stitches to make your knitting wider, commonly used for shaping sleeves, shoulders, and necklines.
Explanation
Increases are techniques used to increase the number of stitches on the needle, making the knitting wider. There are many ways to increase: M1R (make one right), M1L (make one left), KFB (knit front and back), and YO (yarn over). The choice of increase technique depends on whether you want the increases to be visible or invisible. Increases are typically used on sleeves (to make them wider going up the arm), on raglan shaping, and for shoulder shaping.
Also known as: inc, Increasing
The common methods
M1L and M1R make a new stitch from the strand between two stitches and lean opposite ways — they are used in pairs where shaping should be symmetrical, typically along raglan lines. KFB knits two stitches out of one and is fastest, but leaves a small bump. A yarn over makes an open increase with a hole, which is wanted in lace and unwanted elsewhere.
The choice decides how visible the increase is. To disappear into the fabric, use M1L and M1R. To be part of the pattern, use a yarn over.
Placement and symmetry
Most increases are worked on the right side at least one stitch in from the edge, so the edge stays even and can be seamed or picked up from later.
If two sides are to mirror each other, the methods must mirror too: M1L on one side and M1R on the other. Use the same method in both places and both increases lean the same way, making the shaping look lopsided.
Choosing between the common increases
Every increase adds a stitch; what differs is how visible it is, which way it leans, and how awkward it is to work. Matching the increase to the job is most of the craft.
For invisible, paired shaping in stockinette — sleeves, side seams, raglan lines — use M1L and M1R. For increases worked at the very edge of a piece, or in textured fabric where a small bar will not show, KFB is easier and perfectly adequate. Where the hole is the point, use a yarn over. Where the pattern says only 'inc' without specifying, it is leaving the choice to you, and any of the above is defensible provided you are consistent through the whole garment.
Common mistakes
- Using the same increase method on both sides, making the shaping asymmetrical.
- Increasing right at the edge, which makes seaming difficult.
- Forgetting to count stitches after an increase round.
Keywords
- increases
- adding stitches
- m1
Frequently asked questions
Which increase is the most invisible?
M1L and M1R. They make the stitch from the strand between two stitches and settle into the fabric without a hole or a bump.
What does "increase 1 stitch either side of the marker" mean?
Increase immediately before the marker and immediately after it, using mirrored methods — M1R on one side and M1L on the other. Which one comes before the marker varies between patterns, so follow the one you are knitting.
Should increases be worked on the right side or the wrong side?
On the right side, unless the pattern says otherwise. Increases worked on a purl row are harder to place accurately and generally look less tidy, which is why patterns cluster shaping on right-side rows even when that means working plain wrong-side rows in between.