M1L (Make 1 Left)
M1L is an increase technique that creates a new stitch by lifting the strand between two stitches and knitting it twisted, so the increase slants left.
Explanation
M1L (make one left) mirrors M1R. You lift the strand between stitches from front to back and knit into the back loop, twisting the new stitch so it slants to the left. Because both techniques are nearly invisible, they are often used together: M1L on the left side and M1R on the right side of an increase line, such as at raglan lines or sleeve increases, giving the garment a symmetrical, professional look.
Also known as: Make 1 Left
How to make an M1L
Lift the strand between two stitches onto the left needle from front to back, and knit it through the back loop. The combination twists the stitch the opposite way from M1R and closes the hole.
The increase leans left and is as invisible as its mirrored twin.
Where it is used
M1L is the default on the side of the shaping where the line should lean left — in raglan increases usually immediately after the marker, with M1R immediately before.
In sleeve increases worked upward, the pair is used either side of the sleeve’s center stitch to give an even, symmetrical widening.
M1L versus the alternatives
M1L is the left-leaning half of the M1 pair and, like M1R, is worked into the strand between two stitches rather than into a stitch itself. That is what makes it nearly invisible, and it is the reason it is the default increase in fitted garment shaping.
The alternatives trade invisibility for ease. KFB is far easier to work but leaves a small horizontal bar that is visible in stockinette. A yarn over leaves a deliberate hole. Lifted increases (knitting into the stitch below) sit somewhere in between. For a raglan line running the length of a sweater front, the difference between an invisible increase and a visible one compounds over a hundred repeats.
Common mistakes
- Confusing M1L and M1R, so the shaping leans the wrong way.
- Knitting through the wrong loop, which leaves a hole.
Keywords
- M1L
- make one left
- increase
Frequently asked questions
When should I use M1L rather than KFB?
When the increase should be invisible. KFB is faster but leaves a small bump that shows in stockinette.
Is M1L the same as casting on a stitch?
No. M1L makes the stitch from a strand already there, whereas a backward loop cast-on adds new yarn and gives a looser stitch.
Does it matter if I use M1L where the pattern says M1R?
On a single increase, no. On paired shaping it does: the two lean opposite ways, and swapping them makes the shaping line look like a mistake even though the stitch count is right. If you cannot tell them apart on your own knitting, work a swatch with several of each and look at which way the base of the new stitch tilts.