1. Knitting in the Front and Back (KFB)
One of the most common methods to increase stitches is known as “Knitting in the Front and Back,” often abbreviated as KFB. This method involves knitting a stitch as you normally would, but instead of dropping the stitch off the left needle, you leave it there. Then, you knit into the back loop of the same stitch. This creates an additional stitch, increasing the stitch count by one.
2. Make One (M1) Increase
Another popular technique is the Make One increase (M1). This method is more invisible and creates a nearly seamless increase. To perform the M1 increase, insert the left needle into the horizontal strand between the stitches, from front to back. Then, knit into the back loop of this strand. This will create a new stitch without leaving a hole or noticeable distortion in your project.
3. Yarn Over (YO)
If you’re looking to add a decorative lace element to your knitting, the yarn over (YO) technique is perfect. To create a yarn over, simply bring the yarn to the front of your work, as if you were going to purl, and continue knitting the next stitch. This creates a new stitch and a small eyelet hole. On the following row, you would work the yarn over as a regular stitch.
4. Increasing at the Edge
Increase stitches at the edges of your work can be helpful when you want to shape your project. To add stitches at the edge, simply knit or purl into both the front and back loops of the first stitch. This will create an increase and prevent the edges from curling inward.
5. Using the Bar Increase
The bar increase is a quick and simple method that doesn’t require any complicated maneuvers. To perform the bar increase, locate the horizontal loop or “bar” located between two stitches on the previous row. Insert the right needle from the front to the back into this loop and knit it. This will create a new stitch without leaving any holes or disruptions in your project.
Increasing stitches in your knitting projects doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these tips and techniques, you can confidently and effectively increase the stitch count in your needlework. Whether you’re looking for functional increases or decorative elements, these methods will help you achieve your desired results. Remember to practice and experiment to find the technique that works best for your specific project. Happy knitting!