The Basic Method: Yarn Over

The simplest way to add a stitch is a yarn over, which creates a new loop on your needle without casting on. You bring the yarn to the front of your work, then knit the next stitch normally. The yarn that was in front becomes a new stitch on your right needle. This method leaves a visible hole in your fabric, which is often intentional—yarn overs are the foundation of lace knitting.

Yarn overs work best when you want the extra stitch to be decorative or when you're increasing for a lace pattern. The hole appears directly above where you made the yarn over, so you can control exactly where your increases show up in the finished piece.

Key Takeaways

  • A yarn over is the easiest increase and creates a visible hole, making it ideal for lace patterns or when you want the increase to show.
  • Knit front and back (KFB) adds a stitch without creating a hole by working twice into the same stitch.
  • Make one (M1) increases are invisible because you pick up the strand between stitches rather than working into an existing stitch.
  • The position of your yarn and which needle you work into changes depending on which increase method you use.
  • Increases at the edges of your work (like for sleeve shaping) often use different methods than increases in the middle of a pattern.

Knit Front and Back (KFB) for a Solid Increase

Knit front and back is the most common increase when you want to add a stitch without a hole. You knit into the front of a stitch as normal, but before sliding it off the left needle, you knit into the back of the same stitch. This creates two stitches from one.

KFB leaves a small bump or bar on the right side of your work, which is visible but less dramatic than a yarn over hole. This method is reliable and works anywhere in your pattern. The bump sits directly below the new stitch, so if you're increasing along a seam or edge, position your increases where the bump won't be noticeable.

Make One (M1) for Invisible Increases

A make one increase is nearly invisible because you pick up the strand of yarn that runs between two stitches on your left needle, then knit into it. This strand becomes your new stitch. The increase blends into the fabric because you're not working into an existing stitch—you're creating one from the gap.

To work a make one, insert your left needle under the strand between the stitch you just worked and the next stitch, from front to back. Then knit into that strand through the back loop. The direction you pick up the strand matters slightly for the angle of the new stitch, but both directions work. Make one increases are standard for shaping garments because they're nearly invisible.

Where to Place Your Increases

Increases at the edges of your work (like when shaping sleeves or armholes) usually sit one or two stitches in from the edge so the bump or hole doesn't end up in your seam allowance. If your pattern says "increase 1 stitch each side," you typically work the increase one stitch in from the edge on each row or round.

Increases in the middle of your fabric should follow your pattern instructions, which will tell you which method to use and exactly where. Lace patterns often specify yarn overs in particular positions. Shaping patterns (like for a sweater body) usually call for make one or KFB increases placed symmetrically on both sides of a center stitch or seam.

Increases on Circular Needles and in the Round

The mechanics of adding a stitch stay the same whether you're working flat or in the round, but the placement changes. When knitting in the round, you don't have a "right side" and "wrong side" in the same way, so yarn over holes and KFB bumps appear differently depending on your stitch pattern.

Make one increases work identically in the round as they do flat. Yarn overs in the round create the same holes and are just as common in circular lace patterns. If your pattern is written for circular needles, it will specify where to increase on each round, and you follow the same methods—just keep track of your position as you go around rather than turning at the end of each row.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is accidentally creating an increase when you didn't mean to. If you bring your yarn to the front of your work between stitches and then knit the next stitch, you've made a yarn over whether you intended to or not. Keep your yarn in the back of your work unless your pattern calls for a yarn over.

Another mistake is losing track of where you increased, especially if you're increasing every few rows for shaping. Use stitch markers or a piece of scrap yarn to mark the stitch where you increased, so you know exactly where to increase again on the next shaping row. This is especially helpful when you're increasing on both sides of your work and need to keep them symmetrical.

If you're working KFB and the new stitch looks loose or uneven, you may not be pulling the yarn tight enough after you complete the second knit into the back. Tighten gently as you slide the original stitch off the needle.

When to Call in Help

If you've added a stitch but your fabric is pulling or puckering, or if your increases are creating holes you didn't want, you may have used the wrong method for your pattern. Rip back to before the increase and try a different method—make one instead of KFB, or vice versa. A few rows back is much easier to fix than discovering the problem at the end of your project.

If your pattern uses a method you haven't learned yet (like lifted increases or paired decreases), look for a video tutorial that shows the exact hand position. Knitting methods are easier to learn by watching than by reading, and seeing the yarn and needles move makes the steps clearer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between yarn over and make one?

A yarn over creates a visible hole and is worked by bringing yarn to the front between stitches. A make one picks up the strand between two stitches and knits into it, leaving no hole. Use yarn overs for lace; use make one for invisible shaping.

Can I use any increase method anywhere in my pattern?

Not always. Lace patterns require yarn overs in specific places to create the design. Shaping patterns usually call for make one or KFB. Follow your pattern's instructions, but if you need to substitute, make one is the most invisible and works almost anywhere.

Why does my KFB increase look bumpy?

KFB creates a small bar or bump on the right side of your work because you're working twice into the same stitch. This is normal. If it looks too loose, pull the yarn tighter as you complete the second knit into the back of the stitch.

Do I count yarn overs as stitches before I knit them?

Yes. Once you bring the yarn forward and knit the next stitch, the yarn over is a new stitch on your right needle. Count it in your stitch total for the row. If your pattern says you'll have 60 stitches after increases, yarn overs are included in that count.

What if I increased in the wrong place?

If you're only a few rows past the mistake, rip back to that row and redo it. If the increase is further back and you don't want to rip, you can often work around it by adjusting your next increase to compensate, but this works better in straightforward stockinette than in patterned fabric. For future projects, mark your increases with stitch markers as you go.