Adding a stitch means creating a new loop on your needle mid-row

Adding a stitch (also called increasing) creates extra loops on your needle so your fabric gets wider. You do this by working into the same stitch twice, or by using the yarn between stitches to make a new one. The method you choose affects how the increase looks and where it sits in your pattern.

Most knitters learn one or two increase methods and use them throughout their projects. The most common are the knit front and back (KFB), the yarn over, and the make one (M1). Each one produces a slightly different texture or appearance, and your pattern will tell you which one to use.

Key Takeaways

  • Knit front and back (KFB) is the easiest increase for beginners because you work twice into one stitch without dropping it first.
  • A yarn over creates a deliberate hole in your fabric and is often used in lace patterns or when you want the increase to show.
  • Make one (M1) is nearly invisible because it uses the strand of yarn between two stitches instead of splitting an existing stitch.
  • Your pattern will specify which increase method to use, so always check the abbreviations or legend before you start.
  • Increases are usually worked on the same row as decreases to keep your stitch count stable, or worked in groups to shape sleeves and necklines.

Knit front and back (KFB) — the simplest method

Knit front and back is the most straightforward increase. Insert your right needle through the front of the stitch as if you were going to knit it normally, wrap the yarn, and pull through. Do not drop the stitch from your left needle yet.

Now insert your right needle through the back of that same stitch (from right to left, going behind the loop), wrap the yarn again, and pull through. Now drop the stitch from your left needle. You have created two stitches from one, and your stitch count has gone up by one.

KFB leaves a small bump or bar at the base of the new stitch, which is visible in stockinette stitch. This makes it useful when you want the increase to be part of the design, or when you are working a textured fabric where the bump blends in. Patterns often use KFB for shaping because it is fast and reliable.

Yarn over — the decorative increase

A yarn over (YO) is an intentional hole created by wrapping yarn around your needle without working a stitch. It is the increase of choice for lace patterns because the hole is part of the design.

To work a yarn over between two knit stitches, straightforward bring your yarn to the front of your work (as if you were about to purl), then knit the next stitch. The yarn wrapped around the needle creates a new loop. On the next row, you will purl or knit into that loop like any other stitch.

If your pattern shows yarn overs in different positions (between a knit and a purl, or between two purls), the yarn path changes slightly. Always check your pattern's instructions or a stitch guide for the exact yarn movement. The hole will be visible and intentional, so yarn overs are not used when you want an invisible increase.

Make one (M1) — the nearly invisible increase

Make one uses the strand of yarn that runs between two stitches on your needle. This method is nearly invisible because you are not splitting an existing stitch or creating a deliberate hole.

To work a make one, insert your left needle from front to back under the strand of yarn between the stitch you just worked and the next stitch. Your needle will be underneath the strand, not through it. Now insert your right needle through the loop on your left needle from left to right (going into the back of the loop), wrap your yarn, and pull through. Drop the loop from your left needle.

Make one is the increase used most often in fitted garments like sweaters because it does not leave a visible mark. Patterns sometimes specify M1L (make one left-leaning) or M1R (make one right-leaning) depending on which direction the increase should slant. The direction is controlled by which way you insert your needle into the strand.

Where to place increases in your pattern

Increases are usually worked a few stitches in from the edge of your piece, not right at the edge itself. This creates a neater selvage and makes seaming easier later. Most patterns will tell you exactly where to place increases — for example, "increase one stitch 2 stitches in from the edge on both sides of the row."

When you are shaping a sleeve or neckline, increases are often worked on alternating rows or every few rows, depending on how gradually you want the fabric to widen. A pattern that says "increase every 4 rows" means you work an increase row, then knit 3 rows without increasing, then increase again. This spacing controls how the shaping looks and how well the garment fits.

Increases and decreases are often paired on the same row to keep your stitch count stable while changing the shape of the fabric. For example, a pattern might say "increase 1 stitch at the beginning of the row and decrease 1 stitch at the end" so your total stitch count stays the same but the fabric shifts.

Reading increase abbreviations in patterns

Knitting patterns use short abbreviations to save space. The most common increase abbreviations are KFB (knit front and back), YO (yarn over), and M1 or M1R or M1L (make one, right-leaning, or left-leaning). Some patterns also use Inc (increase) followed by a description of the method.

Always check the abbreviations section at the beginning of your pattern before you start. Different designers sometimes use different abbreviations, and a pattern might use a method you have not learned yet. If you see an abbreviation you do not recognize, look it up in a stitch dictionary or video tutorial before you begin knitting.

If your pattern does not specify which increase method to use and just says "increase 1 stitch," knit front and back is the safest default choice. It is reliable, visible enough to confirm you did it right, and works in almost any situation.

Common mistakes when adding stitches

The most common mistake is dropping the original stitch too early when working KFB. You must work into the front and back of the same stitch before you let it fall off your left needle, or you will have accidentally decreased instead of increased.

Another frequent error is working a yarn over but then accidentally decreasing on the next row by knitting two stitches together. The yarn over creates a new stitch, and you must treat it like any other stitch on the following row. If your stitch count is not going up after you work yarn overs, check that you are not accidentally decreasing them away.

With make one, the most common problem is inserting your needle in the wrong direction, which creates a twisted stitch. If your make one stitches look tight or distorted, try reversing the direction you insert your needle. Practicing on a swatch first helps you see which direction feels natural for your hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an increase and adding stitches?

They mean the same thing. "Increase" is the term used in patterns and instructions, while "adding stitches" is the plain-language way to describe what happens. Both mean you are creating new loops on your needle to make your fabric wider.

Can I use any increase method in any pattern?

Not always. Lace patterns require yarn overs because the holes are part of the design. Fitted garments usually call for make one because it is invisible. Your pattern specifies the method for a reason, so follow it. If you want to substitute a different method, make a swatch first to see how it looks.

Do I count the new stitch right away, or on the next row?

You count it right away. Once you have worked the increase, your stitch count has gone up by one. If you were supposed to have 50 stitches and you worked a KFB, you now have 51 stitches on your needle.

What if I worked an increase in the wrong place?

If you notice it on the same row, you can drop back and redo it. If you have already moved to the next row, you can use a crochet hook to pick up the stitch and rework that section, or you can leave it and accept the small mistake. Most mistakes are less noticeable than you think once the garment is finished and worn.

Do I need to block my work after adding stitches?

Blocking helps even out your stitches and can make increases look neater, but it is not required. If your increases look uneven or tight, blocking with steam or water will relax the yarn and make them blend in better with the surrounding stitches.