The most common ways to add stitches mid-row

Increasing means adding stitches to your work while you knit. The method you choose depends on where you need the new stitch, whether you want a visible line (like along a sleeve edge), and how much the increase will show. Most knitters use one of three techniques: knit into the front and back of the same stitch, yarn over, or pick up a stitch from the row below.

Each method creates a different look. A knit-front-and-back increase is solid and blends into stockinette stitch. A yarn over leaves a small hole and is often used for lace or decorative increases. Picking up a stitch from below is less visible and works well when you want the increase to disappear into the fabric.

Key Takeaways

  • Knit front and back (KFB) is the fastest increase and works for most projects where you want the new stitch to blend in.
  • Yarn over (YO) creates a deliberate hole and is standard in lace patterns and decorative shaping.
  • Lifted increases, where you pick up a stitch from the row below, are nearly invisible and suit fitted garments.
  • Left-leaning and right-leaning increases let you control which direction the new stitch slants, which matters for symmetry on both sides of a garment.
  • Practicing each method on a swatch before starting a project saves time and prevents mistakes in your finished piece.

Knit front and back (KFB) — the standard increase

Knit front and back is the simplest and fastest increase. Insert your needle through the front of the stitch as if to knit, pull the yarn through, but do not drop the stitch from the left needle. Insert your needle through the back of the same stitch and knit again, then drop it. You now have two stitches where there was one.

This increase is slightly visible as a small bump or line in your fabric, which is why it works best along edges where you want a clear shaping line. It leans slightly to the right. If you need the increase to lean left (for symmetry on the other side of your garment), knit through the back loop first, then the front loop.

Yarn over (YO) — for lace and decorative shaping

A yarn over is an increase that deliberately creates a hole. Bring your yarn to the front of your work between the needles, then knit the next stitch normally. The loop you created becomes a new stitch, and the hole it leaves is part of the design.

Yarn overs are standard in lace patterns, eyelet details, and any design where the holes are intentional. They are also the easiest increase to spot, so use them only when the hole belongs in your pattern. If your pattern calls for a yarn over, it will say "YO" in the instructions.

Lifted increases — nearly invisible shaping

Lifted increases pick up a stitch from the row below and knit it, creating a new stitch without a visible bump. To do a right-leaning lifted increase, insert your needle under the stitch directly below the next stitch on your left needle, knit it, then knit the stitch above it normally. You have added a stitch and the increase is barely visible.

For a left-leaning lifted increase, work the same way but pick up the stitch below the stitch you just worked, after you have knitted it. Lifted increases work well on fitted garments, shawls, and anywhere you want smooth, invisible shaping. They take slightly longer than KFB but the result is worth it for visible areas like the front of a sweater.

Paired increases for symmetrical shaping

When you increase on both sides of a garment — such as on a sleeve or the sides of a sweater body — you want the increases to mirror each other. A right-leaning increase on the right side should pair with a left-leaning increase on the left side.

Use KFB on the right side (it leans right naturally) and KFB through the back loop on the left side (it leans left). Or use right-leaning and left-leaning lifted increases for invisible shaping. The pattern will usually tell you which increases to use and where, but understanding the lean helps you fix mistakes or adapt patterns.

Where to place increases in your pattern

Most patterns tell you exactly where to increase — usually one or two stitches in from the edge. This creates a neat selvage and makes seaming easier later. If you are designing your own shaping, increase one stitch in from the edge on stockinette stitch, or follow the pattern stitch if you are working in ribbing or texture.

Increases are often spaced evenly across rows. A pattern might say "increase 1 stitch each side every 4 rows" or "every 6 rows," which means you add stitches at regular intervals. Count your rows between increases to stay consistent. Uneven spacing will make your shaping look lopsided.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistake is dropping the original stitch too early when doing KFB. Make sure you have two complete stitches on your right needle before you drop the stitch from your left needle. If you drop it early, you will have a hole instead of an increase.

Another mistake is forgetting to yarn over or picking up the wrong stitch in a lifted increase. Practice each method on a small swatch first — knit a few rows, increase every other row, and see how each technique looks. This takes 15 minutes and prevents frustration when you are deep into a project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an increase and a yarn over?

A yarn over is one type of increase that creates a hole. Other increases like KFB and lifted increases add stitches without holes. Use yarn overs only when the pattern calls for them or when you want the hole to be visible.

Can I use any increase anywhere in a pattern?

Not always. Lace patterns require yarn overs because the holes are part of the design. Fitted garments look better with invisible increases like lifted increases. Check your pattern — it will specify which increase to use and where.

Why does my increase look like a bump?

KFB creates a small bump because you are working twice into the same stitch. This is normal and blends into stockinette stitch. If you do not want the bump to show, use a lifted increase instead, which is nearly invisible.

Do I count the new stitch right away?

Yes. When you increase, your stitch count goes up by one when ready. If you were supposed to have 60 stitches and you increase one stitch, you now have 61 stitches on your needle.

What if my pattern says "M1" instead of "KFB"?

M1 means "make one" and is a lifted increase. It is nearly invisible and commonly used in fitted garments. Your pattern will tell you whether to lean it left or right — usually written as M1L or M1R.