How To Increase In Knitting At Beginning Of Row References

2 min read 23-11-2024

How To Increase In Knitting At Beginning Of Row References

Increasing stitches at the beginning of a knitting row is a fundamental skill used to shape garments and create interesting textures. Whether you're adding shaping to a sweater, creating a wider scarf, or working with intricate stitch patterns, mastering this technique is essential. This guide will walk you through several methods, ensuring you can confidently increase your stitches at the row's start. Understanding these increases will significantly improve your knitting projects.

Why Increase at the Beginning of a Row?

Increases aren't just about adding stitches; they're about where you add them. Increasing at the beginning of a row often creates a cleaner, more even edge compared to mid-row increases. This is particularly important when working with shaping, such as adding stitches for sleeves or shoulders in a sweater. Starting an increase at the beginning of the row avoids disrupting the existing stitch pattern, maintaining a neat and professional finish.

Methods for Increasing at the Beginning of a Row

Several techniques allow you to increase at the beginning of a row. The best method depends on the desired look and the overall stitch pattern.

1. Yarn Over (YO)

The simplest method is the yarn over. This creates a new stitch without using existing stitches.

How to: Before knitting the first stitch of the row, wrap the yarn around the left-hand needle as if to purl. On the next row, knit this wrapped yarn as if it were a regular stitch. This method is quick and easy but can create a slightly looser increase compared to other methods.

2. Make One (M1) Increase

The Make One increase is a more subtle way to increase. There are two main variations:

M1R (Make One Right): Lift the horizontal bar between the first stitch and the second stitch on your left-hand needle from right to left. Knit this lifted bar as if it were a stitch. This technique creates a less noticeable increase, blending it more seamlessly into your fabric.
M1L (Make One Left): Lift the horizontal bar between the first stitch and the second stitch on your left-hand needle from left to right. Knit this lifted bar. Similar to M1R, this creates a subtle increase.

3. Combination Increases

For more defined increases, combine methods:

YO followed by K1: This creates a slightly more noticeable increase but maintains a clean edge. Knit the yarn over from the previous row first, then knit the first stitch.
M1R followed by K1: This is a versatile option, providing a more refined increase compared to a single YO.

Choosing the Right Increase Method

The choice of increase method depends on several factors:

Desired Look: YO creates a slightly looser increase, while M1 techniques produce tighter increases, more suited for delicate projects.
Stitch Pattern: Certain stitch patterns might favor one increase method over another to maintain the overall pattern's integrity.
Project Requirements: For shaping, such as sleeves, M1 increases may blend better, while simple YO increases suffice for less demanding projects.

Troubleshooting and Tips

Consistency: Use the same increase method throughout your project for a uniform look.
Tension: Maintain consistent tension to avoid visible discrepancies in your stitches.
Practice: Practice each increase method on a swatch before applying it to your main project.

Conclusion

Mastering increases, particularly at the beginning of a row, significantly enhances your knitting skills. Experiment with each method to find your preference and apply it accordingly. With practice, you’ll add shaping and intricate designs to your projects effortlessly. Remember, the key is understanding how each increase works and choosing the method that best suits your project's needs. Now get knitting!