Find out how easy it is to increase stitches with my simple guide. There are several different methods for increasing stitches but you will find the ones detailed below the most useful.
You can use the method I describe when a knitting pattern refers to “m1” (ie make one) and the best part is that the increase is invisible!
Increasing Stitches on a Knit Row
1. When you reach the point where you wish to add stitches, start knitting the stitch normally. That means, with the yarn behind, put your right needle through the back of the stitch on the left needle and wrap your yarn around the needle anti-clockwise.
2. Then, continuing as if you are knitting normally, catch the loop you have just created with the tip of the right needle and pull it through the stitch
3. At this stage, do NOT pull the stitch off the left needle. Leave it there and start another knit stitch, by pushing the right needle through the back of the same stitch on the left needle. This can be a bit tricky, so take your time.
4. Wrap the yarn around the needle anti-clockwise and catch the loop you have just created and pull it through the stitch. Finally, pull the stitch of the left needle.
5. When you have finished, you will have an extra stitch on your right needle and your knitting will look something like this:
Increasing Stitches on a Purl Row
1. At the point where you need to add stitches, start purling the stitch as usual. So, with the yarn in front, push the right needle through the front of the stitch on the left needle and wrap your yarn around the needle anti-clockwise.
2. Then, carry on as if you are purling normally and catch the loop you have just created with the tip of the right needle and pull it through the stitch.
3. At this stage, do NOT pull the stitch off the left needle. Leave the stitch there and start another purl stitch. This time, you will push your right needle towards you, through the back of the stitch. This is the most difficult part of increasing.
4. Wrap the yarn around the needle anti-clockwise and catch the loop you have just created and pull it through the stitch. Finally, pull the stitch of the left needle.
5. When you have finished, you will have an extra stitch on your right needle and your knitting will look something like this:
Now you know how to increase stitches, why not learn how to decrease stitches?