My 5 Favorite Knitting Increases

0:37 Kfb
1:37 YO
2:49 M1 (backwards loop)
4:10 M1L & M1R
6:35 M1 (knitting into the back of the stitch from the row below)
8:22 Show & Tell
These are the patterns shown in this video…
Vertices Unite
www.westknits....
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vertices-unite
Slumber Shawl
www.westknits....
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/slumber-shawl
Painting Bricks Shawl
www.westknits....
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/painting-bricks-shawl
Westknits Go-To Raglan
www.westknits....
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/westknits-go-to-raglan
Painting Chevrons
www.westknits....
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/painting-chevrons
Dotted Rays
www.westknits....
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dotted-rays
Painting Bricks Sweater
www.westknits....
www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/painting-bricks-sweater
You can download all my other patterns on my website here...
www.westknits....
or on Ravelry here...
www.ravelry.co...
Share your Westknits projects on Instagram with #westknits!

[@AndrewKuniShirota]

You are da man!!! In less than 15 min, you managed to flawlessly explain five increases and whys. Masterful.

[@suepopoff3159]

Watching your tutorial is like sitting with a friend, I always learn so much, thanks.

[@svetlanamartynova3278]

Stephen, you are the best teacher ever. Thank you 💟

[@cbrad2903]

All the types of increases in one place....and explained why and when to use brilliant......thank you for sharing 🧶🧶

[@nadiak9099]

I LOVE your tip for M1R & M1L!!! I always get so confused between the two, that tip is a game changer! Thank you!

[@ritatannehill7487]

Confusing for me too - until his simple explanation

[@susandiedrich816]

@@ritatannehill7487😊

[@lanitaleis7965]

The increase from the row below was new to me. I now understand why and when to use certain increases, brilliantly demonstrated ❤

[@maryfrank2175]

I LOVE this vidoe! I really appreciate you showing HOW to do them, and what they look like in real samples - as well as WHEN to use each one. TY Stephen, it was awesome video!

[@StephenWest]

You are so welcome!

[@lindajeanhouse3795]

This is the best explanation ever! Now I know what stitch is appropriate for the project I'm working on.

[@mixedandknot5911]

I profess that I love all these increases but, mostly importantly, I love this video. Thank you

[@erinmcnally7764]

My favorite is KFB it's so fun and easy. Second in line would be YOs. Thank you for taking the time to do these videos they are so helpful.

[@ushakumbhani2788]

Perfect demonstration for all different increases. Thanks for sharing.

[@StephenWest]

Glad it was helpful!

[@heatherpagefiberfreak4230]

I find that I use the knitting through the back loop from the row below the most often. We always just call it a lifted increase though. Great video!

[@lisaavery3166]

On stockinette I often do a modified kfb but instead of knitting through the back, I slip the stitch through the back so I don’t get the purl bump. It works nicely on a thumb gusset increase. I think I learned this from Staci Perry of very pink knits. Great video! It’s useful to see how each type of increase can be used and how they look.

[@gwendawoodbury9743]

Thanks for sharing THIS technique! 🙏

[@FilthySoapCore]

That one simple overloop was amazing I’ll never go back

[@ValleyedArtemis169]

Thank you so much for the mnemonic for the make 1 right and lefts! I always forget which way it goes and have to look up tutorials every time I have to do one. Now I won’t have to do that any more!

[@Acidfunkish]

You are so talented! 😮

[@MrsStephDuff]

I've been using M1L and M1R for over a decade but I still need to look up a how-to every time to remember if it's from the front or back. Thank you Stephen! "I left the front door open" and "I'll be right back" are SO helpful. I'll never need to look it up again!

[@vickidenouden3480]

I "profess my love" for the kfb and knit into the stitch below. 🤗 I'm inspired to try the Slumber shawl this fall in a worsted weight ... probably Malabrigo Rios, which I'm also in love with and have a healthy stash. Thanks for your videos. You're a great teacher, Stephen!

[@ebennett7]

That shawl will be amazing with Rios. I hope you do it and post pics!

[@mrsANGRYh]

Love your video tutorials, they are literally the best!!!

[@StephenWest]

Thank you so much!

[@feymreichmanostenrn8751]

Wow. You are the yarn- and craft- nerve saver, too often these 'headscratchers' = fun - wreckers spoil the enjoyment in yarning! Thank you sooo much!

[@Devina46]

Thank you so Much ,you Are better with the detailsalg than otters I watched• I am trying to knit a raglan sweater for each of my children for Christmas, this helps a lot. Thankyou

[@estehartzenberg5227]

Thank you! Just what I needed after the fustration of making a silly mess😅🙏

[@luludesjardins]

Thank you so much. I have learned so much today! ❤

[@miriamfliegel1659]

I really like how you compared the different increases and explained how they work in various knit projects. You made it very clear and now I'll be able to be more informed as to what increase to use and how to substitute increases. You're a good teacher. Your videos are always worth watching.

[@lindaharrison3945]

Really useful! Until I watched this I thought all the different increases were just the pet favourites of various pattern writers ! Now I understand so much more ! Thank you.

[@marshaerickson156]

I found our tutorial very helpful !

[@kittyrhyder]

Hi Yes the one below was a new one to me also but similar to the M1 which is a make 1 by picking up the thread inbetween the stitches with the left needle then knitting it or purling it (depending on the row you are on ) for knit you pick it up through the front then knit into it through the back and for purl pick up through the back and purl into the front Cheers from Down Under and by the way LOVE your work xox

[@ammiller3911]

I like the simple yarn over or m1r/l. Thanks for your video!

[@madelainedaley2128]

Increasing through the below stitch is new for me!

[@michellebabin7582]

It’s very kind of you to share those explanations. It is so easy to understand. Thank you a thousand times

[@redredwine1277]

Excellent key notes👍Thanks for sharing, very helpful info 🌷🌷🌷

[@christineraouf286]

I am loving you explained which method fits which stiches and the effect it gives and demonstrating on your patterns. so informative putting the experience of years in one video.

[@daphnemaurer2320]

Over the years I’ve used all of these increases as specified in a pattern, but never knew why! I’m partial to the K1 SB but will now choose the best increase for a particular application. You are a fantastic teacher! Thanks for this video… would love to take an in-person class from you one day. 😊

[@ConnyNordlicht]

Did I ever thank you enough for your fantastic vids? NO? So let me do it now: THANK YOU SO MUCH! Most of your tricks I know, but you sometimes have a little trick to do it nevertheless, and some are completely knew, although I knit since over 44 years, some years although I'm disabled in my legs and hands, too, since 6 years. I had to learn it all knew. It's all worth it, knitting is wonderful! Be blessed!

[@scarysycamoreable]

You explain REALLY well. Thank you.

[@bf819]

Stephen, thank you! Great teaching!

[@ileanaleah2545]

Your ability to teach is amazing I learned so much in 10 minutes Love your KAL

[@ileanaleah2545]

You are a great teacher!

[@Lynne-G]

Thank you for a clear tutorial and providing suggestions/reasons why to use a different increase technique. I do love KFB, although have never used increase by using the stitch below ... something to give a try.

[@candace3841]

Love this! So we'll explained how and why. Really nice to see examples in full projects. Thanks so much! I think I will start using the backwards loop cast on method more often for increases. I usually knit front back. Thank for the phrases to remember which is left and right make1.

[@sohcahtoa8960]

Thanks! I am making hats and in my last hat I used M1L to increase from the ribbed edge to the body of the hat. I did not like the holes created. I will try the knit into the back of the stitch below and see how that goes in my next hat. I really enjoyed your presentation! It was so helpful to hear which methods work best for different stitches too!

[@DrPheigth]

Oh my goodness, I love those mnemonics. I'll be right back. I left the front door open. I'll remember those. Thanks~!!

[@luermus4731]

Your hands are hypnotic. Thanks for sharing Stephen. 🧶🧶🧶🥰

[@adrienbagarry6741]

You just saved one of my sweater projects! The stitches were a bit too tight for M1R and M1L and had a hard time knowing where I was at so backwards loop cast on it will be! Thank you oh so much!

[@StephenWest]

Glad I could help!

[@millieo.5325]

Great video! Thank you Stephen...🤗🥰

[@nope6021]

So glad you show both ways of holding the yarn 🙇. This is super helpful!

[@egoreknits]

I've been knitting a Purl Soho blanket that has M1L and M1R but any time I'd come back to that blanket after a few days not working on it I'd have to watch how to do those increases all over again. Watching you show how to do them it was like a light turned on and I understand them finally. Thank you!

[@lisvendelboe4144]

Like you, I choose method depending on the project. Thanks for sharing 🫶

[@snortlaugh5990]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm a long time crocheter that's just learning to knit, and the way you explain these is perfect. Especially where you note for each what stitches you use them for. Love the energy you bring to teaching the techniques as well!

[@angelagrant9937]

The timing of this tutorial was perfect as I was just about to start increasing for the thumb in a pair of mitts. I tried something new and it looks great. Thank you so much.

[@Knit2stitching]

This was so educational. I know the types of increases but learning about which increase goes well with stockinette or garter stitch and the tightness factor was very educational.

[@dawnmontgomery73]

I’m still a newbie knitter so I haven’t played with many inc options other then M1L/R. I pretty much learned everything I know from your MKAL 2020. I only knew how to K & P when I decided to give that MKAL a try🤦🏻‍♀️😂but I learned soooo much!!! Thanks for everything Stephen 💕

[@nz-nz]

Thank you! I was getting holes using m1R m1L, so am using the row below method.

[@fionasedgwick7424]

You have a lot of knitknowledge ! Thanks for your clear descriptions.

[@pialindeg]

All increases! Thank you lovely - you are such a good teacher with your smiling face.

[@8709asdf]

Thank you for this clear and useful video. I’m dying to start one of your patterns now.

[@ebennett7]

You are so generous with your tips and so kind to beginners.

[@annemiekekorsen8087]

Ik leer zoveel van jou. Je legt het uit op een manier dat het direct duidelijk is wat het effect is door de gemaakte items te laten zien Dan je wel 🥳🥳

[@tinyboak6871]

Amazing tutorial! Love your energy and clear instruction for increasing in knitting. Increases are my downfall. I’m never sure which one to use in my project. You were a big help to me today…I’m subscribed and will be one of your number one Fans…thank you for your help

[@TheKnittingNurseJasmine]

The m1r and m1l have always slowed me down, and since learning that I can m1r with a backwards loop, my entire perspective on knitting shawls has changed! Also, I have got to try knitting into the stitch below on my next sweater!

[@bygwensdesignable]

What increase I love the most is you. You increase my knowledge and love of knitting. 🤎

[@jeangreenfield5993]

What a gorgeous rainbow sweater 😍 💕 🌈

[@ALT-vz3jn]

This was so great, I love the way you explain the ‘why’ and which application is best for which stitch. I will be watching your other videos! Thank you 🙏🏻 I didn’t know the way I always increased is called ‘knit front back’; I learned to knit when I was a kid in the 80’s, and it was just called ‘inc 1’. Now they have all these different ways to increase, it’s awesome. I just started to knit again after decades (kids have flown the nest, and I have time now😂) it’s a bit like I’m learning all over again and it’s so much fun. ❤

[@IchStrickeGerne]

I’m so grateful to have found this video! I just started the Painting Bricks shawl and was trying to find a tutorial for the M1 increase described in the pattern and got the info for the exact pattern that I am knitting!

[@annecain3301]

Thank you Stephen. It is always a pleasure to watch and learn from you. Kindest regards

[@belindagritter1572]

I use KFB for the sock toe increases. M1L and M1R are great increases as well but I never could remember which is which. Now I know = Leave the Front door open and I'll be right Back. Got it! Fascinated by the increase in the row below - I have never seen that before. Old Lady Knitter needs to learn new techniques.

[@angelap4882]

you have made it more easy for me to get the increases in mind... thankyou so much. Love the little tips and the examples to.

[@rinievangerwen2371]

I always hated those ugly increases, they always showed so much in the fabric, but now I know better. There are so many ways to use the right increase for every type of garment! So easy now and beautiful 😻 Thank you Stephen! 💜🙏

[@jjnewcomer4745]

Wow all your stuff is beautiful You are #1

[@mariannakriger7311]

Amazing explanations, especially for an advanced beginner! All in the same video. Thank you so much!

[@mayfloweredu1182]

Stephen the Great! Thank you again! Your tutorials are so informative and fun to watch:)

[@marshasmith4300]

Delightful instructions!

[@barbmckinlay3400]

Thank you Stephen. I’ve struggled with a couple of these...now I won’t. 🤗

[@ilonaharvillova]

Moc děkuji za vaše velmi podnětná videa - zdravím z Čech :-)

[@krmdhn]

Thank you! This is really helpful, I'm going to learn how to make frog by dot pebbles ☺️

[@marianneknapp4846]

M1R &M1L so flawless especially in triangular knits 💕

[@resourcedragon]

My go to increase is knitting into the stitch below - but I don't pick up a loop, I plunge my needle into the heart of the stitch, draw a knit loop through it and then work the stitch above. (Obviously, it needs to be used with stocking stitch, purl isn't going to work so well.) It's really fast and almost invisible. The only disadvantage it has is that it's always a "M1R" and if you want a M1L it's _possible_ to wiggle around and make one through the stitch below the stitch below the one you've just worked - but it's unquestionably fiddly. Given that it's such a discreet increase, I mostly don't bother about distinguishing between M1L & M1R. Or I work my pseudo-M1Ls one stitch sooner.

[@catblues8645]

I nearly exclusively use the "knit into the stitch below" in its right- and left-leaning variety, because that's how I learned it from a video by Arne & Carlos :) Since I mainly do stockinette stitch and knit a lot of top-down raglan sweaters, this one works really well for me. But it was great to see these different types, and how they are best used! Thank you!

[@beverlygarner7996]

Pure genius! Thx for sharing.

[@GroVaage]

Come to think of it I use them all lol but my favourite must be the m1 This tutorial is so good when just getting into the English knitting language, love it 💚

[@janemarriott3389]

Very clear demo. Thanks

[@krisztinakecskes869]

Omg! Thank you so much for this! I tried some from KZbin but I ended up making a hole. 😂

[@2001Tira]

Thank you Stephen 🧡

[@marshasemple7108]

I LOVE M1L and M1R down the spine of triangular shawls because they’re practically invisible!

[@joanwootton9388]

Thank you so much! I have been working on my Norah Gaughan Forester and Dickson skirt and I was not happy with the yarn over in one row and purl through the back of the yarn over on the next row. I was getting too many holes. Your suggestion of k1 in front and then back worked perfectly.

[@wendykelcey1246]

Amazing Steven!!! What a great teacher. 👍

[@yaelbloem5090]

Professing the love here! 🥰😄! Thank you so much! Love learning from you!

[@masz10676]

💜💖❤️ Tutorials. U give great design lessons. Ur colors r very interesting. Out of my comfort zone but definitely worth seeing

[@carolynlambert4543]

Hallelujah THANK YOU I’ve been confused before which to use 🇦🇺

[@suzanneseely7167]

So clear. You make it seem so easy. Thank you.

[@ibenmeiner]

I have started using yarn overs and then closing them in next row by knitting the yarn over twisted.. I think it becomes quite invisible. Thanks for a great video and thanks for the tip someone gave about kfb without knitting the back-part but just slipping it - I have to try that. Great video!!

[@e-comunque1761]

I love these educational videos. My fav increases are kfb for raglan lines bc they kind of accent the lines themselves decorating them and those that I call lifted increases (the ones picking up from the row below). I tend not to use m1l/r bc I mess up with right and left😓. But it’s definitely helpful to know them all and why to use one rather than another on a specific project. THANK YOU!

[@rachaelsmith1114]

Love the tutorial. Love learning new ways to use the increases. Nice to know them but to be able to use them to your advantage is wonderful. Thanks 😊

[@lindamorris6620]

Love your explanations of the different increases and where each is best used, Stephen. I will be referring to this video whenever it says ‘increase’ so I can use the best one for the project (unless it’s one of your patterns, of course, where you specify!).

[@katibuggg1]

I learned the Lifted increases in a sweater pattern last year. That was so pretty. I have just learned new ones in your video here. Thank you. Its nice to know when to use each one.

[@KittenBowl1]

This is a great video all the increases in one video! Very easy to follow tutorial of each type and benefits, great! ✨ Love your beautiful shawls and your patterns on Ravelry! Thanks so much for sharing 💜

[@carlamonico4739]

Loved this video and the techniques highlighted in each of Stephen’s shawl patterns

[@audreycastelton2655]

What a great tutorial. Using the back loop from the row below was a new stitch for me. Not seen that or come across it before. Well demonstrated and great examples with your projects 😁👍🌈

[@Jebbulus]

My favorite increases are m1l and m1r. Maybe because I really love knitting sweaters with raglan. But yarn over is so wonderful too! I can see where to use all the different increases and this is a great video that helps a lot. Thanks! ❤️

[@maritakinnula2885]

Gorgeous sweaters❤