How to REALLY knit neater increases no holes, no visible slant!

A masterclass on how increases work, why they have (and haven't) a slant, and how to find the neatest increase for every knitting stitch pattern
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This video is a knitting masterclass on increases. It is meant for experienced knitters who want to eke out those last 5 percent. The video is split in 4 parts. First, I am talking about slant, why it matters and why it might be misunderstood when it comes to increases. The second part is all about practical applications and how to increase certain knitting stitch patterns. And in the third part I talk about the all important difference between increases and decreases, while the last part of this video talks about stacking increases and why you cannot use the same increase in all circumstances.
0:00 Introduction with a couple of neat ways to increase knitting
3:36 Right- and left-leaning increases - what you need to know
11:11 How to increase garter stitch
13:01 How to increase a 2x2 rib stitch
15:46 How to increase a 1x1 rib stitch - the yarn over method
16:57 How to increase a 1x1 rib stitch - the hitch knot increase method
18:49 The difference between increases and decreases - and why it matters
28:04 The difference between increasing sometimes, in every second row, or in every row.
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[@1lmp1]

Once again perfect instructions. I learnt to knit first from my mother, then elementary school old maid teacher who let us knit or crochet during the reading classes. There was no Internet, so learning came as trial and error. Norman's instructions are so perfect, he should create a knitting book and add always a link to his block instructions. Everything is thought threw, even the color combinations in instructions are clear, no eye strain. Any new knitter must see these instructions. I enjoy watching these just for their perfection, and the German personality to detail clearly comes through.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Awww..thank you for your kind words 🥰

[@crabwalk7773]

👏👏👏

[@TheSuzberry]

The more I learn the more I appreciate how little I know. Thanks.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Heh. Well, I, too, continuously learn new things!

[@Judiland]

❤ I’m so ready for this video! My increases are awful. 😮 Thank you again Norman!

[@atlatl7047]

Ditto

[@NimbleNeedles]

Well, let's hope my video will be able to speed you along. It's...i dunno...maybe I am my own worst critic but it's a little bit more on the experimentental side

[@juneknitsville9549]

Hank you, Norman. This was an amazingly detailed, high level look at increases and decreases. Your explanations provide such insight into these stitches. I will have to visit this video often.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Very happy to hear that. Producing this video was a bit of a "brainfuck" 🙈🙈🙈

[@dorsle4670]

this is so helpful!! I was trying to do a 1x1 ribbed raglan and had a ton of trouble with the increases

[@NimbleNeedles]

Awesome! Hope I gave you some ideas there!

[@bettyboadwine4890]

I'm total beginner knitter. I bought a diy sweater kit. It was described as if it would teach how to knit. Yeaaa it didn't. I'm very lucky that a local woman who sells yarn and quilting fabric has incredible patience and very understanding has been trying to teach me how to knit. She's done pretty good!

[@NimbleNeedles]

I have a video on how to knit a sweater here as well. Maybe that can help as well?

[@yarnmotivated-joyceswensso9744]

This really speaks to the nerd in me. So many interesting options, I hope to use this instruction (along with your other videos) as a reference in the future. A prior comment mentioned a book, old school me would buy it that's for sure.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Heh. Well...books are just sooo much work and pay so little 😓

[@yarnmotivated-joyceswensso9744]

@@NimbleNeedles totally understand

[@VeretenoVids]

🤯 I'm going to have to watch this a few dozen more times!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Heh. The video is there to stay ❤️🧶

[@margaretsharp499]

I have been fighting a raglan for 6 months. This is exactly what I've needed, thank you!!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

6 months? 😱 but yeah..it can be difficult

[@patmiller7272]

You are a fantastic knitter and teacher!

[@deborahwilkins3786]

KLL vs KLR: I have always used KLL on the left and KLR on the right. I agree that the longer arm looks better that way. I had a lot of increases under my belt but had not seen the hitch stitch. Very neat.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Yeah, that's a fun one!

[@axvgeek6333]

Please, please, please. Norman, I really need help with my collars for my sweaters. They are loose and terrible! Please help me with correctly picking up stitches to help me make a collar that is not huge and sloppy. You are the only one I trust on KZbin to help me get the job done right, neatly, and beautiful.

[@NimbleNeedles]

I already have a video on picking up stitches: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ganMeHhsbMSZZrs

[@lauramk4664]

Suzanne bryant also has a video specifically about picking up for (curved) necklines that is really helpful!

[@Mummumster]

I will use this❤ I first look to you when I need a hint or have a question. Shared you with many knitting friends.

[@NimbleNeedles]

I appreciate that 🥰🧶

[@KatwinKennedy]

Saving this to watch in the future as all your videos are great!

[@DAJSCOTT58]

You, Norman, never cease to amaze me with your knowledge and ability to educate! Thank you!!

[@victoriaq9172]

Now this is a video I have been waiting for- can’t wait to get into it!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Hope I was able to deliver on my promise!

[@Leanansidhe23]

Yes!! found your stitch library blog entry!! ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

awesome!

[@user-pg8rs2dk5u]

I have been trying to make a earcover without a pattern. I used kll and krl as all the other beginner patterns I tried using, without understanding what to expect. Your comprehensive comparison helps me a lot in understanding which method would go better with my own design for the project, and makes me more confident in my choice. Thanks always!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Awesome! That was the plan ❤️🥰🧶

[@Natalie-vz4mk]

Hi Norman, thanks for a very good overview of increases and decreases. One more thing that is very different is that it is possible to decrease 2-3 stiches at one go. I do not aware of any increase that allows this.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Look up stacked increases (i have a tutorial here). It's certainly possible

[@Natalie-vz4mk]

@@NimbleNeedles thank you Norman will check it out.

[@shortcake180]

Another amazing video! Thank you!

[@leylamoossavi]

Happy pride! Thank you again for your instruction!!🌈🎉

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy pride month & you are very welcome 🙏

[@ahill2239]

You are a treasure!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you! 🥰

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

Thanks for this comparaison of different increases. I learned a lot. 🙏

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy to hear that Nicole. Always lovely to read a familiar name here in the comments 🥰

[@judithwilson1814]

Thank you for this excellent tutorial!

[@NimbleNeedles]

You are very welcome 🙏

[@fidelcheto9409]

Looking forward to seeing the video, my good teacher

[@karinnehrerova2222]

❤ Thank You! Excellent and very helpful video! I love your work! 😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

happy to hear that

[@AstridBengtsson]

Perfect!!! Thanks

[@lshadowens1416]

Hi Norman, This is an excellent video. I enjoy them all. Thank you for passing on your skill. Would you consider making a video doing increases and decreases in cables to smoothly transition to ribbing.

[@NimbleNeedles]

I am not sure I understand that. Cables ARE ribbing?

[@lshadowens1416]

@@NimbleNeedles Say you are starting with a 2x2 ribbing as in a cuff… how would you smoothly transition that into a cable pattern without disruption. Either going from the ribbing into the cable or vice versa. I’ve seen sweaters where there are “off stitches” in that transition and ones that are better made where the pattern flows smoothly from the cable to the cuff. I hope this makes sense.

[@Tatsuemin]

Thank you so much, Norman! This is what I needed to help me walk through my bunnies and cats =^.^= . They look adorable but sometimes the holes where I can see the stuffing drive me crazy. I just kind of make a "patch" to cover the larger holes sewing a make-do stitch after it is stuffed but I know this is not the best solution and just a crutch. I will try some of those increases to see which one I like better next project. Love U!

[@NimbleNeedles]

For stuffies i typically almost exclusively fo kll. Tho, bar increases can be helpful if you need to attach something at a very precise point

[@claremorley9845]

Thank you Norman! 🎉😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure ❤️❤️

[@CathyCollazo-f5r]

Thank you.

[@alexandrarebelcrafter9328]

I love your tutorials. I learn so much and you’re my first go to with anything knitting! I want to join your Patreon but where?

[@dogandcrafterinaboat]

Ooohhhh, woooow, I am a great fan of your channel! And this videooooo is AMAZING🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy to hear that 🥳🥳 sadly...it's summer already and few ppl are knitying/watching

[@patbwatchin]

Thanks!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Oh wow! Thank you for supporting my work 🥰❤️🧶

[@MagicByIzzy]

I was about to start a new raglan sweater and i was thinking about how to make nice increases!! its like you read my mind Norman!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Heh. Well, with almost 200k subscribers the chances are pretty high that I "read" someone's mind. Still, happy it came at the right time

[@MagicByIzzy]

@@NimbleNeedles Haha very true!!!

[@saraw6710]

Thx for doing this, btw love your orange sweater! From Calgary

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure. Greetings from Vienna

[@makeupholicx]

Happy Pride Norman 🏳️‍🌈 I love your videos, I am a beginner but your perfect explanations give me confidence I can get as good as you with practice! 😎

[@NimbleNeedles]

well, because it's true. I was a beginner at one time as well :)

[@maryholbrook4919]

so interesting thankyou xxx

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure 🙏

[@marjoriebahm9239]

You're amazing Norman! How did you learn all these techniques?

[@NimbleNeedles]

Books, internet, friends, and a loooot of trial and error 😎

[@alexandrarebelcrafter9328]

I found your patreon!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Awesome! You were faster ❤️

[@kerrismith5986]

A question not related to this subject. Are these new "carbon" needles (well, new to me!!) a good substitute for the wooden/bamboo needles?

[@NimbleNeedles]

i personally love the karbonz needles by knitters pride. the small sized dpns are among my alltime favorite needles.

[@kerrismith5986]

@@NimbleNeedles Thank you. I value your opinions. I am very new to continental knitting. I always used the English/throw style, but it was causing me a lot of pain, so I found your and other's tutorials and worked it out from there. My style is different to yours, but it is still your tutorials I go to first. You have been very helpful, and I appreciate you very much.

[@smvlogs1220]

Hello, Just have a quick question Can we use Chopsticks instead of Big Niddles

[@NimbleNeedles]

Sure..I mean, maybe sand them down a bit but as a start, it could be okay

[@user-nz5kl5qs5b]

I would really appreciate knowing hoy o increase every row in 2x2 rib. I keep getting messed up when I essentially need to increase into the created backward loop increase from the previous row. What am I missing. Thanks so much

[@NimbleNeedles]

well, that's why I increased in every second row. If you want/need to do it every row, I'm afraid I don' t have a ready answer for you. I'd need to knit a swatch myself to see which variation looks the neatest. My guess would be that two centered double increases (so still in every second row but inc 2 each) could be a good choice but that's just a hunch.

[@user-nz5kl5qs5b]

@@NimbleNeedles thanks so much for taking the time to reply.

[@alexandradegruyter]

❤️🌈

[@Ss-dz6cm]

I have always loved lifted increases. Last year, l discovered an adaptation that is even more invisible. I would love to know what you think, Norman. KLL slip the stitch you want to increase. Lift from the row below as normal and knit it. It will almost look like a twin stitch (but easy to count increases). KRL- lift the stitch as normal and knit it, but slip the current stitch you were increasing into. It is very visible like a twin stitch, but knit the next row and it disappears. I have a hard time even finding them.

[@NimbleNeedles]

So, a bit like the kfb version where you slip. But doesn't this produce two elongated stitches?

[@izabellamat.3802]

🧶🩷🧶

[@InGo-fy8zz]

❤I love the pride flag! I am proud to be me and to know you. Thanks for yet another fantastic lesson, Norman.

[@NimbleNeedles]

It's your deeds that matter, never the body you were given or whom you love 🥰🏳️‍🌈

[@ngozi230]

Off topic but Love the pride flag in the back during your intro !!! :) Hope you enjoyed this month! 🌈🏳️‍⚧️ This video is so informative! I never knew all these knit increases existed

[@NimbleNeedles]

always! and glad to hear you enjoyed this video

[@hodgeh]

❤ Pride flag!❤ 🏳️‍🌈🌈🏳️‍⚧️

[@NimbleNeedles]

Ofc! 😎

[@Goldy4457]

What the flag about 🤔🤔🤔

[@NimbleNeedles]

Not much. It was pride month. If you go through my Videos you will often see little Easter eggs. Like on st Patrick's day I as wearing an Irish sweater, for orthodox Easter I had A Jesus icon in the back,....things like that. I keep my channel devoid of any political content. But that doesn't mean I don't have opinions 🥰