A perfectly easy pair of increases (M1L & M1R using the 'loop' method)

I think I first read about these left- and right-leaning stitches in Elizabeth Zimmerman's book Knitting Without Tears and since then, they have become my go-to increases for many different projects. When I was searching for a tutorial to forward to someone else, I struggled to know which terms to use and then to find something which showed both methods with photos. In the end I did what any blogger would do, and got my camera out.

Before the photos, here's why I like these increases:
1. They are very quick and easy.
2. They are brand new stitches, and (unlike the other options I used before) do not affect those around them - they do not pull the yarn from either side or below. In other words, they are very well behaved.
3. They're a perfect pair and I have a 'thing' for pairs (see this post if you're in any doubt).
4. Depending on the way you knit into them on the next row, they can be 'untwisted' if you want the increase to be opened out as a design feature, or leave them 'closed' for a subtle and inconspicuous addition to your stitch count. 
  
M1L increase on Crafts from the Cwtch Blog

M1L = yarn over left index finger, pick up the back ‘loop’ with right needle, as if to purl.

    M1R increase on Crafts from the Cwtch Blog

    M1R = yarn over left thumb, slip the front ‘loop’ onto the right needle, as if to knit.


    And there you have it! A perfectly easy pair of increases. 

    Do you have a favourite? Is there a reason for this, or merely habit? (I'm guilty of this with my cast on and bind off methods!) I'd love to hear your thoughts.  

    5 comments

    1. Oh! Thank you for the perfect images! I have read and attempted this increase before, but was never quite sure if what I was doing was what was being described. Now I can see exactly how the stitches should look. I will go use this on my next toe up sock!

      ReplyDelete
    2. My increase of choice for years has been the knit through the loop of the row below. To my eye, it works for either side and there's no visible signs other than the extra stitch. These seem good as well, I'd like to give them a go...

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. That's what I was most often using before and I like that too... I'm quite a loose knitter and I think this one looks a bit neater on my knitting. I should really do a post on the way the different increases look when I knit them - that might be fun!
        x

        Delete
    3. My increase of choice for years has been the knit through the loop of the row below. To my eye, it works for either side and there's no visible signs other than the extra stitch. These seem good as well, I'd like to give them a go...

      ReplyDelete

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