Learn the M1 (Make 1) method of creating right-leaning and left-leaning increases in your knitted fabric. Often used in mirrored pairs on either side of a sleeve cap or sweater body, directional increases such as these add polish as well as stitches to shape your knitted fabric, with a smoother, more elegant appearance than a simple knit front & back increase.
You’ll find directional increases in sweater yokes, thumb gussets on mittens, sock heels, and in shifting stitch patterns in lace and brioche ribbing.
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Written Steps
If a direction for the increase is not indicated, work the increase as for M1L (Make 1 Left).
M1R (Make 1 Right)
With L needle tip, pick up the running thread between stitch just worked and first stitch on L needle from back to front. Knit the running thread through the front loop. (1 stitch increased; leans right)
M1 and M1L (Make 1 and Make 1 Left)
With L needle tip, pick up the running thread between stitch just worked and first stitch on L needle from front to back. Knit the running thread through the back loop. (1 stitch increased; leans left)
Practice this Technique
Migration
Culm
Linocut
Balan
Featured Yarn
ARBOR
DK Weight
American Targhee Wool
Arbor is a classic DK weight yarn with timeless versatility. American Targhee wool is worsted spun into a round and springy 3-ply yarn, perfect for crisp stitch definition and wear-everywhere knits. Skein-dyed in a painterly palette of solid colors.
Featured colors in this tutorial:
Hammock Natural sheep’s white, warm and creamy.
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