How To Knit: Directional Make One Increases

Learn the make one (M1) 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 make one increases in sweater yokes, thumb gussets on mittens, sock heels, and in shifting stitch patterns in lace and brioche ribbing.

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)