Shaping Techniques
Increases, decreases, and more!
5/11/20262 min read
Shaping techniques in knitting are how we can create things that aren’t just flat rectangles. Increases and decreases add dimension to our knitting, as do other techniques like short rows and stacked stitches. With these techniques in your toolbelt, the possibilities are endless!
Increases
Make One Right (M1R): Lift the bar in between the stitch you just knit and the next stitch with your left needle from back to front. Then, knit into it like normal.
Make One Left (M1L): Lift the bar in between the stitch you just knit and the next stitch with your left needle from front to back. Then, knit into it through the back loop.
Knit Front and Back (KFB): Knit into the next stitch, then, without dropping the old stitch off the needle, knit into the back loop of the same stitch. (Note: this creates a purl bump under the second stitch.)
Yarnover (YO): Wrap the working yarn over the right needle from front to back. This creates an extra stitch that is not connected to the row below it, leaving a hole.
Left Lifted Increase (LLI): Lift the left leg of the stitch two rows below the one you just knit with the left needle from back to front. Then, knit into it through the back loop. (Note: this is a right-leaning increase.)
Right Lifted Increase (RLI): Lift the right leg of the stitch one row below the next stitch with your left needle from front to back. Then, knit into it like normal. (Note: this is a left-leaning increase.)
Decreases
Knit Two Together (k2tog): Insert your right needle into the next two stitches knitwise, then knit them together. (Note: this is a right-leaning decrease.)
Slip Slip Knit (SSK): Slip the next two stitches, one at a time, knitwise, then knit them together through the back loop. (Note: this is a left-leaning decrease. Some people slip the second stitch purlwise, it comes down to personal preference.)
Centered Double Decrease (CDD): This double decrease is worked by slipping the next two stitches as if to knit them together, knit the next stitch, then pass the slipped stitches over the one you just knit.
Short Rows
Short rows are an excellent way to “sculpt” your knitting to achieve different shaping. They’re commonly used for bust darts or heel turns on socks. I wrote a blog post on how to do different types of short rows here.
Stacked Stitches
Stacked stitches are a technique developed by Xandy Peters. Using increases and decreases, these stitches create interlocking blocks of color, or they can make interesting 3D textured fabric. I recommend checking out their youtube playlist here if you’re interested in learning about this technique!
Placement and Math
Increases and decreases are often placed a couple of stitches into the edge, as this helps with keeping the edges consistent. If you’re seaming pieces together, having consistent, even edges is very important for keeping them properly aligned. How often you increase or decrease will determine the slope. For example, increasing every 4th row will give a steeper slope, increasing more slowly than if you increase every 2nd row. Typically, when you’re shaping at either end of a row, the slant of the increases or decreases will be mirrored, so that one side leans to the right and one leans to the left.
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