How to Knit Left & Right Lifted Increases

Knitting increases are an essential part of any knitter's toolkit, and there are many different types to choose from. Two popular increases are the left and right lifted increases, which create a raised stitch that slants to the left or right. In this blog post, we'll show you how to knit left and right lifted increases step-by-step.

What Are Left & Right Lifted Increases?

Left and right lifted increases are types of knit increases that are worked into the stitch below the next stitch on the left or right needle. They create a raised stitch that slants to the left or right, respectively.

How to Knit a Left Lifted Increase

To knit a left lifted increase, follow these steps:

Insert the tip of the right needle into the stitch below the next stitch on the left needle, from back to front.

Knit this stitch, but do not remove it from the left needle.

Insert the right needle into the next stitch on the left needle and knit it as usual.

Slip both stitches off the left needle.

You should now have an extra stitch on your right needle, which slants to the left.

How to Knit a Right Lifted Increase

To knit a right lifted increase, follow these steps:

Insert the tip of the right needle into the stitch below the next stitch on the left needle, from front to back.

Knit this stitch through the back loop, but do not remove it from the left needle.

Insert the right needle into the next stitch on the left needle and knit it as usual.

Slip both stitches off the left needle.

You should now have an extra stitch on your right needle, which slants to the right.

When to Use Left & Right Lifted Increases

Left and right lifted increases are commonly used in lace patterns and other designs that feature directional shaping. They can also be used in stockinette stitch or other simple patterns to add shaping to a garment. Left and right lifted increases are a great way to add a decorative touch to your knitting projects.

Conclusion

Learning how to knit left and right lifted increases is a useful skill for any knitter. These increases can add shaping and decorative details to your knitting projects, and they're easy to master with a bit of practice. So next time you're looking for an increase to use in your knitting, give the left or right lifted increase a try!