Lifted increases are one of my favorites — they stack on top of each other well, they have both left- and right-leaning versions, the purl version isn’t any harder than the knit version, and they look really tidy.
Here are some pics of the four types to help de-mystify this increase. It really shouldn’t be such a mystery.
Why I love this increase
I use this increase a lot, and with good reason:
- it’s easy to execute
- it looks good
- it’s tight and doesn’t form any holes
When you should use it
You can use lifted increases almost any time a pattern just says “increase” or “make 1” and doesn’t specify a type of increase. Of course, you can also use it when it tells you to make a lifted increase.
I use it in my thumb gussets tutorial.
The catch is that unlike the make 1, there isn’t one type of abbreviation that’s used. I use lli (left-leaning), rli (right-leaning), llip (purl) and rlip (purl) (oh, and the li stands for lifted increase) but I’ve seen other abbreviations too.
I also dislike M1L or M1R (the type where you twist the bar below) so I’ll often replace it with a lifted increase. This is a combo of personal preference and the fact that lifted increases tend to look as good or better in my knitting. ymmv.
The one place you can’t do it is on the first row. Since this increase uses the knitting of the previous row, you need to have a previous row or it doesn’t work. In these cases I’ll typically do a KFB if I’m instructed to increase on that first row. I may also work a row plain before starting the increases. It depends on the pattern and the aesthetics of the finished piece.
Right Lifted Increase (RLI)
Left Lifted Increase (LLI)
Right Lifted Increase, Purl (RLIP)
Left Lifted Increase, Purl (LLIP)
How Lifted Increases are Abbreviated
There isn’t a standard way they’re abbreviated 🙁
I’ve shown the abbreviations that Knotions uses. But there are lots of ways that a pattern writer will use. I’ve even seen people use “make 1” and “inc 1”. But regardless, the important thing is for you to read the pattern.
Can I Use This Instead of a Different Increase?
In most cases, you can. If you’re not sure, do a little swatch to test if you like the way it looks.
Where You Can’t Use Lifted Increases
Lifted Increases use the stitch in the previous row. So, you can’t use them in the first row.
If you need to increase in the first row, I suggest a BYO. It will look neat but it won’t be tight. In order to avoid tightness, I don’t recommend a KFB.
About the Instructor: Jody Richards
Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches. And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).
She’s a serial starter-of-projects and has a serious problem with finishing things without a deadline.
And don’t get her talking about hand-dyed yarns. You’ve been warned.
Do you have a tutorial for Short Rows? The w & t on both the knit and purl sides have me really confused.
We actually have a bunch!
We show you several different ways to make Short Rows. This way, you can decide which one you prefer https://knotions.com/short-rows-all-the-ways/
Hi if I do k2tog and then need to lift the leg of that stitch just worked, would I lift both the legs from the k2tog st and consider it as one? Then continue in the pattern as directed?
in concept, that’s what i would do, but…
why would you need to both decrease and then immediately follow it by an increase? i think that would just create a jumble look. is that what you’re going for?
Is this the same as P1R and P1L? Thanks!
I’m not sure. What does it say for the abbreviation in your pattern that has p1r?
Thank you for this tutorial! I have only recently heard about these increases, and bam, the tutorial is in my inbox! What perfect timing!
It is very clear, but I hope you don’t mind my question. Can you substitute these increases for the standard M1L and M1R in raglan increases?
Thanks!
Cool! I’m glad it worked for you!
You can substitute but you might need to place them differently. I suggest:
Knit to one st bef m, right lifted increase, k, sm, k, left lifted increase.
Ah, that makes sense. Thanks so muich!
I’m a little confused by your LLI photos and descriptions.
Step 2 photo shows LEFT needle lifting second stitch below active stitch on right needle (the one that has just been knit); however directions are written: “Step 2: Insert your right needle from back to front underneath the second stitch below.”
Step 4 photo shows lifted stitch being knit through the back loop; however directions are written: “Step 4: Knit it through the front loop (insert needle from right to left).”
Please clarify.
Great question!
I think the part that’s hitching you up is that Step 2 orients the stitch already twisted. Usually sts are oriented with the right leg in the front, but when you pick up the st it’s already oriented with the left leg in the front. So, you’re not knitting through the back loop.
Does that make sense now?