Knit 1 Long (K1L) is only slightly more complicated than the regular knit stitch. You’re just knitting a stitch, but that stitch is a few rows below.

The trick is to make sure that your tension is firm but not too tight (or too loose).

We’ll start with a swatch with a few rows of knits, with a k2tog and ssk next to each other, followed by another row. Here it is.

Now, knit up until the pattern tells you to K1L. The decreases set next to each other will create a little hole.

That’s where you want to work your knit1 long. Like this.

See how it’s basically taking up the height of the stitches it’s spanning? It’s not pulling them tighter and it’s not loose either.

Now, for the Sweetly Hat or Mitts, you work a second one a couple stitches later. Let’s do that too.

I knit up until the point where I’m supposed to work the second K1L. This one is just slightly more complicated because I need to rotate my right needle and knit into that same hole as before.

Again, I’m not pulling it too tightly or loosely.

When we’re done we have a little “v”.

And really, that’s it. Give it a try.

And while you’re at it, you might want to try one of these free patterns that feature the Knit 1 Long Stitch.