How to Make 1 Knitting Increase

How To Knit m1

Today I'm going to show you how to make 1 knitting increase, abbreviated m1. And don't worry it's super simple to do.

The make one increase in knitting is almost invisible which will come in handy for some of your knitting projects.

It's also nice to know a couple of ways to increase stitches in knitting. 

Sometimes a certain stitch increase will work better than another one.

And since the make one knitting increase is practically invisible you'll want to use this one a lot. I sure do. 

Here are three questions I get asked a lot. Hope they help you too.

How Do You m1 Stitch?

The make 1 knitting increase is made by using the running thread that's in between the stitch you just finished on your right needle and the stitch on your left needle. 

My pictures below will show you exactly how to make 1.

This make one increase leans to the left.

My Pattern Just Says To M1, What Do I Do?

When your pattern says to M1 and isn't more specific, use the M1L knitting increase.

The M1L or m1l means it's a left-leaning increase. And the M1R or m1r means it's a right-leaning increase.

And once again if your pattern doesn't specify and only says m1 then use the m1l increase. They mean the same thing.  m1 = m1l

Doesn't A M1 In Knitting Make A Hole?

No it doesn't.  You see when you m1 stitch knitting you will twist the stitch as you're making it which closes up any hole that might be there.

Ready to get started?  Great and there's a make one (m1) Knitting Video when you're finished with the pictures.  

How to Make 1 Left (M1L) and M1 Knitting Instructions 

Spread your knitting apart a bit so that you can see the running thread between your right and left needle. See that little piece of yarn there? OK that's the one.

With your left needle push it through that running thread from front to back and bring it up onto your needle.

Now all you do is knit that stitch through the back loop. It's exactly the same as when you knit it in front so put your yarn over. 

Then just finish knitting it and you're done. 

The reason you knit it through the back loop is to twist it so you don't make a hole in your knitting.

This is how to make 1 left M1L and M1.  Pretty simple right?

Let's keep going...

How to Make 1 Right (M1R) Instructions 

Once again spread your knitting apart a bit and find the running thread between your right and left needle. 

This time you're going to push your left needle through from the back to the front and bring it up onto your left needle.

Then just knit it through the front. It'll be a little tight and awkward but you can do it.

And that's how to make1 right M1R

There's not really much to it is there?  It's a pretty basic increase and so simple to do.

Here's a great little knitting video to show you how to make 1 left and right.

How to M1, M1L and M1R Knitting Video

Pretty easy right?  Happy Knitting!

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