For beginners, it's quite a tricky technique, but once you increase the stitch count by 1 in knitting with the help of the easiest yarn over technique. You can find many patterns that need to be increased, for example, adding decorative holes like eyelets to your fabric. In this, with your knitting needles, you must yarn over as though you were knitting. It is simple and quick to create and abbreviated as 'YO'. This blog will explore this amazing technique that helps to create versatile projects. Interested in learning more? Read our blog on how to increase stitches in knitting.
Yarn Over Technique- A Unique Technique
In yarn over (YO), you wrap the yarn around your needles to create an extra stitch, which makes a small hole in the fabric and is commonly used in lace patterns. Read our beginner's guide to basic lace knitting. Remember, this is only the act of moving yarn. The method can be used on both left and right edges. However, making a yarn over varies depending on whether it is between knit, purl, or transitioning between the two stitches.
How to Knit Yarn Over (knit wise)
you understand the complete process, you can easily create versatile patterns. Explore various methods to perform a YO depending on the surrounding stitches. Let's explore these techniques:
1. YO Between Two Knit Stitches
To make YO, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Start with the knit stitch when working with straight or Destiny circular knitting needles.
Step 2: Make sure to bring the working yarn in front of the needles.
Step 3: Afterward, wrap the YO around the right-hand needle from front to back.
Step 4: And continue knitting.
Step 5: You get an extra loop on the needle, which creates a hole in the fabric after knitting the next stitch.
2. YO Between Two Purl Stitches
You can switch to this technique for the purl stitch, suppose you work on a garter stitch in the round with double-pointed knitting needles.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: In this, purl the first stitch.
Step 2: YO to the right-hand needle as if wrapping the purl stitch.
Step 3: Your yarn must be in front, and then purl the next stitch.
Step 4: Notice an extra loop on the needle that creates a hole in the fabric.
3. YO Between a Knit and Purl Stitch
Switch from knit to purl stitch to increase the stitch count or add a small bump.
Step 1: Start knitting the stitch on your DPNs or circular needles.
Step 2: Afterwards, bring your working yarn from the back to the front between the knitting needles and wrap it around the right-hand needle.
Step 3: Then, bring the yarn back to the front between the needles.
Step 4: Afterwards, purl the stitch.
4. YO Between a Purl and Knit Stitch
This method is slightly challenging for beginners. Follow these simple steps to make YO:
Step 1: Purl the first stitch in your project.
Step 2: Your working yarn must be in front, and after that, wrap it over the right-hand needle to the back.
Step 3: And knit the stitch.
5. YO at the beginning of the Row
In this, YO is performed before the start of the new row. Check out the steps to make it:
Step 1: Wrap the YO around the right-hand needle and then make the next knit or purl stitch, depending on the project.
Step 2: After finishing the project, weave the loose ends with a finishing needle from Lantern Moon.
6. YO between the Two Purl Stitches
Follow these simple steps to make YO:
Step 1: Bring the working yarn from the front over the top of the right-hand needle.
Step 2: Then, between the knitting needle to the front again, purl the next stitch.
Tips to Make Perfect YO
Mastering the YO technique is essential, which will help in creating an extra stitch. Here are some suggestions that you can easily follow:
- Maintain the yarn tension consistently to avoid tight or loose YO.
- Focus on the next row, which means when you reach the YO in the following row, knit or purl, check the pattern instructions carefully.
- Make sure you have the correct count, so double-check the stitches.
- Use Meadow or Tassel stitch markers from Lantern Moon, available in a set of 6, to prevent mistakes and ensure it is placed correctly.
- If you miss the YO, fix the mistake right away by picking up the horizontal bar from the previous row and placing it on the needle.
- If you add the extra YO, drop it off from the needle before you work on the next stitch.
Well-structured YO techniques add elegance and beautiful texture to your knitting project. Get your knitting accessories from Lantern Moon, which includes scissors, a repair hook, or a cable needle made with high-quality ebony wood to provide a seamless and smooth experience.