Tips & Techniques: December 2005 Archives
I've tried so many times to explain this increase in emails. Since I have some extra time this week I thought I'd take a few pics instead.
This increase -- the centered double increase -- was first written about in Starmore's Aran Knitting. She uses it in other arans as well, and you'll see it in many designers' patterns now. Jenna Wilson's Rogue and Jodi Green's Mariah both use this increase.
Here's my attempt to explain it. I hope it's helpful to some of you!
note: all images are clickable to bring up a larger size.
First, knit into the back of the stitch AND LEAVE IT ON THE LEFT HAND NEEDLE.
Now, knit into the front of the stitch and slip the stitch off your left hand needle. You have now made 2 stitches. Just one more to go!
This next step is the hardest -- but it's really not hard. If you look closely right in between the 2 stitches you just made you'll see a strand of yarn that's going vertical between the two. It's actually the left leg of the stitch you just knit into in the steps above. I've drawn it in red -- click to enlarge and you'll see.
Here's the stitch picked up with my cable needle. I promise if you look you'll see it!
Now, take that strand and place it on your left hand needle.Knit into the front of the stitch (the way you would normally knit a stitch). You may struggle with this a bit, and you might find it easier to pull on the stitch a bit to stretch it first. Knitting this third stitch should be a little bit difficult though -- that means it will be tight and not form any holes.
After knitting it slip the stitch off your left hand needle and you're done! You've made three stitches out of one!
