How to work a yo – yarn over increase

A yarn over (yo) is a single increase, which forms a hole in the knitted fabric. It is the main increase used in lace knitting.

How to work a yarn over (yo) ::: 2 steps

Bring yarn between needle tips to front of work

Pass yarn over the right hand (RH) needle to back of work

The new loop over the RH needle is the new stitch. Proceed to work the next stitch following the pattern.

When working a yarn over after a purl stitch, (working p1, yo, k1) the yarn is already in the front of the work, so simply pass it over the top of the RH needle to the back of the work, then work the next stitch as usual.

When working a yarn over that is followed by a purl stitch, (working k1, yo, p1) you must bring the yarn between the needles to the front, then over the RH needle to the back, and then between the needles once more so it is in the front of the work, ready for the purl stitch.

Try a free pattern :::

Get started knitting lace with our free beginner pattern, the Gothic Lace cowl or scarf!

Learn lace stitches, how to follow a lace chart or text instructions and how to use markers to keep the pattern flowing smoothly with this simple and quick project.

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Emily Wessel

Hi! I’m Emily Wessel, I design fun-to-knit patterns and helpful technique tutorials. I live in Edinburgh, Scotland with my husband and two kids, where I like to run, knit, learn languages, and hang out with friends. I am co-founder and designer at Tin Can Knits - www.tincanknits.com

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6 Comments

Jayna Stott
March 9, 2018 @ 2:18 pm

How to make a yo as the first stitch of every round?
- alexaludeman
  March 12, 2018 @ 1:37 pm
  
  Hi Jayna – for the beginning of a round it is just the same as any other spot, you wrap the yarn around the right hand needle.
Trudy
April 1, 2016 @ 7:34 am

Hi there! I just purchased the ‘bounce’ blanket pattern, have checked your tutorials on yarn overs, but am unsure how to do this on the WS – yo between purl stitches…would you kindly advise me? tia :)
- alexaludeman
  April 4, 2016 @ 2:25 pm
  
  Hi Trudy – yo’s are exactly the same on the purl side. You just need to remember to bring the yarn around the right needle and all the way back to the front of the work, ready to purl again.
Lisa Sisco
March 26, 2016 @ 5:49 am

Is there a certain way that the yarn over should be worked in the next row or is it dependent on the pattern? I have tried to work lace with no luck. When the pattern calls for knitting or pearling into the yarn over in the next row, I have no idea where to put my needle to make the stitch…is there a trick?
- alexaludeman
  March 29, 2016 @ 12:18 am
  
  Hi Lisa – it will be pattern dependent. Some will have you knit into it and some purl. A yarn over should be treated just like any other stitch, so you are putting your needle in the same way you usually would.