Knit loop increases: kll and krl

This tutorial explains an increase method that involves lifting and working into the one leg of the stitch below the stitch on the needle. It can be worked two different ways, these are described as KLL (knit left loop) and KRL (knit right loop). Let’s take a look at how this works.

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What is a knit loop increase?

A knit loop increase is a way to create one new knit stitch. You’ll lift one leg of the stitch below the one on the needle and knit that stitch. Both methods, KLL (knit left loop) and KRL (knit right loop) create a new knit stitch, but they have slightly different effects.

Knit loop increase video

How to work a KLL (knit left loop)

Insert your left needle into the left leg of the third stitch down on the right needle, from back to front.
This creates a new loop onto the left needle.
Knit this lifted loop through the back.

An increasing orange swatch on the needles. There is a clear increase line in the centre of the swatch. — I’m ready to work my KLL. I’ll insert my left needle into the left leg of the third stitch down on the right needle.

A close up of the left needle tip in the left leg of the 3rd stitch down on the right needle. — Insert your left needle into the left leg of the **third** stitch down on the right needle, **from back to front**.

A close up of a swatch in progress. There is a lifted loop on the left needle and the right needle is through the back of this stitch, ready to knit through the back loop. — Knit this lifted loop **through the back**.

A close up of an increase just worked. It is the first stitch on the right needle. — Here is what it looks like just after a KLL has been worked.

How to work a KRL (knit right loop)

Insert your right needle into the right leg of the stitch below the first stitch on the left needle from back to front.
Lift this loop onto the left needle.
Knit this loop.