A double yarn over (yoyo) is an increase method that creates a decorative hole. Two additional stitches are created, so this is a double increase. Let’s see how it works.
Looking for a yarn over (yo) single increase? You can find our yarn over (yo) tutorial here.
This tutorial includes:
- What IS a double yarn over increase anyways?
- Double yarn over (yoyo) video
- How to work a double yarn over
- Working the double yarn over on the wrong side
- How does this increase look in an increase line?
- More increases
What IS a double yarn over increase anyways?

A double yarn over (yoyo) is a central double increase, meaning you are increasing 2 stitches. To increase 2 stitches you’ll bring the yarn around the right needle twice. On the wrong side row you’ll purl these two loops, first working a regular purl stitch, and then a purl through the back loop.
Double yarn over (yoyo) video
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How to work a double yarn over
- Bring the working yarn between the needles to the front of the work, then over the right needle to the back, creating a loop on the right needle.
- Repeat this action a second time; bring the yarn between the needles to the front of the work, then pass it over the right needle to the back – there are now two loops (yarn-overs) on the right hand needle tip.
- Next, continue working the rows as usual. Below, we describe how to work this double yarn over on following the wrong-side row.



Working the double yarn over on the wrong side
These two loops need to be worked in a particular manner on the wrong side, or else one of the loops will be lost.
- Purl the first loop, being careful to leave the second loop in place on the left needle.
- Purl the second loop through the back, by inserting your right needle through the loop from back to front and purling that stitch.



How does this increase look in an increase line?
As the double yarn-over (yoyo) increases start to stack up you can see how the increase line looks, with a series of decorative holes.
For this swatch I’ve worked a double yarn over every right side row.

More increases
There are LOTS of increase types in knitting, you can find all of our increase tutorials here. For more info on increase lines check out our increase line tutorial here.
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May 9, 2024 @ 8:10 pm
Nine of the kinks worked for me.
May 10, 2024 @ 10:25 am
Hi – Sorry, all fixed!