Increases & Decreases – How to Shape Your Knitting Elegantly

09/06/2025

Whether you're shaping a sweater, forming a sleeve, or working on a seamless design – increases and decreases are essential tools for giving your knitting structure and elegance.

Let's explore the most common techniques and when to use them – including their pros and cons for different styles and stitch patterns.

➕ Increases: More Stitches, More Shape

1. kfb – Knit Front & Back

✔ Quick and easy
✔ No counting necessary
✖ Leaves a small visible bump
→ Great for beginners or in dense stitch patterns

2. M1L / M1R – Make One Left / Right (Lifted Increases)

✔ Nearly invisible
✔ Directional – great for symmetry
✖ Requires a bit of practice
→ Perfect for raglan shaping and refined details

3. YO – Yarn Over as Increase

✔ Very simple
✔ Creates decorative holes
✖ Always visible as a lace hole
→ Best for lacework and openwork patterns

➖ Decreases: Fewer Stitches, More Contour

1. ssk – Slip, Slip, Knit

✔ Leans to the left
✔ Clean and symmetrical
✖ Slightly slower than other methods
→ Works beautifully with k2tog for mirrored shaping

2. k2tog – Knit 2 Together

✔ Very simple
✔ Leans to the right
✖ May look uneven if knit too loosely
→ The go-to for classic decreases

3. skp / sk psso – Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Over

✔ Visibly decorative
✔ Bold shaping line
✖ More involved
→ Ideal when you want a statement decrease (e.g. sleeves)

💡 When to Use Which Technique?

Invisible shaping: M1L/M1R + ssk/k2tog
Decorative elements: Yarn Overs + sk psso
Beginner-friendly: kfb + k2tog
Perfect symmetry: M1L (left side) / M1R (right side)

🧷 Expert Tips for a Clean Look

Plan symmetry: Use mirrored increases/decreases for balance
Swatch it out: Different yarns show techniques differently
Practice neatness: Especially important for ssk and skp
Use markers: Keep track of shaping rows with stitch markers or notes

✨ Final Thoughts: Subtle Structure for Stunning Results

Mastering increases and decreases allows you to shape garments and accessories with elegance and confidence. Whether hidden or highlighted, these small techniques can make a big difference in the fit and beauty of your work.

Which method is your favorite? Do you have a go-to trick for shaping?

Share your tips with #strickenimtrend – or join the conversation in our Facebook group!

#strickenimtrend #knittingtechniques #knittingincreases #knittingdecreases #ssk #kfb #m1r #m1l #shapeyourknits

Yours,
Kathrin ☀️🧶