An increase is a structural manipulation that adds one or more active stitches to a row or round. Knitters use various methods to achieve this, such as lifting a bar between stitches, knitting twice into the same loop, or creating a yarn over. The choice of increase determines whether the resulting fabric flares smoothly, creates a decorative hole, or slants in a specific direction.
Heard on the job
Work a left-leaning increase on this edge so the sleeve shaping mirrors the right side.
Insider tip
Always pair directional increases on opposite edges of a garment piece to ensure symmetrical shaping.