Glossary / Knit front and back
kfbKnit front and back
An increase that gets two stitches out of one, leaving a small purl bar.
Also written: k1fb
How to work it
Knit into the next stitch as usual but do not slide it off the left needle. Bring the right needle around and knit into the back loop of that same stitch, then slide it off. One stitch has become two. A small horizontal bar sits at the base of the second stitch, which is invisible in garter and textured fabric and slightly visible in smooth stockinette.
Common confusions
What does kfb mean?
In knitting patterns, kfb means Knit front and back. An increase that gets two stitches out of one, leaving a small purl bar.
Should I use kfb or M1?
kfb is easier and very secure, but it leaves a visible bar and it uses up the stitch it is worked into, so it shifts the position of your increase by one. M1 is nearly invisible and works between stitches. Use kfb for garter, cuffs, and toys, and M1 for shaping in smooth stockinette.
Where does the new stitch actually land?
To the left of the original stitch, because the second half of the increase is made in the same stitch after the first. That is why patterns often place kfb one stitch before where you might expect the increase to appear, and why the bar shows up under the second of the pair.
In other languages
| Language | Term | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Knit front and back | kfb |
| Español | Tejer por delante y por detrás | no standard code |
| Deutsch | Aus einer Masche zwei rechte Maschen stricken | no standard code |
| Français | Maille endroit devant et derrière | no standard code |
| Italiano | Diritto davanti e dietro | no standard code |
| 日本語 | 1目に表目を2目編み入れる（ねじり増し目ではない増し目） | no standard code |
Related stitches
Keep your place while you work this stitch. Worsted counts your rows and rounds and remembers your spot in the pattern, for crochet and knitting.
Get Worsted