Glossary / Make one
M1Make one
A nearly invisible increase lifted from the bar between two stitches.
Also written: M1L, M1R
How to work it
With the left needle, lift the horizontal strand that runs between the stitch just worked and the next one, then knit into it through the back loop to twist it closed. The twist stops a hole from forming, which makes M1 the go-to increase inside sleeve and body shaping. Lifting from front to back and knitting through the back loop leans left (M1L); lifting from back to front and knitting through the front leans right (M1R).
Common confusions
What does M1 mean?
In knitting patterns, M1 means Make one. A nearly invisible increase lifted from the bar between two stitches.
What is the difference between M1L and M1R?
The direction the new stitch leans. M1L lifts the strand from front to back and knits it through the back leg, leaning left. M1R lifts it from back to front and knits it through the front leg, leaning right. Patterns pair them at opposite edges so shaping mirrors.
Why does my M1 leave a hole?
The lifted strand was not twisted. M1 works because you knit the strand through the leg that crosses it shut. Knitting it normally leaves the strand open and produces an eyelet, which is a yarn over by another name.
In other languages
| Language | Term | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|
| English | Make one | M1 |
| Español | Aumento intercalado | no standard code |
| Deutsch | Zunahme aus dem Querfaden | 1 M zun |
| Français | Augmentation intercalaire | no standard code |
| Italiano | Aumento intercalato | no standard code |
| 日本語 | ねじり増し目 | 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.
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