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Lifted increases are some of the most invisible increases you can use in knitting. There are two knit-lift increases: one right-leaning and one left-leaning. In this tutorial, you will learn about the lift-left increase.
In fact, this increase is often abbreviated as LLI in knitting patterns.
They work by pulling a stitch from the row below, which prevents holes or bumps from forming
The unique feature of lifted increases is that they work into a stitch from the previous row, making them almost unnoticeable.
Lifted increases can be used almost anywhere in your project, but keep in mind that placing them too close together may cause slight puckering in your fabric due to the pulling effect.
As mentioned, you can make a lifted increase either to the right or the left of an existing stitch.
There is a tutorial for how to make a Right-Lift Increase (RLI) here: Learn How to Make a Lift-Right Increase
Either of the lifted increase stitch techniques is great for increasing directly before or after a yarnover. This makes them perfect for making increases when there is no strand between the two stitches that you can work with.
Characteristics
Creates an increase by pulling a stitch up from the previous row.- It is a left-leaning increase.
- Blends seamlessly into your knitting.
Ideal for
- Shaping your work by pairing it with the LRI; the LRI is used at the beginning of a row and the LLI at the end of the row.
- Adding decorative increases without visible holes.
- Increasing directly before or after a yarnover.
How to Make a Lift-Left Increase: Step-by-Step
Start by knitting to where you want to make the increase. This includes knitting the stitch that will be worked for the increase.
Make sure to keep the working yarn in the back.
Insert the left-hand needle, from back to front, into the stitch two rows below the last stitch you just knitted.
Insert the right-hand needle into the lifted stitch on the left-hand needle. The knitting needle should be inserted from front to back.
Knit the lifted stitch as normal, making sure that it is not twisted.
Note:
When you worked the LRI increase, the stitch had not yet been knitted. Conversely, when you work into the left side of a stitch, the stitch has already been knit.
Therefore, you need to work into the stitch two rows below for the LLI to mirror the LRI.
