Invisible increases in miniature knitting

There are several ways to increase stitches in knitting, however some methods work better in miniature knitting than others do.

Increasing at the start of a row

• When increasing a stitch at the start of a knit row the neatest method is to p 1 and k 1 into the front of the first stitch, do not twist the stitch in any way as you knit into it, or this will show.
• When increasing a stitch at the start of a purl row the neatest method is to k 1 and p 1 into the front of the first stitch, do not twist the stitch in any way as you knit into it, or this will show.
• When increasing using more than one colour then simply follow the instructions in the pattern (for example – k 1M and k 1A both into 1st st or k 2A into 1st st)
• When increasing in a textured pattern such as rib or moss stitch, you will need to check the pattern to see whether to start your increase with a knit or purl stitch. The second stitch of this increase should always match the existing pattern, for example if you have a row where the pattern is (k 1, p 1) rib, then the two stitches in the increase should be worked as p 1, k 1, so the pattern is correct for the remainder of the row.

Increasing at the end of a row

• When increasing a stitch at the end of a knit row the neatest method is to k 1 and p 1 into the front of the last stitch, do not twist the stitch in any way as you knit into it, or this will show.
• When increasing a stitch at the end of a purl row the neatest method is to p 1 and k 1 into the front of the last stitch, do not twist the stitch in any way as you knit into it, or this will show.
• When increasing using more than one colour then simply follow the instructions in the pattern (for example – k 1M and k 1A both into last st or k 2A into last st)
• When increasing in a textured pattern such as rib or moss stitch, you will need to check the pattern to see whether to start your increase with a knit or purl stitch. The first stitch of this increase should always match the existing pattern, for example if you have a row where the pattern is (k 1, p 1) rib, then the two stitches in the increase should be worked as p 1, k 1, so the existing pattern remains correct.

Increasing part way through a row
Sometimes increases are worked part way through a row to give shape.
If you work an increase by working into the front and back of the stitch (as is commonly taught) a bump will show on the right side of the fabric. This can be very noticeable in miniature work:

In miniature work it is advisable to use a different form of increase – that of making a stitch.

To make a stitch:

• Insert your working needle into the yarn from the row below, which can be seen between the two needles.
  

  

• In order to avoid a hole in the knitting twist the stitch as you knit into it:
  

  

  
  

  

• The methods shown in the photos above will give a smooth finish to the knitting (shown in red circle) and avoid any unsightly bumps in the knitting, which are formed when knitting into the front and back of the same stitch (shown by blue circle on photo below).