M1R & M1L a quick reference guide

I can never remember how to M1R and M1L when a pattern calls for these types of increases. While there are plenty of great reference videos out there, I thought I’d try to write down the steps for quick and easy reference.

For both stitches, you are picking up the bar between two stitches in order to add a new stitch.  M1R (make 1 right) creates a right leaning stitch and M1L (make 1 left) creates a left leaning stitch.

To make 1 right (M1R), pick up the bar with the left needle from the back to the front,

and knit into the front of the stitch.

To make 1 left (M1L), pick up the bar with the left needle from front to back,

and knit into the back of the stitch.

In order to remember this, I made up a little phrase:

Right, needle from the back, stitch front

Left, needle from the front, stitch back

Maybe I can remember that but, if not, I can always check here!  Happy Knitting!