Knit through the left loop (KLL) is an instruction you’ll come across in knitting patterns where you need to increase the stitch count or give a shape. Known as the raised increase or lifted increase, Knit Left Loop increase (KLL) is neat and almost invisible, perfect for making symmetrical increases in adjacent stitches in a row or round. Because the increase is created by lifting the stitch below, this knitting technique tends to pull the yarn, which can be managed by adjusting yarn tension but it’s worth it for the invisible effect. Do you want to know more? In this blog, we’ll help you understand the technique of knit through the left loop with step-by-step instructions, tips, uses, and best alternatives.
Understanding Knit the Left Loop (KLL) Technique to Increase Stitches
Knitting requires various techniques to shape projects, and increases play a crucial role in achieving a seamless fabric. Knit through the left loop (KLL) is a nearly invisible right-leaning increase that creates a smooth, dense fabric without noticeable gaps. It works best in a knit row with another knit row below and is ideal for stockinette stitch projects where you want a polished look without eyelets. It is the exact opposite of the knit right loop increase (KRL). You can also experiment with other knitting techniques to increase the stitch count. Explore our guide on how to increase a stitch in knitting for all knitting increase techniques and find the best suitable option according to your skill level and project need.
Why Use Knit Left Loop (KLL) Increase Technique?
Knitting the Left Loop creates an increase that blends into the row or round, making it an excellent choice for a neat finish of the project. Other knitting increase techniques like yarnovers or make-one-right (M1R), create visible holes, which work well in lace patterns, however, for garments, socks, and seamless knits they might not be a good fit. For projects that require a nearly invisible increase, KLL is preferred. Even for lace knitting patterns with frequent increases, this left-leaning increase has a neat appearance.
Knitting materials for the Increase Stitch Technique
Before you dive into the technique to knit the left loop, gather your materials.
- You can choose any knitting needle type and length. Single-pointed needles are great for flat knit projects like scarves and blankets. Double-pointed needles (DPNs) are ideal for circular knitting, such as socks and hats. Fixed Circular Needles and interchangeable Circular Needles are versatile allowing to work with round projects as well as any various lengths.
- Yarn of your choice
- Stitch markers to mark the stitch.
Step-by-Step Guide to KLL:
Make a slip knot on your knitting needle, cast on stitches, make a few rows and follow the instructions below:
- Locate the Increase Stitch: Insert your left knitting needle into the stitch below the one you just knitted on your right needle, picking up the left leg of the stitch.
- Lift the Stitch: Place the lifted stitch onto the left needle.
- Knit Through the Back Loop: Knit this extra stitch through the back loop to create a clean increase.
- Continue Knitting: Drop the stitch from the left needle and continue your row as normal.
Many knitters prefer using the right needle to lift the stitch before transferring it to the left needle. Try both techniques to see what works best for you!
Tips for Best Results:
- For an invisible increase, try and leave atleast three rows between KLL increases.
- If increasing in every row, consider using Make-One-Back-Loop (M1BL) instead.
Patterns That Work with Knit Left Loop (KLL) Increase
Knit Through Left Loop (KLL) is an excellent increase technique that creates nearly invisible right-leaning stitches. It is commonly used in various knitting projects where a subtle and smooth increase is desired. Here are some popular patterns that work well with KLL:
1. Stockinette Stitch Pattern Projects – When you work with a pattern of alternating rows of knit and purls, you will need an increase stitch that blends seamlessly into the fabric. You can find knitting the left loop increase a good choice for stockinette stitch projects like sweaters, cardigans, and baby garments.
2. Lace Knitting – Although lacework often embraces decorative eyelets (aesthetic holes), KLL helps maintain a clean and structured look in areas that require subtle shaping. You can refer to our guide on getting started with lace knitting and then plan increase that are neat and blend well.
3. Top-Down Raglan Sweaters – KLL is ideal for increasing stitches along the raglan lines of a seamless sweater, keeping the increases neat and nearly invisible.
4. Socks and Mittens – When creating gussets or shaping the instep while knitting socks, KLL ensures a smooth and refined finish.
5. Shaping in Accessories – Hats and cowls benefit from the precision of KLL when shaping crown decreases or subtle increases in the design.
Alternatives to Knit Left Loop (KLL) Increase Technique
While KLL is a fantastic increase technique, there are alternative methods that serve similar purposes depending on the look and effect you want to achieve. When comparing KLL with other increases the first question you need to ask is which direction does the increase lean? While most books classify KLL as a right-leaning increase, it blends so well into the fabric that the direction is almost indiscernible.
1. Make One Left (M1L) – A left-leaning increase created by picking up the bar between stitches and knitting it through the front loop. This method is great for structured patterns.
2. Make One Right (M1R) – Similar to M1L but leans to the right, complementing M1L for symmetrical increases.
3. Knit Front and Back (KFB) – An increase method that adds an extra stitch by knitting into the front and then the back of the same stitch, leaving a small bump on the fabric.
4. Lifted Increases (LLI & RLI) – Instead of knitting into the left leg of the stitch below (as in KLL), you can pick up the right leg for a mirrored effect.
5. Yarnover (YO) Increases – A decorative increase technique, often used in lace knitting, that creates an intentional eyelet.
Choosing the knit through the left loop (KLL) technique is a great way to include invisible increases in a pattern. If you are a new knitter, this guide will help you.
For the best results, the best tools are essential. The KnitPro collection offers a wide range of knitting needles and accessories to make crafting smoother. From wooden needles (Symfonie, Dreamz and Ginger) to beginner-friendly (bamboo), smooth metals (Zing and Nova) to soothing Mindful Collection, there are options for beginner to advanced knitters.
