HELP! Confused with inc/inc in/mk1/kfb

#1

I thought I was getting the hang of this, now I’m totally confused.

I’m fairly new to knitting, I’m working on my second pattern that calls for “inc in” increases. This book as well as the one before it described an “inc in” as knitting into the front and back of the same stitch. Here on this website an “inc” is completely different and what i’ve been doing is called a “kfb”.

This is really frustrating!!! Are the books right or this website or neither?

Also, Is there a difference between “inc” and “inc in”?

Why aren’t these things standardized!? Do I need to rip out everything I spent hours on last night? I would insert an Emoticon here but there is not one angry enough.

I have also found that yarn weights seem to be a matter of opinion as well. What one yarn company’s idea of “Worsted Weight” is completely different from another. Why can’t these things be standardized!?

GRRRRRR!

#2

No, no, don’t rip out! I think I have come to the realization that every author has their own way of explaining how to do something. When I get a new book or pattern, the first thing I check is the abbreviations panel so I know what I’m doing. I think you’re doing the increase fine. I’ve never seen an inc in, but that’s not saying much! If it’s defined as knitting into the front and back, and that’s what you’ve been doing, you’re good to go. I agree, I’d love to see these things standardized. Maybe there’s a reason why they’re not? :??

#3

I agree. Don’t rip anything out. I would interpret inc in as kfb, but there’s really no hard and fast rule about increasing. M1 and kfb both increase without holes so it really doesn’t make that much difference in the end.

#4

Well, ok. I guess I’ll just continue on then.

Thanks

#5

I know, the different standards can be frustrating.

As long as you like the look of the increase, that’s what it boils down to. I often substitute an increase or decrease that I prefer, for one that is called for, but usually only when it’s easier than what’s called for, I’m not that picky.

In general “inc” just means to increase, it isn’t a specific kind of increase, if it’s not specified, you need to decide on your own. M1L and M1R are the ones I use most when it’s not specified, or M1A or M1T, if I like the look of it in the pattern, since it’s the easiest to do. KFB will create a bar like a purl nub, which can look decorative.

As long as you like it, that’s all that matters! Definitely, don’t rip out, unless you, for some reason, decide you prefer it a different way. Don’t worry about right or wrong. :wink:

Hope that helps.