Increases question

#1

I am confused. M1R looks like it leans to the left on the blue strip where the increases are shown, and M1L looks like it leans to the right, that is, the increases grow on the right. Am I seeing this correctly, and why is it called the opposite of what it does?

I am trying to do the Lacy Karius (a stockinette version of the Baktus scarf) pattern from Ravelry, and it says to M1 by picking up the loop below the stitch just worked and knit it, but this leaves an unsightly hole in my knitting and I don’t like it, so have been using the M1R (I pick up the bar between the stitch I just worked and the next one on the left needle, and knit into the front of it. This seems to be pretty invisible, at least it doesn’t leave a hole). Is this ok? Any other suggestions? Many thanks!

#2

Well…when it comes down to it, it’s going to be yours. So whatever you want to do with it will be good. My Personal preference for increases are kfb. With me, the m1 increase always makes holes so I just knit into the front and back of the stitch. So whatever works for you is your best bet. You should go to the increase section of this site and try them all…or even just look at the pictures and see which one you like.

#3

Thanks, I did view the videos,and still didn’t understand the left/right aspect of the increases. It seems I am doing a m1r, but it leans to the left. is this correct?

#4

I believe it does, yes. I don’t use it often so I’m don’t remember 100% but looking at the pictures Ive found…that’s what it looks like to me.

#5

ok, just don’t understand why a make one right leans left, and a make one left leans right. This seems like an unnecessary mind boggle. Thank you for confirming that I am not crazy!

#6

it says to M1 by picking up the loop below the stitch just worked and knit it, but this leaves an unsightly hole in my knitting and I don’t like it,

When you knit into the strand you pick up, knit into the back loop so that the strand is twisted. That helps eliminate the
holes.