M1

When a pattern says M1, I know that is an increase, but it only says M1, not M1R or M1L, or M1A…just M1. Which increase do I use?

M1 usually just means M1L

M1 just means “make one.” Is there a section on the pattern describing the stitches? If not then you can choose whatever increase you prefer.

You didn’t say what you’re making and that might make a difference, but M1R or M1L are good ones.

M1R/L are only specified when you’re doing incs that are paired together, like on a raglan sweater, or when you inc at both the beg and end of the row. For just a single one or several across a row M1L is the easiest, or you can do a backward loop m1.