Knit Increase Sampler Squares Lesson 5: Closed Yarn Overs

A closed yarn over increase can be performed in a variety of ways. Structurally, if you follow the path of the working yarn, a closed yarn over increase is similar to make 1 increase. However, instead of working into the horizontal strand of yarn that naturally exists between two stitches, a new stitch is added by creating a loop around your working needle.

Before You Begin

If you would like more information about this project or need help casting on, here's where you can get started with the Knit Inc Sampler Squares series. 

Materials

• Ewe Ewe Yarns Wooly Worsted (50g/1.75 oz, 95 yds, 80 m) color 83-Iris Blossom
• addi Natura Bamboo US size 8 (5 mm) DPNs

Thanks to Ewe Ewe Yarns for providing all of the colorful Wooly Worsted yarn I'm knitting with in this series. Also, thanks to Skacel for providing the DPNs used in this series. They are available locally at many yarn shops and online at Makers' Mercantile.

Printable Lessons and Block Patterns

A printable .PDF version of the Knit Inc Sampler Squares Tutorials and Block Patterns is available for purchase in my shop. Pattern purchases allow me to continue creating instructional resources for knitters worldwide.

Lesson 5 - Closed Yarn Overs

When making a closed yarn over increase, the increased stitch is twisted so that the left leg of the stitch crosses over the right or the right leg of the stitch crosses over the left.

Tip - When the left leg of a closed yarn over increase crosses over the right, it is comparable to a M1L. When the right leg of a closed yarn over increase crosses over the right, it is comparable to a M1R.

Option 1

Yarn Over (YO) then work the YO through the back loop in the next row or round.

Bring the yarn forward then over the working needle. The yarn is wrapped counter-clockwise around the working needle, but remains unanchored until the next stitch is formed. In the next row or round, work the yarn over through the back loop (tbl). The yarn over is twisted with the left leg of the stitch over the right.

Option 2

Counter-Clockwise Backward Loop CO.

Loop the working yarn around the left index finger counter-clockwise, from back to front. Insert the working needle down through the finger loop. Slip the finger out of the loop, tighten the working yarn and notice the left leg of the new stitch crosses over the right.

Option 3

Reverse YO (rev YO) then work the yarn over through the front loop in the next row or round.

Bring the yarn backward then over the working needle. The yarn is wrapped clockwise around the working needle, but remains unanchored until the next stitch is formed. In the next row or round, work the rev YO through the front loop. The reverse yarn over is twisted with the right leg of the stitch over the left.

Option 4

Clockwise Backward Loop CO.

Loop the working yarn around the left index finger clockwise, from front to back. Insert the working needle down through the finger loop. Slip the finger out of the loop, tighten the working yarn and notice the right leg of the new stitch crosses over the left.

Block Patterns

Block 9

Increases (INC) are made with a Closed Yarn Over Left, Options 1 or 2. (For Option 1, remember to knit the YO tbl in the next rnd.) 

CO 12.

Rnd 1 and all odd Rnds: k all sts.
Rnd 2: [k1, INC, k1, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 4: [k1, INC, k3, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 6: [k1, INC, k5, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 8: [k1, INC, k7, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 10: [k1, INC, k9, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 12: [k1, INC, k11, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 14: [k1, INC, k13, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 16: [k1, INC, k15, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 18: [k1, INC, k17, INC, k1] 4 times.

BO.

Notice, the edges of the diagonal ridges are different. One side is more defined than the other.

Block 10

Increases (INC) are made with a Closed Yarn Over Right, Options 3 or 4.

CO 12.

Rnd 1 and all odd Rnds: k all sts.
Rnd 2: [k1, INC, k1, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 4: [k1, INC, k3, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 6: [k1, INC, k5, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 8: [k1, INC, k7, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 10: [k1, INC, k9, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 12: [k1, INC, k11, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 14: [k1, INC, k13, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 16: [k1, INC, k15, INC, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 18: [k1, INC, k17, INC, k1] 4 times.

BO.

Notice, the edges of the diagonal ridges are different. One side is more defined than the other.

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