Lifted Increase | Photo Tutorial

Last updated on Sep 15, 2023

Lifted Increase Left (LIL) and Lifted Increase Right (LIR).

One of my favorite ways to increase a stitch in knitting is called the lifted increase. For me, this is the method that is the easiest to remember and manipulate.

As you practice, think of the rows of stitches as generations. The row of new stitches being formed are the “child” stitches. The row you are working into are the “parent” stitches. The row below the parents are the “grandparents”.

Knit Inc Sampler Squares Lesson 2

Pattern: Knit Inc Sampler Squares
Yarn: Ewe Ewe Yarns Wooly Worsted shown in color 45-Soft Sage
Needles: skacel by addi Natura Bamboo US size 8 (5 mm) DPNs

Try another increasing method from our Knit Inc Sampler Squares | 7 Lesson Series.

Lifted Increase Left (LIL)

Locate the previous child, parent and grandparent sts. Insert the LEFT needle from back to front under the LEFT leg of the grandparent stitch. Knit through the back loop of the lifted stitch dropping the lifted stitch off the left needle. Notice the new child and previous parent both emerge from the grandparent.

Tip: Always give the grandparents a lift.

Remember: Lift the LEFT leg with the LEFT needle for an increase that slants LEFT.

Lifted Increase Right (LIR)

Locate the next parent and grandparent. Insert the RIGHT needle from back to front under the RIGHT leg of the grandparent stitch and place the lifted stitch onto the left needle without twisting. Knit the stitch dropping the lifted stitch off the left needle. Notice the next parent and new child both emerge from the grandparent.

Tip: Always give the grandparents a lift.

Remember: Lift the RIGHT leg with the RIGHT needle for an increase that slants RIGHT.

Block 3

The lifted increases slant AWAY FROM the diagonals of the square.

CO 12 using a Pinhole CO.
Rnd 1 and all odd Rnds: k all sts.
Rnd 2: [k1, LIL, k1, LIR, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 4: [k1, LIL, k3, LIR, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 6: [k1, LIL, k5, LIR, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 8: [k1, LIL, k7, LIR, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 10: [k1, LIL, k9, LIR, k1] 4 times.
Rnd12: [k1, LIL, k11, LIR, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 14: [k1, LIL, k13, LIR, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 16: [k1, LIL, k15, LIR, k1] 4 times.
Rnd 18: [k1, LIL, k17, LIR, k1] 4 times.
BO.

Block 4

The lifted increases slant TOWARD the diagonals of the square.

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

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