Learn To Knit - Yarn Over (yo) - Little Red Window

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Learn how to knit a yarn over in knitting between both knit stitches and purl stitches with these two video tutorials!

Learn how to do a yarn over, a basic increase between two knit stitches!

Yarn overs are a single stitch increase often used to make a small eyelet or hole either in part of a textured knitting pattern or in lace knitting. Yarn over is often abbreviated as yo in knitting patterns.

Since a yarn over in knitting is created by moving the working yarn from front to back or back to front an extra time in between knitting or purling stitches, they are also one of the MOST common mistakes brand new knitters make when they’re learning to knit. We’ve all done it, so don’t feel badly if this happens to you!

But when yarn overs are used correctly as part of a knitting pattern, especially a lace knitting pattern, they can be really lovely!

I know lace knitting sounds scary, but it’s really just a combination of yarn overs and decreases (often k2tog) arranged in a pretty pattern. When you think of it like that, it makes sense, doesn’t it?

Today, I have step by step photos to show you how to do a yarn over in-between knit stitches and I have video tutorials showing how to do a yarn over in-between knit stitches AND in-between purl stitches. If you want to learn how to do yo in knitting, you are in the right place!

Yarn Over Instructions

 

  1. To do a yarn over in knitting, start with the working yarn in backTo do a yarn over between knit stitches, hold the yarn behind the work.
  2. Bring the yarn forward between the knitting needlesBring the yarn forward between the knitting needles to do a yarn over
  3. Bring the yarn over the right knitting needle and bring the yarn back to the back of your workTo finish a yarn over, bring the yarn over the right knitting needle and back to the back of the work
  4. Continue on and knit the next stitch, while still holding the yarn to the backTo complete a yarn over, continue on knitting the next stitch while still holding the yarn to the back of the work
  5. After you have knit the next stitch you will see the yarn over between the two knit stitchesWhen you have knit the next stitch, you have completed a yarn over increase.
  6. A yarn over will appear as a hole between two knit stitches and is an increase of one stitch When you do a yarn over, you will add a hole between two knit stitches in your knitting project.

Make a yarn over (yo) between knit stitches:

Make a yarn over (yo) between purl stitches:

Active Time 1 minute Total Time 1 minute Difficulty Easy Estimated Cost $0

Materials

  • Yarn

Tools

  • Knitting needles

Instructions

  1. Start with the working yarn in backTo do a yarn over between knit stitches, hold the yarn behind the work.
  2. Bring the yarn forward between the knitting needlesBring the yarn forward between the knitting needles to do a yarn over
  3. Bring the yarn over the right knitting needle and bring the yarn back to the back of your work To finish a yarn over, bring the yarn over the right knitting needle and back to the back of the work
  4. Continue on and knit the next stitch, while still holding the yarn to the backTo complete a yarn over, continue on knitting the next stitch while still holding the yarn to the back of the work
  5. After you have knit the next stitch you will see the yarn over between the two knit stitchesWhen you have knit the next stitch, you have completed a yarn over increase.
  6. A yarn over will appear as a hole between two knit stitches and is an increase of one stitch When you do a yarn over, you will add a hole between two knit stitches in your knitting project.

Notes

Watch the video to see how to do a yarn over in action!

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Cassie May Follow meCassie MayCraft and Knitwear Designer at Little Red Window DesignWelcome to Little Red Window! I’m Cassie, a professional craft and knitwear designer working in the field for more than 10 years. I have a degree in Art History from Northwestern University and a Master's Degree in Architecture and Design from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I've designed more than 300 separate knitting patterns, hundreds of craft projects, and I love to bring joy to your crafts and knitting with well-designed, easy to understand tutorials and patterns. Cassie May Follow meLatest posts by Cassie May (see all)
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