M1L / M1R

M1R & M1L

The invisible increases that shape your knitting beautifully

Make One Right (M1R) and Make One Left (M1L) are foundational increase techniques that create nearly invisible shaping in your knitting. Unlike yarn overs, which intentionally leave decorative holes, M1 increases lift the strand between stitches to form a new stitch—resulting in clean, seamless shaping.

If you’ve ever knit a raglan sweater, shaped a sleeve cap, or worked subtle waist shaping, chances are you’ve used M1R and M1L.

They’re simple once you understand the direction—and mastering them instantly elevates your finishing and fit.

Why You’ll Love M1R & M1L

  • Nearly invisible increases
  • Clean, professional shaping
  • No holes or decorative eyelets
  • Perfect for garments and structured projects
  • Easy to memorize once you see the difference

These are the increases you reach for when you want shaping that blends into the fabric.

What Do “Right” and “Left” Mean?

The “R” and “L” refer to the direction the increase leans.

  • M1R leans to the right
  • M1L leans to the left

When paired together—like on either side of a sleeve marker—they create balanced, symmetrical shaping.

Stitch Characteristics

  • Technique type: Lifted-bar increase
  • Creates: 1 new stitch
  • Best used in: Stockinette, garments, structured projects
  • Visibility: Subtle to nearly invisible

The increase is formed by lifting the strand (or “bar”) between two stitches and knitting into it in a specific direction.

How to Knit M1R (Make One Right)

  1. Insert your left needle from back to front under the strand between the stitches.
  2. Knit into the front leg of that lifted strand.

This twists the stitch slightly and causes it to lean to the right.

Visual cue:
The lifted strand slants forward on your needle before you knit it.

How to Knit M1L (Make One Left)

  1. Insert your left needle from front to back under the strand between the stitches.
  2. Knit into the back leg of that lifted strand.

This twists the stitch in the opposite direction and causes it to lean to the left.

Visual cue:
The lifted strand slants backward on your needle before you knit it.

Why the Twist Matters

If you knit into the lifted strand without twisting it, you’ll create a small hole. Twisting the strand closes that gap and makes the increase nearly invisible.

That tiny twist is what gives M1 increases their polished look.

Where to Use M1R & M1L

These increases are ideal for:

  • Raglan shaping
  • Sweater waist shaping
  • Sleeve increases
  • Hat shaping (when subtle increases are desired)
  • Any project where clean shaping matters

They’re especially powerful when worked in mirrored pairs.

Tips for Success

  • Always twist the lifted strand to avoid holes
  • Work increases one stitch in from the edge for cleaner finishing
  • Use a slightly sharper needle tip if lifting the strand feels tricky
  • Practice on a swatch to see the directional lean clearly

If you ever forget which is which, remember:
M1R = lift from the back first.
M1L = lift from the front first.

Add Them to Your Shaping Toolkit

M1R and M1L are essential building blocks in garment knitting. Once they become muscle memory, you’ll shape sweaters, sleeves, and accessories with confidence—knowing your increases will look intentional and beautifully integrated into the fabric.

They may be small stitches, but they make a big difference.

Happy knitting 🧶

Back to blog