Bar Increase (KFB on Purl Row)
KFB on a purl row (sometimes called PFB or "purl front and back") produces an increase on the wrong side of stockinette. Useful when an increase is called for on a wrong-side row.
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Method
Purl into the front of the stitch as normal. Without slipping it off, purl into the back of the same stitch. Slip the original stitch off the left needle.
Visual
Produces a small horizontal bar on the right side of the work, similar to KFB on a knit row but mirrored. The bar reads as a small purl bump.
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When to use
When a pattern calls for an increase on a wrong-side row and you do not want to switch to a different increase technique. Useful for symmetry when paired with KFB on the right side.
Limitations
The visible bar makes PFB unsuitable for invisible shaping. For invisible wrong-side increases, use M1L or M1R worked on the wrong side.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| PFB | purl front and back |
| KFB | knit front and back |
Tips
- Use PFB only when a small visible bar is acceptable.
- For invisible wrong-side increases, use M1L or M1R.
- Pair PFB with KFB for symmetric shaping across right- and wrong-side rows.
In depth
PFB is the wrong-side equivalent of KFB. Like KFB, it leaves a small visible bar at the increase site, which makes it unsuitable for invisible shaping but useful when the visible bar is acceptable or desired.