Knit Left Loop (KLL) Increase
KLL — knit left loop — is an alternate name for the left-leaning lifted increase. It produces an invisible left-leaning increase from two rows below the working row.
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Method
Knit the next stitch on the left needle. Insert the left needle into the left leg of the stitch two rows below the stitch you just knit. Lift this loop onto the left needle and knit it.
Visual
A nearly invisible increase that leans slightly to the left. The new stitch sits below the existing column and blends seamlessly into stockinette.
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Pairing with KRL
Pair KLL with KRL for symmetric paired increases. The combination produces invisible paired increases on either side of a marker for raglan, sleeve, or shawl shaping.
When the lift is hard to find
On loose-tension knits, the left leg two rows below can be hard to identify. Stretch the fabric slightly to expose the leg, or count down two stitch rows to verify the position.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| KLL | knit left loop (left-leaning lifted increase) |
| KRL | knit right loop (right-leaning lifted increase) |
Tips
- Pair KLL with KRL for symmetric paired increases.
- Stretch the fabric slightly to expose the left leg two rows below.
- Cannot be worked twice in the same column on consecutive rows.
In depth
KLL is the left-leaning partner to KRL and the standard left-leaning lifted increase in modern Western patterns. Like KRL, it has multiple names across different pattern traditions but the mechanics are consistent.