Technique · Intermediate

Knit Right Loop (KRL) Increase

KRL — knit right loop — is an alternate name for the right-leaning lifted increase (sometimes also called RLI or the "right twin" lifted increase). It produces an invisible right-leaning increase from the row below.

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Method

Insert the right needle from front to back through the right leg of the stitch one row below the next stitch on the left needle. Lift this loop and knit it. Then knit the next stitch on the left needle as normal.

Visual

A nearly invisible increase that leans slightly to the right. The new stitch sits below the existing column and blends seamlessly into stockinette.

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Pairing with KLL

Pair KRL with KLL (knit left loop, the left-leaning lifted increase) for symmetric paired increases at raglan or sleeve cap shaping.

Limitations

Cannot be worked on the cast-on row. Cannot be worked twice in the same column on consecutive rows.

Abbreviation reference

AbbreviationMeaning
KRLknit right loop (right-leaning lifted increase)
KLLknit left loop (left-leaning lifted increase)

Tips

  • Pair KRL with KLL for symmetric paired increases.
  • Work no more than one KRL per column per 3 rows.
  • Block to even out the slight tension differences from KRL increases.

In depth

KRL is one of several names for the right-leaning lifted increase. Different patterns and books use different abbreviations (KRL, RLI, "lift the right leg") for the same technique. The mechanics are identical regardless of the abbreviation used.

Practice this technique on a stitch

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