M1L (Make 1 Left)
M1L is a left-leaning lifted increase that adds one stitch by knitting into the bar between two existing stitches. It is the standard left-leaning increase in modern Western patterns and is paired with M1R as a mirrored pair on opposite sides of a centre stitch.
Recommended A printable technique cheat-sheet for your knitting bag.
Method
With the left needle, lift the horizontal bar between the next stitch and the previous stitch from front to back. Knit the lifted bar through the back loop. The new stitch leans to the left.
Why through the back loop
The bar is mounted on the left needle as a "wrong-mount" loop. Knitting it through the back loop twists it closed and prevents a hole at the increase site. Knitting through the front leaves a noticeable eyelet — useful in lace, but not what you want for a clean shaping increase.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Where to use
Raglan increases on the body side of the marker for a left-leaning seam. Sleeve cap shaping. Shawl spine increases (paired with M1R). Any place a pattern says "M1L" or simply "M1."
Visual leaning
On stockinette, M1L produces a stitch that leans visibly to the left under the increase site. When mirrored with M1R on the opposite side of a marker, the two increases frame the work symmetrically.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| M1L | make 1 left |
| M1R | make 1 right |
| tbl | through the back loop |
Tips
- Always knit the lifted bar through the back loop to close the hole.
- For a more invisible increase in stockinette, work M1L on the row before the row the pattern indicates — the increase will sit one row lower and disappear into the fabric.
- In garter stitch, M1L and M1R are nearly indistinguishable; either works.
In depth
M1L is mechanically identical to lifting the bar between stitches and knitting it through the back loop. The "left" lean comes from the direction the bar is twisted as it is knit. The matching M1R lifts the same bar from back to front and is knit through the front loop.