We take a lot of things for granted in modern knitting.
While much of the Western world knits in a similar way, that is a relatively recent development.
Written patterns are barely more than a hundred years old, and how we abbreviate different techniques is still up for debate.
There stitches that SEEM so core to knitting they MUST have been the same for hundreds of years.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Such is the case with the yarn over.
What is a yarn over?
As we discussed before, a yarn over is an increase (method for adding a stitch) which creates a hole in the fabric.
It’s a key building block for all lace patterns.
Most patterns will use the YO abbreviation to signify this.
However, there is more than one way to make a yarn over.
The technique used will depend on what kind of stitches you’re knitting.
Modern patterns don’t distinguish between these techniques (at least in American patterns) very often.
But if you encounter one of the 4 scenarios below when making a yarn over, this guide will help you do it right every time!
YF - Yarn Forward
This is a yarn over created when going from a KNIT stitch to a KNIT stitch.
Knit > Knit
The working yarn is brought to the front of the work (forward) and then over the needle to the back of the work.
YFRN - Yarn Forward Round Needle
This is a yarn over created when going from a KNIT stitch to a PURL stitch.
Knit > Purl
The working yarn is brought to the front of the work (forward) and then over the needle and around to the front again.
YRN - Yarn Round Needle
This is a yarn over created when going from a PURL stitch to a PURL stitch.
Purl > Purl
The working yarn is brought over the top of the needle and around to the front again.
YON - Yarn Over Needle
This is a yarn over created when going from a PURL stitch to a KNIT stitch.
Purl > Knit
The working yarn is brought over the top of the needle and held in back.
This one almost feels wrong because there’s so little movement.
Conclusion
So there you have it.
The 4 ways to make a yarn over.
But what do you think?
Have you used one of these techniques before?
Did you notice a difference?
Hit reply and share it with us!
We’d love to hear your feedback. 😊