Sometimes, for decorative effect, you may want to make increases that lean either right or left. Here’s how to do it!

Make 1 Right (m1R)

To “make 1 right” (m1R), use the left needle to pick up the strand between the last stitch you knit and the one you’re about to knit, bringing the needle from back to front. Leave the strand on the left needle.

Make 1 Right (m1R) + Make 1 Left (m1L) | Purl Soho

Next, insert the tip of the right needle knitwise into the front leg of the strand and knit as usual.

Make 1 Right (m1R) + Make 1 Left (m1L) | Purl Soho

You now have one new, right-leaning stitch on the right needle!

Make 1 Left (m1L)

To “make 1 left” (m1L), pick up the bar between the stitch you knit and the one you’re about to knit, bringing the needle from front to back.

Make 1 Right (m1R) + Make 1 Left (m1L) | Purl Soho

Next, insert the tip of the right needle knitwise into the back leg of the strand and knit as usual.

Make 1 Right (m1R) + Make 1 Left (m1L) | Purl Soho

You now have one new, left-leaning stitch on the right needle!