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Lifted Increases: How to Work RLI, LLI & When to Use Them

September 7, 2023 Leave a Comment

Learn how to knit a right lifted increase (RLI) and left lifted increase (LLI) in knitting, and why you might want to use them instead of a make 1 right (M1R) or make 1 left (M1L), depending on what you're knitting. Video tutorial and photo tutorial included.

Lifted Increases (RLI & LLI) are a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch in between two columns of stitches. Make 1 stitches (M1L & M1R) are also increases made between stitches. Make 1 stitches, whether right or left leaning, are worked by pulling up on the strand of yarn running between columns of stitches, twisting it, and knitting into it. The twist results in a tiny hole and more tension on your finished knit fabric. More tension can mean more curling, particularly if you’re increasing a lot at once near the edge of your knitting. This can be desirable, but sometimes you might prefer something different.

That’s where lifted increases come in. People like to describe lifted increases as nearly invisible. Lifted increases are accomplished by picking up a loop though a stitch knit in the previous row or round. Other names you might hear for lifted increases are Raised or Invisible Increases. 

In this post, we’re going to take a look at how to work a Right Lifted Increase (RLI) and a Left Lifted Increase (LLI), in both video and photo tutorial form. Each video runs about 3 minutes. Some knitters may prefer one tutorial format over the other, so I included both. There will also be a super short edit of the video tutorial (under 1 minute) on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts & TikTok because sometimes a super short refresher is what you need.

Learn how to knit a right lifted increase (RLI) and left lifted increase (LLI) in knitting, and why you might want to use them instead of a make 1 right (M1R) or make 1 left (M1L), depending on what you're knitting. Video tutorial and photo tutorial included.

Right Lifted Increase (RLI)

A Right Lifted Increase (RLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the right in between two columns of stitches. Lifted increases are accomplished by picking up a loop though a stitch knit in the previous row or round. Other names you might hear for lifted increases are Raised or Invisible Increases. A RLI is similar to, but not the same as a Make 1 Right (M1R) stitch.

Learn how to knit a right lifted increase (RLI) and left lifted increase (LLI) in knitting, and why you might want to use them instead of a make 1 right (M1R) or make 1 left (M1L), depending on what you're knitting. Video tutorial and photo tutorial included.
Knitting featuring right lifted increases (RLI).

Right Lifted Increase Video Tutorial

Right Lifted Increase Photo Tutorial

To work a Right Lifted Increase (or RLI), you’re going to knit in your row or round until you’re ready to increase.

A Right Lifted Increase (RLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the right in between two columns of stitches.
Step 1.

Then, you’re going to open up your knitting stitches, almost like a book. Locate the stitch BELOW the first stitch on your left hand needle. Insert the tip of your right hand needle into the right leg of that stitch from the back, opening it up slightly. 

A Right Lifted Increase (RLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the right in between two columns of stitches.
Step 2.

Place it knitwise on your left hand needle.

A Right Lifted Increase (RLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the right in between two columns of stitches.
Step 3.

Knit into the lifted up stitch.

A Right Lifted Increase (RLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the right in between two columns of stitches.
Step 4.

Then knit into what was the first stitch on your left hand needle.

A Right Lifted Increase (RLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the right in between two columns of stitches.
Step 5.

Finally, continue knitting as normal.

A Right Lifted Increase (RLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the right in between two columns of stitches.
Step 6.

Left Lifted Increase (LLI)

A Left Lifted Increase (LLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the left in between two columns of stitches. Lifted increases are accomplished by picking up a loop though a stitch knit in the previous row or round. Other names you might hear for lifted increases are Raised or Invisible Increases. A LLI is similar to, but not the same as a Make 1 Left (M1L) stitch.

Learn how to knit a right lifted increase (RLI) and left lifted increase (LLI) in knitting, and why you might want to use them instead of a make 1 right (M1R) or make 1 left (M1L), depending on what you're knitting. Video tutorial and photo tutorial included.
Knitting featuring left lifted increases (LLI).

Left Lifted Increase Video Tutorial

Left Lifted Increase Photo Tutorial

To work a Left Lifted Increase (or LLI), you’re going to knit in your row or round until you’re ready to increase.

A Left Lifted Increase (LLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the left in between two columns of stitches.
Step 1.

Then, you’re going to open up your knitting stitches, almost like a book. Locate the stitch TWO STITCHES BELOW the first stitch on your RIGHT hand needle. Then, insert the tip of your left hand needle into the left leg of that stitch from the back, opening it up slightly. 

A Left Lifted Increase (LLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the left in between two columns of stitches.
Step 2.

Knit into the right leg of the lifted up stitch, which is currently angled backwards.

A Left Lifted Increase (LLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the left in between two columns of stitches.
Step 3.
A Left Lifted Increase (LLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the left in between two columns of stitches.
Step 4.

Then keep on knitting the rest of your row or round. 

A Left Lifted Increase (LLI) is a way to increase your stitch count by adding a stitch that leans to the left in between two columns of stitches.
Step 5.

Useful Resources

  • Lifted Increases (RLI + LLI) – Purl Soho
  • How to Work Lifted Increases – Ysolda
  • How to Knit Lifted Increases – Nimble Needles
Learn how to knit a right lifted increase (RLI) and left lifted increase (LLI) in knitting, and why you might want to use them instead of a make 1 right (M1R) or make 1 left (M1L), depending on what you're knitting. Video tutorial and photo tutorial included.

Filed Under: Knitting Tagged With: increases, Knitting, knitting increase, left lifted increase, lli, m1r, make 1 left, make 1 right, right lifted increase, rli

About Heidi

Heidi Gustad is a craft book author, designer & creator specializing in yarn crafts like knitting, crochet, latch hook & macramé. Her first book, Latch Hook: 12 Projects for the Modern Maker, is out now.

Previous Post: « Nightmare Before Christmas Knit Along Coming This October!
Next Post: The new Intarsia Flower Pillow pattern is here! »

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Heidi Gustad from Hands Occupied / Craft Book Author and Knitting, Crochet, Latch Hook and Macrame Designer

Hi! I’m Heidi (she/her/hers), a craft book author & pattern designer specializing in knitting, crochet, latch hook & macrame. Really anything with yarn! ❤️  My work combines vintage and modern design elements, featuring bold colors and graphic motifs.

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Helping yarn crafters untangle various techniques on the internet since 2010
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Heidi Gustad 🧶 knitting & yarn crafts
Wow! I am floored by the awesome response to the S Wow! I am floored by the awesome response to the Spiral Hill Sweater Vest. Thank you. 🙏🏻❤️ If you love this pattern & didn’t know already, we are going to be doing a knit along (KAL) from October 1-29 featuring this spooky sweater vest & lots of tutorials, especially for the intarsia part. 
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Later today my newsletter will be coming out with additional Knit Along details, so if you’re not already signed up, now is a great time - the 🔗 is in my b1o. 
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Pictured: My Spiral Hill Sweater Vest pattern from the new Nightmare Before Christmas knitting book by @tanisknits. Model is wearing size 1 with 2” of positive ease, knit in @brooklyntweed Imbue Worsted. Vest images via @insighteditions 
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#spiralhillsweatervest #handsoccupied #nightmarebeforechristmasknittingbook
At long last! I can share the Spiral Hill Sweater At long last! I can share the Spiral Hill Sweater Vest, my contribution to the new book Disney Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas: The Official Knitting Guide to Halloween Town and Christmas Town, out now! 🎃💀 
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I’m hosting a knit along (KAL) October 1-29 for anyone who’d like to knit this vest along with a group & learn a little about intarsia while we’re at it. I’ve got weekly tutorials planned to help you knit this worsted weight sweater vest, and there’s a prize package giveaway at the end for KAL participants too. Details are on my site - you know where to find the 🔗 I think. 😉
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Book by @tanisknits 
Publisher @insighteditions 
Yarn @brooklyntweed Imbue 
Find it wherever fine books are sold. 
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#handsoccupied #nightmarebeforechristmas #intarsia #sweatervest #knittingpattern #knittingbook #spiralhill #knitting_inspiration #knitting
Since there was some interest in stills of my WIPs Since there was some interest in stills of my WIPs closet after this weekend’s quick tutorial, here are few. ✂️ The tutorial is one post back in my feed as a video.
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As you can see, I didn’t worry about the wire hangers all being perfectly uniform, but it doesn’t matter to me. Also, this closet holds a lot! Despite that, it is already at capacity. Since the hanging bags don’t appear to be recyclable, I want to reuse them as long as possible. Who knows, maybe this will be a way to limit my WIPs? 😅
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P.s. In the third photo you can see how I use this system to store the original swatches, scraps, yarn ball bands, & notes from a design project all together. 
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#handsoccupied #wips #craftstorage #yarnstorage #yarncrafts #knitting_inspiration #craftstudio #craftroom #craftcloset
How to convert a closet into WIPs storage with jus How to convert a closet into WIPs storage with just a few supplies ✂️
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When I was a librarian, we would use these hanging bags to circulate books with audiobook CDs. They came to mind when I wanted to develop a filing cabinet-like system for my differently-sized WIPs. To fit in my studio closet, a standard bedroom closet, they just needed custom hangers. 🤙🏻 
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HOW TO MAKE THE HANGERS
1. Carefully cut approx. a 9” (23 cm) length of flexible 3 mm aluminum wire.
2. Near the end of a large knitting needle or dowel, wrap the wire around it as you would a twist tie. 
3. Bend the other end into a hook shape, perpendicular to the circle shape you just created. 
4. Hang like a hanger in a closet, as shown. 
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#handsoccupied #handmadelife #knitting_inspiration #craftcloset #craftroom #craftroomorganization #craftroomstorage #craftroomdecor #crocheter #latchhook #knittersofinstagram #wip #wips #hangingstorage
It’s time for the monthly review and giveaway! T It’s time for the monthly review and giveaway! This go around, get to know two new sister yarns from @manosyarnsusa, Marla and Sami, and enter to win a skein of each to try for yourself. 
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What makes these yarns sisters is that, while dyed differently, they’re the same weight and come in intentionally coordinating color palettes. For my review, I opted for a sky-inspired combo of Sami in Natural and Marla in Nube. 🌧️ 
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Check out the full review & enter the giveaway at the link in my bio. 
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#handsoccupied #yarnreview #manosdeluruguay #knitting_inspire #crochet #yarngiveaway #knitters #yarn #crochetersofinstagram
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