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December 29, 2024How to Knit Lifted Increases (RLI & LLI)
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Originally published on December 29, 2024
Lifted increases are one of the most seamless ways to add stitches to your knitting. Because they’re almost invisible, they’re perfect for projects where you want shaping to blend smoothly into the fabric. This technique shines especially in stockinette stitch, where other increases - like the “Make 1” (M1) or “Knit Front and Back” (KFB) - can sometimes leave a small bar or hole.
While lifted increases are ideal for stockinette fabrics, the KFB increase makes an excellent alternative when working in garter stitch, offering a similarly subtle and tidy result.
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Why Are They Called Lifted or Raised Increases?
Lifted increases get their name from the simple motion at their heart: you gently lift a loop - sometimes called a leg - from a stitch in a previous row and knit into it. This action “raises” a new stitch onto your needle, adding to your fabric without leaving holes or interrupting its flow. The result is a discreet, seamless increase that blends beautifully into your knitting.
Every technique in knitting has a complement. Just as you can create lifted increases on the right side, there’s also a matching version for the purl side - for flawless shaping no matter which side of your work you’re on. You can find a full guide to lifted increases on the purl side here.
Why Use Lifted Increases in Your Knitting Projects
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Nearly Invisible: It blends seamlessly into the fabric, making them ideal for stockinette stitch or other smooth patterns.
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No Holes: Unlike M1 increases, lifted increases are unlikely to create any holes.
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Clean and Tidy Appearance: The increases look like a natural extension of the existing stitches.
 | Left and right leaning increases |
Step-by-Step Guide to Right Lifted Increase (RLI)
At the end of this post, you’ll find a video tutorial for better visual guidance.
Right Lifted Increase (RLI):
This increase leans to the right.
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Knit to one stitch before the marker
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Find the right leg of the stitch one row below from your left needle.
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Insert your right needle into this leg from the back.
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Lift it onto the left needle and knit it as usual.
 |  | Step 1: Knit to one stitch before the marker. Locate the right leg of the stitch one row below. | Step 2: Lift it up and onto the left needle |
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 |  | Step 3: Knit it as usual. | Step 4: Then knit next stitch |
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Step-by-Step Guide to Left Lifted Increase (LLI)
This increase leans to the left
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Slip Marker and knit one stitch
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Find the left leg of the stitch two rows below the stitch on your right needle.
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Insert your left needle into this leg from the back.
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Lift it onto the left needle and knit it through the back loop.
 |  | Step 1: Slip Marker and knit one stitch. | Step 2: Insert your left needle into this leg from the back. Lift it onto the left needle |
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 | Step 3: Knit it through the back loop |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Lifted Increases in Knitting
What is a lifted increase in knitting?
A lifted increase is a technique that creates a new stitch by lifting a loop from a previous row and knitting into it. It’s often called a “raised increase” because the stitch is lifted, or “raised,” from the fabric below for a nearly invisible result. This makes it perfect for smooth-knit fabrics like stockinette stitch.
What’s the difference between a right lifted increase (RLI) and a left lifted increase (LLI)?
A Right Lifted Increase (RLI) leans to the right and is made by lifting the right leg of the stitch from the previous row.
A Left Lifted Increase (LLI) leans to the left and is formed by lifting the left leg of the stitch two rows below. Using both keeps shaping balanced on each side of your knitting.
Why use lifted increases instead of M1 or KFB?
Lifted increases are nearly invisible and don’t create holes like the “Make 1” (M1) method. Compared to “Knit Front and Back” (KFB), lifted increases produce a smoother, tidier appearance - especially in stockinette stitch projects.
Are lifted increases good for beginners?
Yes! Lifted increases are easy to master once you understand where to pick up the leg of the stitch. They’re a forgiving method for adding stitches without disrupting your fabric’s flow, making them ideal for knitters progressing beyond basic patterns.
When should I use lifted increases in my knitting?
Use lifted increases when you want seamless shaping, such as in sweaters, hats, or sleeves. They blend invisibly into the fabric, making them excellent for projects needing polished shaping with no visible holes.
Can I use lifted increases in garter stitch?
Yes, but the lifted increases blend most naturally into stockinette stitch. If working in garter stitch, you might prefer a KFB (Knit Front and Back) for a texture-consistent, subtle result.
Do lifted increases work the same for purl stitches?
Yes, there are purl-side lifted increases as well. Instead of lifting a loop on the knit side, you pick up and purl into the loop from the previous row to maintain your garment’s structure and consistency.
How do I avoid twisting or uneven stitches when doing lifted increases?
Always ensure you’re lifting the correct leg (right for RLI, left for LLI) and inserting your needle from the back for a clean line. Tight tension or misidentifying the leg can cause twisted stitches.
Final Thoughts on Lifted Increases
Lifted increases are a beautifully subtle way to add stitches without interrupting the flow of your fabric. Their clean, almost invisible look makes them perfect for shaping sweaters, hats, and any project where neatness matters. Once you’ve mastered both the Right Lifted Increase (RLI) and Left Lifted Increase (LLI), you’ll find yourself using them often—they’re dependable, tidy, and truly elevate your knitting.
If this tutorial helped you, you’ll love exploring more knitting techniques, free patterns, and cozy inspiration on the Yarn Enchantment blog. And if you haven’t already, join the Cozy Corner Newsletter to get exclusive tips, tutorials, and creative ideas delivered right to your inbox.
Until next time, happy knitting!
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