Definition
The yarn over (often abbreviated as YO) is a fundamental knitting move that consists of wrapping the yarn over the right-hand needle to create a new stitch without using a traditional increase method. This action intentionally creates a hole or an “eyelet” in the fabric, either as a single detail or as part of a regular pattern. The yarn over serves as both a temporary increase (adding one stitch to the needle) and a decorative technique (creating an openwork effect).
When to Use It
The yarn over is typically used in two main contexts:
In lace and openwork knitting: Yarn overs create the regular, recognizable holes essential for lace knitting, shawls, lightweight accessories, and summer garments. They are usually paired with decreases to keep the total stitch count balanced.
As a simple increase: When you want to increase the number of stitches (for example, to widen a piece of knitting), the yarn over provides a quick method. On the following row, the yarn over is worked as a regular stitch, which “closes” the hole partially.
Yarn overs are ubiquitous in both modern and classic knitting; they are found in professional patterns, traditional Scandinavian motifs, and almost every lace project.
Key Takeaways
- Simple movement: Simply wrap the yarn over the right needle; no actual stitching is performed at that moment.
- Creates an eyelet: The yarn over deliberately produces a visible hole in the fabric, which is its primary visual characteristic.
- Temporary increase: On the current row, the stitch count increases by one, but this is often offset in the next row or later by a decrease.
- Essential for lace: Repeated yarn overs in a regular pattern are the foundation of lace and openwork knitting.
- Yarn direction matters: Depending on where the yarn is positioned before the wrap (front or back of the needle), the slant of the resulting eyelet may vary slightly.
Related Terms
Increase — Any technique that adds stitches to your project. A yarn over is a type of increase, but unlike standard increases (such as knitting into the front and back of a stitch), it creates a visible hole.
Lace Knitting — A lightweight, openwork fabric created through the systematic combination of yarn overs and decreases. The yarn over is the primary decorative element.
Extra Stitch — A stitch added to the fabric. A yarn over creates an extra stitch that remains on the needle until it is worked or intentionally decreased.
Eyelet Stitch — A repetitive pattern that creates regular holes in the fabric. Yarn overs are the building blocks of these characteristic eyelets.
Decrease — The reduction of the number of stitches. In lace knitting, decreases accompany yarn overs to maintain the fabric’s width and create symmetrical patterns.
FAQ
What is the difference between a yarn over and a standard increase?
A standard increase (such as knitting two stitches into one) does not create a visible hole. A yarn over intentionally produces a hole by wrapping the yarn over the needle, making it a decorative feature.
Do I always have to decrease after a yarn over?
Not necessarily. If you are intentionally increasing the size of your project, you can keep the yarn over as a permanent addition. However, in lace knitting, yarn overs are almost always paired with decreases on the same or following row to maintain the stitch count and create a balanced openwork effect.
Is the yarn over worked as a normal stitch on the next row?
Yes. On the following row, the loop created by the yarn over is simply worked like any other stitch—you can knit or purl it depending on your pattern. This partially “closes” the hole.