Yarn Over in Knitting: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Have you ever been following a knitting pattern and stumbled upon the term “yarn over,” only to pause, scratch your head, and wonder what it actually means? You're not alone. The yarn over - commonly abbreviated as YO - is one of those techniques that looks deceptively simple but plays a vital role in everything from delicate lacework to subtle increases in your stitch count. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what a yarn over is, why it matters, how to do it in different scenarios, and what to watch out for along the way.

What Is a Yarn Over in Knitting?

At its core, a yarn over in knitting (often abbreviated as "YO") is one of those magical little moves that can completely change the look and feel of your work. Technically, it’s just bringing the yarn over the needle to create an extra stitch - but oh, the possibilities! Whether you're new to knitting or just brushing up, understanding the humble yarn over can open the door to beautiful textures and patterns.

So, what does yarn over mean in knitting? It simply involves wrapping the yarn around your needle in a specific way that forms a new loop. That loop becomes an extra stitch in your next row. It's a simple action, but like all things knitting, the context matters: the way you do it changes slightly depending on what stitch comes before or after.

Why Use a Yarn Over?

Ah yes, the big question: why bother?

Creating Eyelets and Lace Patterns

Yarn overs are essential for decorative lacework. Those pretty holes in a pattern? That’s yarn over doing its thing. It deliberately creates a hole in the fabric, which sounds like a mistake until you realise it’s the foundation of all openwork designs. Pair it with a decrease and voilà - you’ve got delicate lace.

Increasing Stitches with a Yarn Over

YOs are also an elegant way to increase stitch count. Rather than adding bulk or disrupting the fabric, it gives you a subtle, airy increase. It’s a favourite for shawls and some garment shaping where you want a bit of flair with your functionality.

Common Patterns That Use Yarn Overs

You’ll find yarn overs in a whole range of knitting styles - from simple scarves to ornate baby cardigans (a favourite here at Knit in a Box). Think lace shawls, decorative borders, even some jumper designs that sneak in an eyelet pattern for extra charm.

And if you subscribe to one of our knitting kits sent straight to your door, there's a good chance you’ll encounter a yarn over or two in our ladies box or baby kits. Don’t worry - we always include detailed patterns to guide you through it.

How to Yarn Over in Knitting (Step-by-Step Guide)

Let’s get hands-on. Yarn over techniques vary slightly depending on what stitches surround them. Here’s how to tackle each scenario:

Yarn Over Between Knit Stitches

This is the classic YO. After a knit stitch:

1. Bring the yarn from the back of the work to the front, underneath the needle.
2. Then pass it over the right-hand needle back to the rear.
3. Knit the next stitch as normal.

That’s it! You’ve just created an intentional hole (and added a stitch).

Yarn Over Between Purl Stitches

Now, this one can be a bit trickier, mostly because it’s easy to overthink it:

1. With the yarn already at the front (as it is after a purl stitch), bring it over the right needle to the back.
2. Then bring it to the front again to purl the next stitch.

That extra motion? That’s your yarn over.

Yarn Over Between a Knit and Purl Stitch (or Vice Versa)

This is where things can get fiddly, so take it slow:

• Knit to purl: Bring yarn forward for the purl as usual, then loop it over the needle and back to front again.
• Purl to knit: Bring the yarn to the back, loop it over the needle to front, and knit.

These moves might feel odd at first, but muscle memory will kick in soon enough.

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Let’s face it - yarn overs can be a bit sneaky. One minute you think everything’s fine, the next your stitch count is off and your pattern’s all wonky. Don’t panic. These are the most common hiccups:

Twisted or Missed Yarn Overs

If your yarn over looks tight, twisted or doesn’t form a proper hole, you might have wrapped it the wrong way or simply skipped it. Keep an eye on your pattern and double-check that you’ve done the wrap properly.

Accidentally Dropped Yarn Over

Dropped a YO? Sadly, this isn't one you can just pick back up like a dropped knit stitch. Depending on where you are in the pattern, you can try a make-one increase (M1) to fudge it back in, but it might change the look.

Uneven or Loose Yarn Overs

Tension is everything. If your YOs are too loose, try wrapping the yarn with slightly less slack. Too tight? Relax your grip and maybe give the yarn a gentle tug after the stitch.

Final Thoughts

The yarn over in knitting might seem like a small technique, but its impact is huge - transforming plain stockinette into open lace, or subtly shaping your project without a fuss. Whether you’re looking to master increases or dive into decorative patterns, it’s a fundamental tool worth perfecting.

If you’re ready to practice, our knitting kits sent straight to your door are an easy way to get started - with all the yarn, patterns, and goodies you need wrapped up in a neat monthly mystery.

Still curious about yarn and its many uses? You might enjoy reading more about the Different Types of Yarn too.