Knit KFB is an art filled with texture, creativity, and technique—and one essential skill that knitters at all levels should know is how to increase stitches. One of the most common and useful increase methods is the KFB, which stands for Knit Front and Back. This technique allows you to add stitches to your project without disrupting the overall fabric pattern. It’s simple, efficient, and creates a subtle bump that many patterns use for both shaping and decorative purposes.
What is Knit KFB?
The Knit KFB (Knit Front and Back) stitch is an increase technique where you knit into the front and then the back of the same stitch. This creates two stitches from one, thereby increasing your stitch count. The first part of the stitch looks like a regular knit stitch, while the second part adds a tiny horizontal bar, giving your work a textured look.
Why Use KFB?
The KFB stitch is favored for several reasons:
- It’s easy to learn and execute.
- It doesn’t require extra tools.
- It creates a neat and nearly invisible increase on the fabric.
- It’s great for beginners learning increases.
KFB is particularly useful when you need symmetrical shaping—such as in sleeves, sweaters, or hat crowns—and don’t mind a tiny bump on the right side of the fabric.
How to Do Knit Front and Back (KFB)
Here is a step-by-step guide for how to knit the KFB stitch:
Step 1: Insert your right needle into the front loop of the next stitch as if to knit.
Step 2: Knit the stitch, but do not slide it off the left needle.
Step 3: Now, insert the right needle into the back loop of the same stitch (this might feel tight at first).
Step 4: Knit through the back loop.
Step 5: Slide the original stitch off the left needle. You now have two stitches where there was one.
It’s that simple! Practicing a few rows with KFB will help you get used to the slight twist in motion when accessing the back loop.
What Does KFB Look Like?
The KFB stitch leaves a small horizontal bar or bump right after the increased stitch. On stockinette fabric (with the knit side facing out), this bump is visible on the right side. Some knitters use this as a design feature; others hide it in seams or less visible areas of the project.
When to Use the KFB Stitch
KFB is often used in:
- Garment shaping, especially around sleeve increases.
- Amigurumi or toy making, where subtle increases matter.
- Scarf or shawl edges, where design allows visible shaping.
- Beginner projects, thanks to its simplicity.
Tips for Perfecting KFB
- Practice tension: The back loop can be tight. Keep your tension even.
- Mind stitch count: Be careful not to drop the second part of the stitch.
- Match both sides: Use mirrored increases (like KFB on both edges) for symmetrical shaping.
Alternatives to KFB
While Knit KFB is beginner-friendly, there are other increase techniques you might try for different looks or fabric behavior:
- Make One Left (M1L) and Make One Right (M1R) – more invisible and neater in stockinette.
- Yarn Over (YO) – creates a decorative hole and is used in lace knitting.
- Lifted Increases – pulled from the stitch below, subtle and tidy.
Each increase has its purpose, and your choice depends on the pattern’s requirements and your desired finish.
Final Thoughts on Knit KFB
Whether you’re knitting a basic scarf or diving into shaped garments, Knit KFB is an essential technique every knitter should master. Its ease of use, visible texture, and reliability make it a staple in both beginner and advanced knitting toolkits. With just a bit of practice, you’ll find yourself reaching for this increase method in countless projects.
If you’re ready to expand your skills and build more dimension into your knitting, learning how to knit KFB is the perfect place to start.