Yarnovers

A yarnover, often abbreviated as YO, is a fundamental knitting technique used to create an increase in stitches and to form decorative eyelets or holes in fabric. It is created by bringing the yarn from the back to the front of the work between two needles, then working the next stitch as usual. This action effectively adds an extra loop of yarn to the needle, which will then be knitted on the following row.

The appearance of a yarnover can vary depending on how it is worked and how it is treated on the subsequent row. A standard yarnover, when knitted into on the next row, creates a small, distinct hole. This is often used in lace patterns to create openwork and add lightness to the fabric. In contrast, if the yarnover is purled on the following row, it will create a slightly more closed appearance. Some knitting patterns may instruct to "bar the yarnover" or "pick up the bar" of the yarnover on the next row, which is then knitted together with the adjacent stitch, effectively canceling out the increase and creating a slightly thicker stitch rather than an open hole. Understanding the specific instructions for working yarnovers and their subsequent treatment is crucial for achieving the intended design and gauge in a knitted project.