Learn how to knit a yarn over in knitting between both knit stitches and purl stitches with these two video tutorials!

Yarn overs are a single stitch increase often used to make a small eyelet or hole either in part of a textured knitting pattern or in lace knitting. Yarn over is often abbreviated as yo in knitting patterns.
Since a yarn over in knitting is created by moving the working yarn from front to back or back to front an extra time in between knitting or purling stitches, they are also one of the MOST common mistakes brand new knitters make when they’re learning to knit. We’ve all done it, so don’t feel badly if this happens to you!
But when yarn overs are used correctly as part of a knitting pattern, especially a lace knitting pattern, they can be really lovely!
I know lace knitting sounds scary, but it’s really just a combination of yarn overs and decreases (often k2tog) arranged in a pretty pattern. When you think of it like that, it makes sense, doesn’t it?
Today, I have step by step photos to show you how to do a yarn over in-between knit stitches and I have video tutorials showing how to do a yarn over in-between knit stitches AND in-between purl stitches. If you want to learn how to do yo in knitting, you are in the right place!
Yarn Over Instructions
- To do a yarn over in knitting, start with the working yarn in back
- Bring the yarn forward between the knitting needles
- Bring the yarn over the right knitting needle and bring the yarn back to the back of your work
- Continue on and knit the next stitch, while still holding the yarn to the back
- After you have knit the next stitch you will see the yarn over between the two knit stitches
- A yarn over will appear as a hole between two knit stitches and is an increase of one stitch
Make a yarn over (yo) between knit stitches:
Make a yarn over (yo) between purl stitches:
How To Do a Yarn Over
Learn how to do a yarn over increase between knit stitches in your next knitting project!
Materials
Tools
Instructions
- Start with the working yarn in back
- Bring the yarn forward between the knitting needles
- Bring the yarn over the right knitting needle and bring the yarn back to the back of your work
- Continue on and knit the next stitch, while still holding the yarn to the back
- After you have knit the next stitch you will see the yarn over between the two knit stitches
- A yarn over will appear as a hole between two knit stitches and is an increase of one stitch
Notes
Watch the video to see how to do a yarn over in action!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
If you liked this, you may also like some of my other posts…
- Free Printable Knitting Gauge Worksheet - April 24, 2025
- Rubber Duck Hat Knitting Pattern - April 22, 2025
- Happy Easter Bunny Hat Knitting Pattern - April 15, 2025
Gloria Walsh says
What a great explanation of yarn over, and of lace. And yes it doesn’t sound so scary after your explanation. Thank you so much for taking the time to post this.
Helen Stegemann says
Thank-you for helping me to know how to yarn over. also for your help with the slip slip Knit stitch.