Knit Front Back (kfb) Increases // Technique Tuesday

This video demonstrates the kfb (knit front back) increase commonly called for in knitting patterns. Ideal uses for the increase are demonstrated, as well as when and where to place the increases, when the pattern doesn't state it explicitly.

To jump directly to a specific point in the video, click on the adjacent timestamped link:
Introduction 0:00
Demonstration of the kfb increase: 0:40
Ideal use of kfb: 5:01
How do you know when and where to use kfb: 6:58
Planning for increase placement: 8:00
Final words: 9:45

If you have questions about this video, or suggestions for future videos, please let me know down in the comments or on social media.

[carriebagshaw]

As a new knitter who tried (and failed) to learn 30 years ago, your videos have been an invaluable resource. I’ve already cranked out several hats, scarves, afghan blocks, slippers and am working on my first socks. Your clear explanations, rationale for using different types of stitches, and historical notes are so helpful in understanding not only the “how, ” but also the “why” within the projects. I’m having more fun than I could ever have anticipated. Thank you!

[BonnieRogers-oyii]

Thank you for your instructions and demonstrations! You are wonderful! I learned a lot. I am a knitter that quit for a few years and now have to refresh my memory of how to do increases and decreases in a pattern. Your video was awesome.

[belindaspoor]

Thank you for making all your videos. I am learning to knit and you are my “go to” for new techniques. Your voice is so pleasant and your instructions are so clear and concise. 😊

[sandygrogg]

Hi... You are fast becoming my fav podcaster... That’s because not only are you entertaining, you always teach us something truly interesting and/or useful. You are always calm and very clear when instructing...or just telling us something interesting...

And... You are not constantly parading one luxury yarn after another...or pushing KALs or give always... Your style is very much in the vein of the old Dragnet series... right to the point... in a very likable way...

Thank you, for a very enjoyable few minutes of entertainment coupled with great information...

Sandy from Cincinnati 😎👍

[GrapeApe]

I just have to say that every time I need a little help with any part of a first time to knit (insert project name here) and do a search on here, without fail you have a video on it. I wanted to thank you! My second year of knitting is going better than I could have possibly dreamed. I am making myself a shrug yay!🎉

[janetcooke]

This is the second time I have come to your video after sampling a couple with poor results and your brand of teaching worked for me. Thank you so much for connecting to those of us who learn your way.

[alisondennis]

Thank you for explaining how you pull the yarn for the second stitch out, the same way you went in. Very helpful!

[brigittedepocas]

Hi Roxanne! For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why my kfb's when knitting a sleeve just wouldn't "line up" and the placement was always off. 40 years of knitting. Could never wrap my brain around it. I would just work my increases using other techniques, depending on what I was knitting. You would think something so simple would have worked itself out by now. But, I've always learned by watching, and I guess it took today's Technique Tuesday to finally (!) show me what is so obvious that I can only laugh at myself for not picking up on it sooner!! Of course that makes perfect sense - move the placement of the inc! That's the beauty of knitting - whether you've been knitting 4 months, 4 years, or 40 years - there will always be something new to discover that may be obvious to others, but a complete mystery just waiting to be solved for someone else!

Have you ever done a tutorial on the knit-one-below increases? I've never been able to get it quite right, to the point I've avoided any projects that called for that increase unless I could rework the instructions to my liking.

[barbarabartelme]

Thank you for this tutorial. You make it very clear and I will use his info a lot for these increases.

[giogioppi]

Dear Roxanne, thank you for your videos that are very clear and helpful. I'd like to ask you if the Kfb could be used in the first and in last stitch just to have a stitch more in each side of a pattern when it needs to pass from a circular botton up work to an open work in order to knit separately front and back of a pullover.

[sandramarshall]

You are so good at giving these instructions! Thanks.

[anacoba]

Hi, I really enjoy your videos. I was wondering if you can do this increase by starting in the back of the stitch and then knit the front. I saw a video from Skeino where he does it this way. Does it matter? Thank you.

[kathyschapals]

Hello Roxanne, I have dropped a kfb. Do you have a tutorial on how to fix?

[danielmidwinter]

What's your view of slipping the back stitch - which avoids the bump?

[kristinalea]

I know this is a 5 yr old video but I’m hoping you can offer some insight to a sweater pattern. I’m knitting the Bawi sweater by AegyoKnit. It is a top down sweater that has 2 increase lines that run from the neck and over the shoulder separating front from back. When working the GSR, you have to work kfb on the RS and pfb on the WS (basically kfb, slip
stm, p1, k2, p2, k2, p1, slip stm, kfb
Then work the back using pfb on either side of rib. This ends up making rather noticeable holes that aren’t so noticeable when after the GSRs are completed and I’m only working the RS. Increases are worked on either side of the rib on every row. The picture of the sweater zoomed in doesn’t show any holes and neither does the sweater of a YouTuber who made the Bawi sweater. Sorry to ask for help in the comments. If you have any insight it would be greatly appreciated!! Love your videos. You are a fabulous teacher :)

[FeannaFey]

Could you also knit the first/right side edge increase of the last swatch as knit back and then front to make things line up?
I've knit a pattern that called for knit front back, but in garter stitch fabric, so it doesn't show up much.

[janetsmith]

Hello can you explain how to increase in two colour fishermans rib please.

[shoelessmonk]

Roxanne, i am so grateful for you. because of you i have been noticing where my yarn travels and reading my work with more attention. i liked todays video, never noticed how that increased worked on the edges. also can you tell me what make needles you were using? ♥️....stacy

[sophiagraff]

Now i know why it was k1, kfb, knit across to 3 from end, kfb, k2!
Though it was garter, and going to be felted, so I'm not sure that it mattered much.

[maryjoylopez]

I'm wondering if there is a way to use KFB keeping it symmetrical when knitting a top down triangle shawl with increases just outside the markers at center 2 knit stitches? The left side bump is not right next the marker, as on the right.