close

Search Term

Enter a search term (optional)

Categories

Select One (optional)

Printable

(optional)

Show only printer-friendly patterns


Difficulty Level

Select One (optional)

Yarn Weight

Select One (optional)

Knitting Needle Size

Select as many as you like (optional)

  • 1 or 2.25 mm
  • 2 or 2.75 mm
  • 3 or 3.25 mm
  • 4 or 3.5 mm
  • 5 or 3.75 mm
  • 6 or 4 mm
  • 7 or 4.5 mm
  • 8 or 5 mm
  • 9 or 5.5 mm
  • 10 or 6 mm
  • 10.5 or 6.5 mm
  • 11 or 8 mm
  • 13 or 9 mm
  • 15 or 10 mm
  • 17 or 12.75 mm
  • 19 or 15 mm
  • 35 or 19 mm
  • 50 or 25 mm
  • Circular Knitting Needles
  • Double-Pointed Knitting Needles (DPNs)
AllFreeKnitting.com

Menu

Free Offer
8 Designs for Knitting: Free Patterns for Beginners and Easy Knitting Stashbusters

Learn how to make easy knitting patterns with this FREE eBook! These fun patterns will have your stash under control in no time.

Bonus: Get our newsletter & special offers for free. We will not share or sell your email address. View our Privacy Policy

How to Knit 1 Below (K1B)

Most commonly used in Fisherman's Rib, the K1B is way easier than it sounds!

How to Knit 1 Below K1B

Whether you're knitting something extra soft and squishy, looking to add some dimension to your work, or simply working a textured stitch like the rose stitch, the knit 1 below stitch (or K1B) is an essential skill for all knitters to know.

Most commonly found in the fisherman's rib stitch, the K1B (and the similar P1B) are fairly easy to work, but there are several aspects of this maneuver that make it challenging for some beginners. In particular, sweeping the stitch off the needle when you're done sort of goes against most knitters' instincts because you haven't worked directly into the stitch being swept off.
 

How to Knit 1 Below

1. Work until your pattern calls for the K1B

Typically this is used for decorative purposes (to give a stretchy, almost mini-eyelet look) or in fisherman's rib stitch, to give extra stretch.

2. Identify the loop below the stitch

This is the trickiest part of working a K1B. Make sure you aren't knitting into the side of the stitch or into the stitches on either side; if you do this, the stitch you sweep off the needle at the end will become a dropped stitch, and your work will unravel.

3. Insert your needle knitwise

Insert your working needle into the stitch below as if to knit.

Note: For a P1B, you would work this in a similar way but purlwise (from back to front).

4. Wrap your yarn

Wrap your yarn around your working needle just as you would a regular knit stitch.

5. Pull the yarn up and through the stitch below

As above, you will pull the yarn up and through the stitch that you're working, just like a regular knit stitch; however, this can be a little tricky to master at first with a K1B because you don't have your other needle right next to it to help guide the yarn through.

6. Push the old stitch off the needle

Once you've pulled the yarn through, you've completed your K1B, and you can sweep the old stitch off the needle.

Note: This is where beginners typically second-guess themselves. If you're not used to it, this can feel like you are dropping a stitch, but don't worry! The way the K1B stitch functions, this stitch will remain secured.

Do you have any tips and tricks for working a K1B?
Let us know in the comments!

Free projects, giveaways, exclusive partner offers, and more straight to your inbox!

Your Recently Viewed Projects

I have not made this yet so I cannot rate it.

Include a Photo Include a Photo

Click the button above or drag and drop images onto the button. You can upload two images.

Cancel Reply to Comment

Thanks for your comment. Don't forget to share!

Close

Report Inappropriate Comment

Are you sure you would like to report this comment? It will be flagged for our moderators to take action.

Thank you for taking the time to improve the content on our site.

Project of the Day

Sweet Peach Tasseled Hat

This darling knit baby hat pattern is not only an adorable accessory for a little boy or girl, but an easy project that will delight… Continue reading: "Sweet Peach Tasseled Hat"



Something worth saving?

Register now for FREE to:

  • SAVE all your favorite patterns
  • ADD personal notes
  • QUICKLY reference your patterns

 

Connect With Us

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Twitter
Email RSS

About Us Advertise Contact Us FAQ Keyword Index Do Not Sell My Personal Information Privacy Policy Share Your Project Subscribe Terms of Service Unsubscribe

---- 1 ----

close

Images from other crafters

There are currently no images from other crafters.

I Love It