The KFB knit front and back is a basic increase stitch that can be used for shaping in garments or creating extra stitches. It has a visible bar across the added stitch, so you might see it called a bar increase.
It is one of the simplest increase methods to learn and requires no extra tools, since it is worked from a single stitch. This makes it easy to incorporate into most beginner knitting patterns.
This fun technique is commonly used in garment construction, such as adding width for thumbs in mittens and gloves, shaping sock gussets for a better foot fit, gradually widening sleeves in sweaters, and refining shoulder shaping. It also works well in patterned panels where even, controlled increases are needed.
KFB knit front and back is helpful for new knitters who have just started their first sweater project and need a simple way to shape areas such as sleeves. The knitting tutorial below will help you master this technique.
Increasing with the KFB knitting technique
To increase using the KFB knitting, begin by inserting your right needle into the first stitch on your left needle as if to knit. Wrap the yarn around the right needle counterclockwise, pull the stitch through, but DON'T throw the knit stitch on the left needle off yet. Instead, bring the right needle around to the back loop and slide it knitwise into the back leg of the same stitch.
Wrap the working yarn around the right needle counterclockwise and pull the knit stitch through. You should now have two stitches on your right needle coming out of one stitch on the left needle. You can now throw the stitch off your left-hand needle and continue knitting your next row.