The Make 1 Left (M1L) is a nearly invisible increase, sometimes called a Lifted Make 1. The idea is that you are picking up the running leg and knitting into it so it twists to the left, creating an increase that seems to lean to the left.
Along with it's mirrored increase (the Make 1 Right) you can use the M1L for shaping in garments like sweaters and socks. It's also great to use in a pinch when you're missing a stitch. Don't worry, we won't tell anyone.
Check out our quick tutorial below to learn this useful technique.
Find the Running Thread
To complete the MIL, first locate the strand of yarn that runs from the stitch on your left needle and the stitch on your right needle. This is called the running thread. Just like the M1R, this strand of yarn is used to create the new stitch.
Left Front
If you, like most knitters, find yourself forgetting how to do the M1L, the phrase "I left it at the front door" might help. The word 'left' should remind you of the M1L, and the word 'front' tells you what to do with the needle. Take your left needle and insert it into this running thread from the front to the back.
Knit through the Back
Once this strand is on your left needle, knit into the back leg of the strand with the right needle. This will create a twisted stitch so there are no holes in your increase.