How To Knit One Below (K1B Tutorial + Video)

This blog post will teach you how to knit one below, including a knitting tutorial with step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial.

The “knit one below” (K1B) stitch is commonly used in various stitch patterns to create texture and depth in knitted fabric.

Stitch Patterns With K1B

K1B can be found in Fisherman’s Rib stitch, a pattern that produces a thick, warm fabric.  

Additionally, K1B may be incorporated into cable patterns to enhance the texture and depth of the cable twists, and it can be used in lace patterns to introduce unique texture within lace motifs. 

K1B is a versatile stitch that adds dimension and visual interest to various knitting patterns.

Additionally, it may appear in garter rib patterns, combining regular garter stitch with K1B (or P1B) to create a textured, ribbed fabric. 

Moreover, the knit below technique might appear in brioche knitting. 

The Two-color brioche stitch often incorporates K1B to create a unique textured effect, and it can be used in Celtic knot designs to simulate the appearance of interwoven strands. 

How Do You Knit One Below In Knitting?    

Knitting one below (often abbreviated as K1B) is a technique used to create texture in your knitting by working into the stitch below the one on your left-hand needle.

It’s a simple technique that can add depth and interest to your knitting projects.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with your working yarn and needles as you would for regular knitting.
2. Look at the stitch on your right-hand needle (the one you’re about to knit into).
3. Instead of inserting your right-hand needle into the stitch as you usually would, insert it into the stitch below the current stitch on your left-hand needle. This is the stitch that was worked in the previous row.
4. With the right needle inserted into the stitch below, wrap the working yarn around the needle as you usually would to create a new loop.
5. Pull the loop through the stitch below like you would for a regular knit stitch.
6. Slide the old stitch off your left needle.
7. You have now knit one stitch below the previous stitch, creating a textured effect.

Repeat these steps for each stitch you want to work “knit one below” in your pattern. 

Check out the video tutorial on my YouTube channel here – How To K1B In Knitting.

How Do You Knit One Below In The First Row?    

Knitting one below (K1B) in the first row can create a unique texture on the right side of your work.

Here’s how you can knit one below in the first row:

1. Cast On: Cast on the number of stitches required for your project. The cast-on row is your first row.
2. First Stitch: You will knit one below on the very first stitch of the first row. Here’s how:
   • Insert your right-hand needle into the stitch below the first stitch on your left-hand needle.
   • Wrap your working yarn around the right-hand needle from back to front, just like you would for a regular knit stitch.
   • Pull the loop through the stitch below.
3. Continue: After you’ve knit one below on the first stitch, continue working the row according to your pattern. You may have other stitches to knit or purl before you repeat the K1B on subsequent stitches.
4. Last Stitch: When you reach the last stitch of the row, work it as you usually would (knit or purl) unless your pattern specifies otherwise.
5. Turn Your Work: After completing the first row, turn your work to begin the next row. When you return to the first row again, you’ll likely encounter the K1B stitches you created in the previous row.

Remember that the effect of the K1B stitch will be more noticeable on the right side of your work, so if you’re creating a pattern, this is the side where you’ll see the texture.

It will typically look like a regular knit stitch on the back of the work.

How Do You Purl One Below?    

Purling one below (P1B) is a knitting technique that creates a textured effect on the fabric by working into the stitch below the one on your left-hand needle.

Here’s how to purl one below:

1. Start with your working yarn and needles as you would for regular purling.
2. Look at the stitch on your right-hand needle (the one you’re about to purl).
3. Instead of inserting your right-hand needle into the stitch as you usually would for a regular purl stitch, insert it into the stitch below the current stitch on your left-hand needle. This is the stitch that was worked in the previous row.
4. With the right-hand needle inserted into the stitch below, wrap the working yarn around the needle from right to left, just like you would for a regular purl stitch.
5. Pull the loop through the stitch below, creating a new loop on your right-hand needle.
6. Slide the old stitch off your left-hand needle.
7. You have now purled one stitch below the previous stitch, creating a textured effect.

Repeat these steps for each stitch you want to purl one below in your pattern. 

Like knitting one below, purling one below is a straightforward technique that can add depth and dimension to your knitting projects.

It’s often used in textured stitch patterns to create exciting designs on the fabric.

When purling one below (P1B), the texture typically appears on the fabric’s wrong side (the back).

Purling one below creates a raised or textured stitch on the side of the fabric opposite to where you’re working. 

On the right side, it will look like a regular purl bump.

Check out the video tutorial on my YouTube channel here – How to P1B In Knitting.

How Do You Fix Knit One Below?

Fixing a mistake when working a “knit one below” (K1B) stitch depends on your issue.

Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

1. Dropped Stitch: If you accidentally slip a “knit one below” stitch, it can be tricky to pick up because it’s worked into the one below. Here’s how to fix it:
   • Use a crochet hook or a smaller knitting needle to pick up the dropped stitch. Insert the hook or needle through the dropped stitch from front to back.
   • Find the “ladder” of yarn that corresponds to the dropped stitch, just like you would for a regular dropped knit stitch.
   • Pull the yarn ladder through the stitch to fix the dropped K1B stitch.
   • If you have trouble identifying the ladder, you may need to “tink” (unknit) back to the row where the mistake occurred and rework the K1B stitch correctly.
2. Misplaced Stitch: If you’ve worked the K1B stitch in the wrong spot, you might need to “tink” (unknit) back to the incorrect stitch and rework it correctly. Carefully undo the stitches one by one until you reach the mistake, and then knit one below in the correct spot.
3. Twisted Stitch: If your K1B stitch looks twisted or the texture isn’t coming out as expected, it might be due to a misinterpretation of the instructions or a problem with the pattern. Review the design carefully to ensure you’re following it correctly.
4. Uneven Tension: If your K1B stitches have inconsistent tension, practice can help improve your technique. Keep your pressure consistent when working into the stitch below to achieve a more even texture.
5. Counting and Pattern Errors: If you notice a pattern error involving K1B, double-check your pattern instructions and stitch count to ensure you follow the design correctly. Correct any mistakes by adjusting your stitches accordingly.

Remember that fixing mistakes in knitting often involves patience and attention to detail.

Taking your time and carefully assessing the issue is essential to determine the best course of action.

Sometimes, it may be necessary to undo a few rows to correct a mistake.

Still, with practice and experience, you’ll become more adept at identifying and fixing errors in your knitting.

Knitting Lessons

If you are a new maker and need help with the knitting basics, check out the knitting lessons here – Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

You will find tutorial posts for all the knitting techniques a newbie needs to know, plus a new stitch or two. 

And if you need more video tutorials, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.

Free Patterns 

• Beret Hat Knitting Pattern (Fisherman’s Rib)
• Slouchy Knit Beret Pattern (The Bordeaux)
• Chunky Knit Sweater Pattern (Half Fisherman’s Rib)

 Happy Knitting!