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This article was originally published in Yarn Forward to accompany my Forestry pattern.

There is more than one way to create a yarnover, depending on the placement of the yarnover in relation to the stitches around it. This tutorial demonstrates the different methods and compares ‘yarn forward’ to ‘yarn back’.

Between Knit and Purl Stitches

Between Purl and Knit Stitches

Working Across Yarnovers

Summary

 In brief – if the yarnover is between a knit and purl stitch, bring the yarn forward and fully wrap the needle.

If the yarnover is between a purl and knit stitch, take the yarn back and again, fully wrap the needle.

Working this way not only maximises the eyelet, but also leaves the yarn in the correct place for working the next stitch.

Whichever direction you took the yarn to create the yarnover, you knit into it in the same direction; that is, if you took the yarn back, knit into the back of the yarnover.

Terminology

 British terms for creating a yarnover are often confusing to those more familiar with US terms. Here’s a quick rundown of what they mean:

yf (yarn forward) – bring yarn forward (most commonly used to create a yarnover between 2 knit stitches)

yb (yarn back) – take yarn back

yfrn (yarn forward and round needle) – used to make a yarnover between a knit and a purl stitch (steps 1 to 3 above)

yon (yarn over needle) – used to make a yarnover between a purl and a knit stitch (steps 4 and 5 above)

yrn (yarn round needle) – used to make a yarnover between 2 purl stitches

Essentially, they all mean the same thing – you’re creating a stitch, a yarnover, except that the British terms indicate the direction in which to wrap the yarn.

Support

As always, if you have a question about this technique or need some help with it, leave a comment below! I’m afraid I’m unable to offer help via email or private message, but you’re welcome to post in our forum.

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