What is a yarn over? (yo)

Published on November 10, 2021 by Merion

In knitting, a yarn over (abbreviated to "yo") can be used to create an extra stitch on your needle (increase) or a small hole in your fabric - but don't panic, that little hole might be a decorative part of a lace pattern, or a tiny button hole! This simple stitch is easy to learn and amazingly useful, so it's a great one to learn to up your knitting game. Read on to learn more about the yarn over and how to yarn over in your own knitting project!

Why might you use a yarn over?

Yarn overs are used for decorative AND practical purposes. They can be used to increase a stitch, create a button hole or as part of a lace motif. Yarn overs are often paired with k2tog when used as a decorative stitch, because a yarn over adds a stitch, and a k2tog will be used to even up the stitch numbers. Yarn overs are particularly useful as button holes in clothes where you need little tiny buttons for babies or toys' clothes.

Above: Sarai by Wendy Chapman and Miss Daisy by Frogginette

How do I work a yarn over?

It's very simple! When the instruction YO appears in a pattern, simply wrap your yarn around the needle, bringing it under and over the needle between two stitches.

Whether you are yarning over between knits or purls, the action is the same, to make an extra loop on your needle, but if you are yarning over between purl stitches, you will need to bring the yarn over the top of the right hand needle and then underneath and over to create that extra single loop.

When you're yarning over after a knit stitch, you bring the yarn forward to the front of the work, and then knit the next stitch:

Yarn over after a knit stitch

Bring the yarn under and over the needle, and knit the next stitch.

This is what the yarn over looks like after you've knitted the next stitch.

When you are yarning over after a purl stitch, your yarn is already forward, so you need to take it over to the back of the work and bring it forward again to work the next purl stitch:

Yarn over after a purl stitch

This is how your stitches look when working a purl row.

Bring the working yarn over and under the needle, and then work the next purl stitch.

bring working yarn over an under needle to purl

This is what the yarn over looks like after you have purled the next stitch. Now you can bring the yarn back to the front of the work and carry on purling.

What about a double yarn over?

A double yarn over creates a bigger hole. Abbreviated to YOYO, this stitch technique is great if you're adding larger buttons or toggles to your cardis. For knitters, this can be a trickier stitch and one you need to concerntrate on when you knit. But, not to worry, our handy tutorial on how to double yarn over will help you out!

Patterns that use yarn overs

Gidday Baby

Hansel (Half Version)

Lilac and Lime Bobble Boot Socks

Shop all Knitting Patterns

Check Out This Month's Hottest Blog Posts!

category:tutorial

Crochet a colorful Moroccan-inspired floor cushion with our fab FREE pattern

Learn how to crochet a Moroccan inspired floor cushion with our easy step-by-step guide...

category:guide

Find the best yarn for the snuggliest blankets

Discover our ultimate guide of best yarns for blankets! Whether it’s knit or crochet, l...

category:tutorial Crochet a colorful Moroccan-inspired floor cushion with our fab FREE pattern

Learn how to crochet a Moroccan inspired floor cushion with our easy step-by-step guide...

category:guide Find the best yarn for the snuggliest blankets

Discover our ultimate guide of best yarns for blankets! Whether it’s knit or crochet, l...

category:guide Find the best yarn for the snuggliest blankets

Discover our ultimate guide of best yarns for blankets! Whether it’s knit or crochet, l...

category:roundup Crochet designers of the month - January

An introduction to some amazing crochet designers and their patterns

category:roundup Embrace the chill with these winter warmers

Beat the winter chill with Eric's top winter-warmer patterns. Will you choose to knit a...

category:guide Knitting in red and pink, from scarlet to cherry blossom

Somewhere between orange and purple sit red and pink, the colors of love, passion and ...

category:roundup Design a Paintbox Yarns color pack and win!

If you’re lacking pinks, blues, purples, and rainbow hues in your stash then you’re in ...

category:roundup Scandi style: Makes that celebrate the art of getting cosy

Knit up a storm with our Scandi-inspired patterns to help you keep cosy this winter!

4 easy crochet gifts for Mother's Day

These four crochet projects are beginner-friendly, use small amounts of yarn, and work ...

category:guide LoveCrafts, the home of Makefulness

We all know that feeling you get when making - that sense of calm, that feeling of acco...

Sustainable yarns + ideas

category:guide Find the best yarn for the snuggliest blankets

Discover our ultimate guide of best yarns for blankets! Whether it’s knit or crochet, l...

category:tutorial Stay cozy with this pomtastic punch needle cushion tutorial

Learn how to make this punch needle cushion. The perfect crafting project if you’re loo...

category:tutorial How to knit a super speedy pumpkin!

Looking for a last minute project for Halloween? Learn how to knit a pumpkin in just a ...

category:guide What is sport weight yarn?

Sport weight yarn falls between fingering weight and DK yarn and is the perfect choice ...

category:tutorial How to create an incredible vintage tiered cake

Learn how to make a vintage tiered cake with our easy step by step tutorial. Find out h...

category:guide Make your own tees for a bachelorette with Cricut Easy Press

Celebrate your bachelorette party with personalised T-shirts! Check out this step-by-st...

category:gift-guide The Handmade Gift Guide for your Little One: The one with the sweetest smile; the mini explorer with a curious mind

Find the perfect present for the little person in your life with our roundup of homemad...

category:tutorial The best ever Victoria sponge cake recipe

Learn how to make the best ever Victoria sponge cake! With this simple Victoria sponge ...

category:guide What is shortening?

Looking to suss out what shortening is all about? New to baking or not, stick with us a...

category:roundup Debbie Bliss shares the story behind her new yarn, British Wool Aran + free hat pattern!

The latest yarn from Debbie Bliss goes on a fantastic, short journey from fleece to yar...

category:tutorial How to sew a simple wall organizer

Learn how to sew a simple wall organiser with Anna Alicia. This is the perfect sewing p...

category:roundup Our favourite skirt sewing patterns for autumn and winter

Stay bang on-trend with the latest skirt sewing patterns for autumn and winter. Think, ...

category:tutorial How to make stickers with Cricut

Looking to make your creative mark or say something sweet? No doubt about it, stickers ...

category:roundup 10 magical mermaid cake ideas

Looking for some magical bake inspiration? Who can resist this siren call! Dive right i...

category:roundup 10 totally fantastic Father’s Day card ideas

Make a handmade card for dad with our fabulous Father’s Day card ideas! We’ve got DIY F...

category:roundup Discover all things NEW at LoveCrafts!

At LoveCrafts, we're always adding new and exciting products to our collection and with...

category:guide The small business toolkit: resources and tools to help you get started!

Take your indie business to the next level with our small business toolkit. We've round...

Introducing Paintbox Yarns Ombré Aran Wool Touch

Ready to add some effortless color shifts to your knitting and crochet? Meet Paintbox Y...

category:roundup 12 A+ teacher thank you card ideas

Show appreciation for your teacher with a homemade teacher thank you card. We’ve rounde...

category:tutorial Meet Emily the Dachshund! Crochet the sweetest spring toy with our tutorial

Follow along with our free tutorial to crochet Emily the Dachshund, the sweet amigurumi...

category:tutorial Learn how to crochet the sweetest giant candy cane!

Crochet the sweetest giant candy cane! This oversized Christmas decoration is the perfe...

category:gift-guide Fun projects for under $5

Looking for a make idea that doesn't break the bank, or sweet Secret Santa homemade gif...

category:tutorial Learn how to make a jolly punch needle Christmas wreath

Learn how to craft this punch needle Christmas wreath. The perfect crafting project to ...

category:tutorial Crochet a delicious donut cushion!

Check out our free crochet donut cushion tutorial. Using the sweet shades of Paintbox Y...

category:guide The ultimate beginners guide to découpage

Master the art of découpage with our découpage guide for beginners! Learn what is décou...

category:roundup Twenty Twenty YOU: Makes to celebrate the everyday and express your authentic self through crafts

For 2022, we're continuing to build our inspiring home for makers. We're encouraging ou...

category:tutorial Learn how to make a fruity punch needle coaster trio

Get summer ready with this fun punch needle coaster trio. Download the FREE pattern and...

category:roundup Let's celebrate life's everyday confetti moments

Here at LoveCrafts we're celebrating these small pockets of joy that we're calling ever...

category:roundup 10 of the luckiest bakes for St Patrick’s Day!

Feeling lucky? These delicious St Patrick’s Day baking ideas are sure to give you the l...

category:tutorial How to make super sensational cocktail cupcakes

Make it a happy hour in the kitchen and cele-bake with cocktail cupcakes! Check out thi...

category:tutorial How to make the perfect drip cake

Looking for a stunningly simple cake design? Decorate your cake with some drip and make...

category:roundup 11 brilliant DIY baby shower decorations

Planning a baby shower? Put a personal stamp on it with our round-up of DIY baby shower...

craft:crochet How we’re supporting our Ukrainian team and practical ways you can help

An update from Edward, our CEO on how we're supporting our Ukrainian team and a list of...

category:roundup 14 super fun finger knitting projects

Explore our roundup of fun finger knitting projects! If you want to try finger knitting...

category:roundup Don’t walk, run! Debbie Bliss introduces new yarn, Super Chunky Merino + a free scarf pattern just for you!

Don't walk, run! Discover the latest yarn to be added to Debbie Bliss' range of sumptou...

category:tutorial Crochet Winston, the cutest amigurumi dog!

If you love puppies, you'll love Winston, a smart little pup from the hook of Rupinder ...

category:roundup 12 extra cute Easter cupcake ideas

What’s better than Easter eggs? Easter cupcakes! From fun carrot cakes to bunny Easter ...

category:tutorial How to create a zesty citrus embroidery

Learn how to create a zesty citrus embroidery packed with lemons, limes and grapefruits...

category:tutorial How to knit stripes in the round

Learn how to knit jogless stripes in the round with our simple step-by-step tutorial. M...

View All Posts