Full-fashioned decrease, Garter Bar increases or decreases in the middle of a row -

Last time we talked about several ways to increase stitches on a knitting machine, including the full-fashioned increase with a transfer tool. Read more here about the increasing techniques. This post covers the simple decrease, full-fashioned decrease, and decreasing or increasing stitches in the middle of a row using a Garter Bar.

Watch the video tutorial for machine knitting decrease and the use of the garter bar

Simple decrease vs. full-fashioned decrease

The simple decrease

The easiest decrease is to transfer the outer stitch one stitch in and move the empty needle to the A (non-working) position. Continue knitting. One stitch is decreased.

The decreased stitch is on the side edge. This might cause some zigzags or unevenness.

The full-fashioned decrease

The full-fashioned decrease is similar to the full-fashioned increase. You need a 2-prong or 3-prong transferring tool. Instead of just transferring one stitch in, you transfer 2 or 3 stitches in before knitting one row. And remember to move the empty needle to the A position. This way, the outer 2-3 rows create clean slanted lines. Most people prefer this look. Depending on your project, pick any technique you like. There is no right or wrong method for machine knitting.

Increase or decrease with a garter bar

If you want to increase or decrease in the middle of a row, you will need a garter bar. Instead of transferring 2 or 3 stitches at a time, you can use a garter bar to transfer many stitches at once.

There are many types of garter bars by different knitting machine models and manufacturers. KrisKrafter carries different “modern” garter bars, including the LK150 version, which is 6.5 mm and hard to find. You can also find some second-hand Japanese garter bars on eBay for a standard gauge knitting machine.

Increase stitches in the middle of a row with a garter bar transfer

To increase a stitch, pick up the horizontal bar next to the empty needle, and hang it to the empty needle. Now one stitch is increased.

Decrease stitches in the middle of a row with a garter bar

Decreasing in the middle of a row is similar to increasing stitches. Instead of moving one stitch out, you move one stitch in (toward the center) so there is one overlapping stitch.

Place the empty needle back in the A position and continue knitting. One stitch is decreased.