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yo: Yarn over
Bring the yarn forward between the needles and then over the right needle to the back, ready for the next stitch. An increase adds stitches, so the stitch count at the end of the row is higher than at the start. Patterns usually state the new total in brackets.
How to work yo
Bring the yarn forward between the needles and then over the right needle to the back, ready for the next stitch. The loop that forms becomes a new stitch and leaves a small hole.
Common mistake
Forgetting to bring the yarn forward before a purl stitch, so the yarn over disappears.
Effect on your stitch count
It adds 1 stitch.
How it looks in a pattern
A typical line (an invented example for illustration):
Row 7 (RS): K1, yo, knit to last 2 sts, yo, k1.Spacing it evenly
Need to spread yo evenly across a row? Use the increase and decrease calculator.
Related abbreviations
All terms are in the knitting abbreviations list, and in the app's Glossary, which works offline.
Frequently asked questions
What does yo stand for?
yo stands for yarn over.
Does yo change the number of stitches?
It adds 1 stitch.