Sometimes this finicky little stitch is just the ticket to decrease with a resulting left slant.
Purl Two Together Through the Back Loop (p2tog tbl)
Tag: decreases
P3tog
Sometimes a pattern asks you to take three purl stitches and decrease them to one purl stitch. It’s a snap with this simple video.
K2tog tbl
The simplest way to create a left leaning decrease is to knit two stitches together through the back loop (k2tog tbl). This stitch can be found in many lace patterns and was the decrease of choice before the invention of the slick ssk stitch.
Central Double Decrease (CDD or S2KP)
A central double decrease works three stitches together resulting in one stitch that lies vertical with no lean. This stitch is often used at the base of v-neck openings. A central double decrease is also found in many beautiful lace patterns.
While there are several variations of this stitch, I have provided a video that demonstrates the option with the smoothest result.
p2tog
Decreases aren’t only made in knit stitches! Sometimes it is necessary (and discriminating) to decrease a stitch and remain in pattern. For example, when faced with a decrease on the wrong side of a stockinette garment it is wise to use a p2tog. A p2tog is also found in many lace patterns to create those dazzling designs. Refer to the “p2tog” video to work this elementary stitch and your knitting will graduate to a new level!
PSSO
PSSO is the abbreviation for “pass slip stitch over”. It is a common decrease and can be found in many lace patterns. Using the left needle tip, simply lift a slip stitch on the right hand needle over the following stitch(es) and remove it from the needle. A decrease and a lovely design element have been created!
Watch the following video to see several variations of the psso demonstrated.
K2tog
Every knitter will need to decrease stitches at some point. The simplest decrease is made by knitting two stitches together to create one new stitch. A knit two together (k2tog) results in a stitch that is right leaning.
SSK
An ssk is a left leaning decrease that most closely mirrors the right leaning decrease, k2tog. The ssk is used in garment shaping, sock gussets and lace knitting. Watch the ssk video to learn this smooth decrease and kick your knitting up a notch!