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.

Charts

Charts are a simple way to convey knitting directions while providing the knitter a visual representation of the finished design. Charts are read from bottom to top moving right to left on right side rows and left to right on wrong side rows. It is important to note that a chart shows the stitches as they appear from the right side of the fabric. In a flat knitting chart, the symbols will stand for one stitch on the right side row and another on the wrong side row. A flat knitting chart will have the row numbers on both the left hand and right hand side of the chart. In circular knitting (in the round), all row numbers are on the right hand side of the chart. An added bonus to using charts in circular knitting is that the symbols don’t need to be reversed since the work is never turned.

Confused? Let me walk you through chart reading step by step in this video. Reading both flat and circular knitting charts are demonstrated.

Circular Gauge (Knit Flat)

Knitting in the round may yield a different gauge than flat knitting. In flat knitting, the right side of the stockinette stitch is all knit with the wrong side comprised of purl stitches. When knitting stockinette in the round, every stitch is a knit stitch. For many knitters there is a discrepancy in size between a knit and a purl stitch which can impact the stitch count of your gauge. To ensure the accuracy of your gauge, the swatch should be knit in the same manner as the garment. For example, if you are knitting a sweater in the round then your gauge should also be knit in the round.

You can cut your swatching time in half with this short cut that will give you the proper circular gauge as you knit flat.