Unraveling the Mystery: How To Decrease Knit Like a Pro

Knitting has grown in popularity for its therapeutic benefits and the endless possibilities of creating unique and personalized items. However, one common struggle that many knitters face is dealing with tight stitches, resulting in hours of frustration and sore fingers. If you are struggling with this issue, fear not! In this article, we will explore some simple yet effective tips on how to decrease knit tension and make your knitting journey smoother and more enjoyable. So grab your knitting needles and let’s dive in!

The Basics of Knitting and Why Decreasing is Important

Knitting is a popular craft that has been around for centuries, and it involves creating fabric by interlooping yarn with needles. It may seem like a simple activity, but there are many techniques and methods involved in knitting that can take years to master. One essential skill that every knitter should know is how to decrease stitches. Decreasing in knitting helps to shape your project and achieve the desired outcome. In this article, we will delve into the basics of knitting and why decreasing is crucial.

Knitting starts with just a few basic stitches, usually the knit stitch and the purl stitch. From these two stitches, you can create an endless variety of patterns by increasing or decreasing stitches along the way. Decreasing means reducing the number of stitches on your needle, which helps in shaping your project. When paired with increasing stitches, decreasing can create intricate designs and add texture to your knitted piece.

One of the most common reasons for decreasing in knitting is to shape garments such as sweaters or hats. For example, when making a hat, you would decrease at the crown to create a tapered shape that fits snugly on your head. Similarly, when making a sweater, you would decrease at the armholes to give it a better fit around the shoulders.

Decreasing is also essential in lace knitting. Lace patterns require a series of increases and decreases to create intricate designs such as leaves or flowers. Without proper decreasing techniques, you may end up with an unbalanced or distorted lace pattern.

The Different Ways To Decrease Stitches

There are many ways to decrease stitches in knitting, each creating a unique look and effect on your project. Some common methods include:

1) Knit Two Together (K2Tog) – This technique involves inserting your needle into two stitches at once and knitting them together as one stitch. It creates a right-leaning decrease and is commonly used in shaping garments.

2) Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) – This method involves slipping two stitches onto the right needle, then inserting the left needle into the front loops of both stitches and knitting them together. It creates a left-leaning decrease and is often paired with K2Tog to create symmetrical decreases.

3) Central Double Decrease (CDD) – This technique involves slipping two stitches onto a cable needle, knitting one stitch, then passing the two slipped stitches over it. It creates a centered decrease ideal for shaping items with symmetrical designs.

4) Slip One, Knit One, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (S1K1PSSO) – This method is similar to SSK but involves passing the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch to create a left-leaning decrease. It is commonly used in lace knitting.

These are just a few methods used for decreasing stitches in knitting. As you gain more experience and try out different patterns, you will come across more ways to decrease stitches.

Tips for Decreasing Stitches Successfully

Now that you know why decreasing is important and how to do it let’s look at some tips that can help you decrease stitches successfully:

1) Keep your tension consistent: When decreasing stitches in knitting, it’s crucial to maintain consistent tension throughout your project. Uneven tension can lead to ladders or gaps in your fabric when decreasing, making your project look messy.
2) Use stitch markers: Stitch markers are essential tools when working on projects that require shaping through increases or decreases. They help you keep track of where you need to decrease and ensure symmetry in your project.
3) Count your stitches: Before starting a decrease row, double-check that you have the correct number of stitches on your needle. A simple mistake can throw off the entire pattern, leading to frustration and having to rip out your work.
4) Practice on scrap yarn: If you’re new to decreasing, it’s always a good idea to practice first on scrap yarn before diving into your actual project. This way, you can get the hang of the technique without ruining your work.
5) Don’t pull too tightly: When working on decreases, it’s essential not to pull too tightly on your yarn. This can cause the fabric to pucker and affect the overall shape of your project.
6) Use lifelines in lace knitting: Lace knitting involves following complex patterns with multiple decreases and increases. Using lifelines can save you from having to rip back several rows in case of a mistake.

Decreasing is an essential skill for every knitter, whether you’re just starting or have years of experience. It helps shape your projects and add various textures and designs. By understanding the basics of knitting and practicing different decreasing techniques, you can create beautiful and well-fitting knitted pieces. Remember always to follow the pattern instructions for decreases carefully and use the tips mentioned above for successful results. With time and practice, decreasing stitches will become second nature, and you’ll be able to tackle any project with confidence. So grab

Understanding the Importance of Knitting Tension

Knitting tension, also known as gauge, refers to the tightness or looseness of your stitches when knitting. When you’re learning how to knit, achieving the proper tension can be challenging but it is vital to creating high-quality finished products. Not only does tension affect the overall look and feel of your knitting, but it also has an impact on its fit and durability.

One of the most common issues with knitting tension is having stitches that are too tight. This can lead to a rigid and dense fabric that doesn’t have any stretch or movement. On the other hand, having stitches that are too loose can result in a floppy and unstructured piece that may not hold its shape over time.

The Role of Needle Size in Knitting Tension

The size of your knitting needle plays a significant role in determining your tension. Using needles that are too small for your yarn can create tight stitches, while using needles that are too large can produce loose ones. It’s essential to follow the recommended needle size for your yarn provided on the label or in your pattern instructions.

If you find yourself consistently struggling with achieving proper tension, consider investing in a needle gauge tool. This tool allows you to accurately measure the size of your needles and ensures that you’re using the correct size for your yarn.

Adjusting Tension for Different Yarn Types

Another factor that can affect knitting tension is the type of yarn being used. Yarns come in various fibers such as wool, cotton, acrylic, and more. These fibers have different properties which can influence how they interact with each other when knitted.

For example, wool is a stretchy fiber, so it’s essential to keep a looser tension when working with it compared to a non-stretchy fiber like cotton. When using multiple yarns in one project, such as a wool blend with a cotton blend, it’s crucial to adjust your tension accordingly to ensure an even fabric.

Techniques to Decrease Knitting Tension

If you find yourself struggling with tight knitting tension, there are a few techniques you can try to decrease it.

Firstly, try loosening up your grip on the needles. Sometimes we unintentionally knit too tightly because we’re holding onto the needles too firmly. Relax your fingers and allow the yarn to flow more freely.

You can also try using circular needles instead of straight ones. Circular needles have a longer cable that holds the stitches and takes some weight off your hands. This can result in looser stitches, especially for larger projects like blankets or sweaters.

Another technique is to switch from continental knitting (yarn held in the left hand) to English/American style knitting (yarn held in the right hand) or vice versa. Each style requires different movements and can change your tension significantly.

Practice Makes Perfect

As with any skill, practice is essential in improving your knitting tension. It’s crucial not to get discouraged if you struggle with it at first; even experienced knitters occasionally have issues with tension.

Consider knitting swatches before starting a project to test out different needle sizes and yarn combinations. This will help you determine the best combination for achieving your desired tension.

Lastly, remember that everyone knits differently, and there is no right or wrong way as long as you’re happy with the finished product. Take your time, be patient with yourself, and soon you’ll become an expert at adjusting your knitting tension!

1. How do I decrease knit stitches?

To decrease knit stitches, simply insert the right needle into the next two stitches on the left needle as if to knit them together. Instead of wrapping the yarn around the needle and pulling it through, slide both stitches off the left needle and onto the right needle. This will decrease one stitch.

2. What is a knit two together (k2tog) stitch?

A knit two together (k2tog) stitch is a common knitting decrease that is used to reduce the number of stitches on your needle. It involves knitting two stitches together in order to create one stitch.

3. Can I use a different type of decrease for my pattern?

Yes, there are several types of decreases that you can use for your knitting project depending on the desired look and effect. Some other common decreases include slip slip knit (ssk), slip one knit one pass slipped stitch over (sl1 k1 psso), and centered double decrease (cdd).

4. How can I make sure my decreases are even and symmetrical?

To make sure your decreases are even and symmetrical, count your stitches before and after each decrease row to ensure that you have decreased the correct number of stitches. Also, be aware of whether your pattern calls for left-leaning or right-leaning decreases and make sure you are doing them correctly.

5. Do I need to use a specific type of needle for decreasing?

No, you can use any type of needle for decreasing as long as it is appropriate for your yarn weight and project. However, some knitters may find certain types of needles, such as double-pointed needles or circular needles, easier to use when decreasing.

6. Can I increase my knitting after decreasing?

Yes, you can increase your knitting after decreasing by using different types of increases, such as knit front and back (kfb) or make one (M1). Just make sure to follow your pattern’s instructions carefully to maintain the desired shape and fit of your project.

In conclusion, knit fabric is a popular choice for clothing and other textile products due to its versatility, comfort, and durability. However, it is important to understand how to decrease knit properly in order to avoid shrinking or distorting the fabric.

When it comes to decreasing knit fabric, there are several methods that can be used such as steam ironing, blocking, or using a garment steamer. The method chosen will depend on the type of knit fabric and the level of shrinkage desired.

It is also crucial to pay attention to the fiber content of the knit fabric as different fibers may require different techniques for decreasing. For example, natural fibers like cotton and wool may shrink more easily compared to synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon.

Properly caring for knit fabrics and following the manufacturer’s instructions can also help prevent excessive shrinking. This includes washing with cold water, avoiding high heat settings on dryers or irons, and handling the fabric gently.

In addition, understanding the characteristics of different types of knits such as ribbed knits versus jersey knits can also aid in achieving desired shrinkage results.

Decreasing knit fabric requires patience, caution, and attention to detail. It may take some trial and error before finding the best method for a specific type of knit fabric.

Author Profile

Jill Nammar

My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.