Unraveling the Mystery: How to Decrease in Knitting Like a Pro

Knitting is a beloved craft that has been passed down through generations, bringing warmth and creativity into our lives. However, even the most experienced knitters can encounter challenges along the way, one of which is the dreaded decrease. Whether you’re a beginner or have been knitting for years, mastering the art of decreasing can be a daunting task. Have no fear though, we’re here to guide you on how to decrease in knitting and help you create flawless and polished stitches in no time. So grab your needles and let’s dive into the world of decreasing in knitting.

Understanding the Basics of Knitting

Before delving into how to decrease in knitting, it is important to have a solid understanding of the basics of knitting. Knitting is a craft that involves creating fabric by interlocking yarn loops using two or more needles. The two basic stitches in knitting are the knit stitch and the purl stitch.

The knit stitch is accomplished by inserting the right needle into the front of the loop on the left needle, bringing the yarn behind both needles, and pulling it through to create a new loop on the right needle. This creates a “v” shaped stitch. The purl stitch, on the other hand, is done by inserting the right needle from back to front into the loop on the left needle, bringing the yarn in front of both needles, and then pulling it through to create a new loop on the right needle. This creates a horizontal bar or “bump” stitch.

Knowing these two basic stitches is crucial in understanding how to decrease in knitting. Decreasing in knitting involves reducing the number of stitches on your needles while still maintaining an even and balanced fabric.

Common Techniques for Decreasing in Knitting

There are several techniques for decreasing in knitting, each with its own unique effect on your fabric. Some common techniques include:

1. Knit Two Together (K2Tog): This is a simple decrease that involves knitting two stitches together as if they were one stitch. To do this, insert your right needle into both loops of the next two stitches on your left needle and knit them as one stitch.

2. Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK): This technique also decreases two stitches but creates a left-leaning decrease instead of a right-leaning one like K2Tog. To perform an SSK decrease, slip one stitch onto your right needle without knitting it, then slip another stitch onto your right needle. Insert your left needle into the front loops of the two slipped stitches and then knit them together.

3. Purl Two Together (P2Tog): Similar to K2Tog, this is a simple decrease done on a purl row. To perform a P2Tog decrease, insert your right needle into both loops of the next two stitches on your left needle and purl them together as one stitch.

4. Slip, Knit, Pass (SKP): This decrease is commonly used in lace knitting and creates a very visible decrease line. It is done by slipping one stitch onto the right needle without knitting it, knitting the next stitch, and then passing the slipped stitch over the knit stitch and off the needle.

When to Decrease in Knitting

Knowing when to decrease in your knitting project is key to creating a well-proportioned and aesthetically pleasing finished piece. Here are some common reasons why you might need to decrease in your knitting:

1. Shaping: Decreasing helps shape your fabric by making it narrower or changing its angle. This can be useful when knitting garments such as sweaters or socks that need to fit a specific body part.

2. Stitch Pattern: Some advanced stitch patterns may require decreases in order to create intricate designs like cables or lace.

3. Ribbing: When transitioning from ribbing (knit 1, purl 1) to stockinette stitch (knit all rows), you will need to decrease two stitches at regular intervals to maintain an even number of stitches for stockinette.

4. Garment Necklines: For garments with necklines like cardigans or pullovers, you will need to decrease along each side of the neck opening in order to create a smooth curve.

Tips for Properly Decreasing in Knitting

Here are some tips for successfully decreasing in your knitting projects:

1. Keep track of your decreases: It is important to keep track of where you have decreased in your project, especially when working on complex stitch patterns. You can use stitch markers or make a note on your pattern to help you remember where you have decreased.

2. Count your stitches: Make sure to count your stitches after every decrease row to ensure you have the correct number of stitches and avoid any mistakes.

3. Practice and experiment: As with any new knitting skill, the best way to become comfortable with decreasing is by practicing and experimenting with different techniques. You can try creating swatches using different decreases to see how they affect your fabric.

4. Use lifelines: In case you make a mistake while decreasing, it is helpful to have a lifeline in place. A lifeline is a piece of scrap yarn that is threaded through the stitches on your needle at a certain point in your project. This allows you to rip back to that point if necessary without losing all of your work.

Final Thoughts

Decreasing in knitting may seem intimidating at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. Remember to take your time and pay attention to each decrease so that you can achieve a polished finished project. And

In the world of knitting, one may encounter problems such as increasing stitches, but sometimes, the challenge lies in decreasing stitches. Knowing how to properly decrease in knitting is essential to creating a well-finished and polished piece. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, this guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to successfully decrease while knitting.

Understanding Decreasing in Knitting

Decreasing in knitting is the process of reducing the number of stitches on your needle. This technique is used to shape your knitted piece, whether it be for a garment or any other project. There are several methods of decreasing stitches, and each has its own unique effect on your knitting. The three most commonly used techniques for decreasing include knit two together (k2tog), slip slip knit (ssk), and purl two together (p2tog).

The Knit Two Together (k2tog) Method

The k2tog method is commonly used when shaping flat pieces such as scarves or blankets. To begin, insert your right-hand needle into the first two stitches on your left-hand needle, as if you were going to knit them together. Next, wrap your yarn around your right-hand needle and pull it through both stitches, just like a regular knit stitch. Finally, drop both stitches off your left-hand needle, and you have decreased one stitch.

The Slip Slip Knit (ssk) Method

The ssk method is similar to the k2tog method but produces a neater decrease that slants to the left. To start this decrease, slip one stitch knitwise and then slip another stitch purlwise onto your right-hand needle. Insert your left-hand needle into these two slipped stitches from the back and knit them together through their back loops. Finally, drop both stitches off your right-hand needle, and you have successfully decreased one stitch.

The Purl Two Together (p2tog) Method

The p2tog method is used for shaping knitted fabric when working on the purl side. To execute this decrease, insert your right-hand needle into the first two stitches on your left-hand needle, from front to back. Next, wrap your yarn around your right-hand needle and pull it through both stitches. Finally, slide both stitches off of your left-hand needle, and you have decreased one stitch.

Increasing Versus Decreasing

In knitting, increasing and decreasing are two sides of the same coin. Just as decreasing removes stitches from your knitting, increasing adds stitches to create shaping. The difference between the two lies in their effect on the fabric. While increasing can result in a larger piece of knitting, decreasing creates a smaller piece with a more defined shape. Understanding the difference between these two techniques is crucial when following a pattern or creating your own design.

Common Mistakes When Decreasing

While decreasing may seem like a simple task, it can also be easy to make mistakes that can affect the overall look of your knitting. One common mistake is forgetting to slip knitwise when using the ssk method. If you slip both stitches purlwise instead, you will not get the desired decrease slant. Additionally, not paying attention to which direction you are decreasing can create an uneven or asymmetrical look in your knitting.

Troubleshooting Decreasing Techniques

If you find that some sections of your knitting are looking uneven or distorted after using any of the three decrease methods described above, there might be an issue with tension or yarn weight consistency. It’s essential to maintain proper tension while executing decreases to prevent puckering or loose stitches. Also, ensure that you are using the same weight of yarn throughout your project to avoid any discrepancies in gauge.

Tips and Tricks for Successful Decreasing

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when decreasing in knitting:
– Always slip your stitches off the needle in the direction they were worked. This helps maintain a neat and organized edge.
– Experiment with different decreasing techniques to see which one works best for your project.
– Use stitch markers to mark decreases, especially for complex patterns with multiple decreases.
– When shaping garments, it’s essential to follow the instructions on your pattern diligently, as decreases can affect the fit and look of your garment.
– Lastly, practice makes perfect. Take your time and be patient while learning how to decrease properly.

Decreasing stitches in knitting may seem daunting at first, but with practice and a little patience, you will master this essential technique in no time. Understanding how to properly decrease is crucial for creating well-finished and professional-looking knitting projects. Keep these instructions and tips in mind while working on your next knitting project, and you will be able to confidently execute decreases successfully. Happy knitting!

1. What is the best method for decreasing in knitting?
The most common methods for decreasing in knitting include k2tog (knit two stitches together), ssk (slip, slip, knit), and p2tog (purl two stitches together). Choosing the right decrease method will depend on your pattern and desired outcome.

2. How do I make a k2tog decrease in my knitting project?
To make a k2tog decrease, insert your needle into the next two stitches on your left needle. Then, knit them together as if they were one stitch. This will create a decrease that leans to the right.

3. What is the difference between ssk and k2tog decreases?
The main difference between these two decreases is the direction they lean. SSK (slip, slip, knit) creates a left-leaning decrease, while k2tog (knit two stitches together) creates a right-leaning decrease.

4. Can I use different types of decreases within the same knitting project?
Yes, it is common to use different types of decreases within the same project to create shaping and texture. Just make sure to follow your pattern instructions carefully to ensure that your decreases are placed correctly.

5. How can I fix mistakes when decreasing in my knitting?
If you have made a mistake in your decrease stitches, you can unravel or ‘tink’ back to fix it. Alternatively, you can also try using a crochet hook to drop down and pick up each individual stitch correctly.

6. Is there a specific way to count stitches when decreasing in knitting?
Yes, when counting stitches while decreasing, make sure to count each decreased stitch as one stitch rather than two separate stitches. This will ensure that you are keeping track of your total number of stitches accurately.

In conclusion, decreasing in knitting is an essential skill for any knitter to learn and master. It allows for the creation of various shapes and designs in knitting projects. However, it can be a tricky technique for beginners to grasp.

The first step in decreasing is understanding the basic concept and different methods of decreasing, such as the knit two together (K2tog) and slip-slip-knit (SSK) methods. It is crucial to practice these techniques regularly to become more comfortable with them.

Additionally, paying attention to tension and counting stitches while decreasing is crucial in maintaining the overall symmetry and shape of the project. It is also important to note that subtle variations in stitches can create unique textures and patterns.

Moreover, adjusting the frequency of decreases can significantly impact the rate at which the project narrows or widens. This is particularly important when creating garments or following a specific pattern.

It is also worth mentioning that fixing mistakes while decreasing may seem intimidating, but it can be easily remedied by carefully undoing the stitches or using a lifeline thread as a precautionary measure.

Lastly, like any other skill, mastering how to decrease in knitting takes patience and practice. However, with perseverance and attention to detail, anyone can become proficient in this technique.

In conclusion, decreasing

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.