Unraveling the Mystery: How to Decrease Stitches in Knitting

Knitting is a beloved pastime and a rewarding skill, but it can also be frustrating when stitches start to accumulate and your project starts to look more like a potholder than a sweater. So, how do you decrease stitches in knitting? Fear not, as we will explore various techniques and tips to help you master the art of decreasing stitches and achieve beautiful, polished results in your knitting. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter, keep reading to learn all about the different methods of decreasing stitches and how to incorporate them into your next project.

Understanding Stitch Decreases in Knitting

Stitch decreases are an essential technique in knitting that allows you to shape your project by removing stitches from your needles. You may need to decrease stitches when working on projects like hats, sweaters, or socks. It creates a tapered edge or narrows the width of a fabric piece.

There are several stitch decrease methods, but they all work in the same way – reducing the number of stitches on your needle while maintaining the same tension and gauge. When done correctly, they help create a neat and professional look to your knitting project. In this article, we will explore various ways of decreasing stitches in knitting and when to use them.

The Different Types of Stitch Decreases

When it comes to stitch decreases in knitting, there are four main techniques: knit two together (K2tog), slip-slip-knit (ssk), knit three together (k3tog), and slip slip slip knit (sssk). Let’s take a closer look at each method.

– Knit Two Together (K2tog)

The K2tog method is the most commonly used decrease technique. It involves knitting two stitches together as one stitch. To begin, insert your right needle into the first two stitches on your left needle from left to right and knit them together as if they were one stitch.

This technique slants to the right side of your fabric and is often used for shaping edges or decreasing evenly across a row. If you want a more noticeable decrease, you can use K2tog twice in the same spot.

– Slip-Slip-Knit (ssk)

SSK is another popular method for decreasing stitches in knitting. It produces a left-slanting decrease similar to K2tog but creates a neater edge because it twists the stitches before joining them together.

To perform an ssk decrease, slip two stitches separately as if to knit from the left to the right needle. Insert your left needle into the front loops of both slipped stitches and knit them together. This method is often used in combination with K2tog to create symmetrical decreases.

– Knit Three Together (k3tog)

K3tog is a more advanced decrease method, best suited for experienced knitters. It creates a very pronounced decrease and is often used to shape the top of hats or form decorative decreases in knitting patterns.

To do k3tog, insert your right needle into the next three stitches on your left needle from left to right and knit them together as one stitch. This technique can be tricky to perform, so it’s essential to take your time and manipulate your stitches carefully.

– Slip Slip Slip Knit (sssk)

SSSK is similar to ssk but produces a more dramatic decrease. It involves slipping three stitches separately as if to knit from the left needle onto the right needle, and then knitting them together like in k3tog.

This technique creates a very pronounced slant on the fabric’s surface and is mainly used for decorative purposes. It can also be combined with other decrease methods for shaping or adding texture to your project.

When to Use Each Stitch Decrease Method

The four stitch decrease methods have distinct features that make them suitable for different situations. Here are some factors to consider when choosing which technique to use:

– The Type of Project
The type of project you’re working on will determine which stitch decrease method you should use. For example, K2tog is ideal for shaping edges, while k3tog is best suited for decorative decreases.

– The Required Decrease Rate
If you need to decrease several stitches quickly in one row, then sssk or k3tog would be a better choice than K2tog or ssk. These methods are faster because they involve decreasing multiple stitches at once.

– The Look You Want to Achieve
Each stitch decrease technique creates a different look on the fabric’s surface. For a more subtle decrease, use K2tog or ssk. For a pronounced and decorative decrease, go for k3tog or sssk.

Troubleshooting Common Stitch Decrease Problems

Experienced knitters will agree that stitch decreases can sometimes be tricky, and errors can easily occur. Here are some common problems that you may encounter when decreasing stitches and how to fix them:

– Looseness
If your stitches feel loose after a decrease row, it could be because you’re not pulling the yarn tightly enough when slipping the stitches or transferring the yarn from back to front. To avoid this issue, make sure to pull the yarn taut with every stitch.

– Inconsistency
Some beginners may find it challenging to maintain an even tension throughout their knitting project. This can lead to irregular and asymmetrical decreases. To improve this, practice knitting with consistent tension until it becomes second nature.

– Uneven Slant
When performing decreases on either side of your project, it’s essential to make sure the slant is identical on both ends. This ensures symmetrical shaping and prevents one side from looking larger

Understanding Knitting Decreases

When working on a knitting project, there may come a time when you need to decrease stitches in order to shape the piece. This could be to create shaping around the neck or armholes of a sweater, or to form a specific design element, such as a decrease stitch pattern. Regardless of the reason, it’s important for knitters to have a good understanding of decreases and how they work.

Decreasing in knitting involves reducing the total number of stitches on your needles. This can be achieved in various ways, including knit two together (k2tog), slip slip knit (ssk), and purl two together (p2tog). These methods create different effects and can be used depending on your desired outcome.

One thing to keep in mind when decreasing is that it will affect the overall gauge or tension of your knitting. This means that you may need to adjust your needle size or tension in order to maintain an even fabric throughout your project. It’s also important to follow any specific decreasing instructions provided by your pattern.

How Decreases Work

To understand how decreases work, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of how knitting stitches are formed. When you knit, each stitch is made up of two loops – the front loop and the back loop – which are connected by a horizontal bar between them. During decreases, these loops are manipulated in different ways depending on the method used.

In k2tog decreases, the first two stitches on your left needle are knit together as one stitch. This creates a decrease by effectively removing one stitch from your total count. Similarly, ssk decreases involve slipping two stitches from the left needle onto the right needle without knitting them, then passing them back onto the left needle and knitting them through their back loops.

P2tog decreases are performed on purl stitches and work similarly to k2tog decreases, except the stitches are purled together instead of knit.

Decreasing in Different Stitch Patterns

Different stitch patterns may require different types of decreases in order to achieve the desired effect. Some stitch patterns, such as ribbing or seed stitch, may call for decreases to be worked in a specific way in order to maintain the pattern. It’s important to carefully read and follow the pattern instructions when working with different stitch patterns.

Additionally, some stitch patterns may require multiple decreases in a single row to create intricate designs and shapes. This can require careful attention and concentration, as it’s important to maintain the correct stitch count throughout the row.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Decreasing

When decreasing, there may be instances where you encounter issues that affect the overall appearance of your project. The most common issue is accidentally dropping a stitch while working decreases, especially if you are new to knitting. If this happens, try not to panic and carefully evaluate where your mistake was made. You may be able to pick up the dropped stitch or alternatively, you can use a crochet hook to catch and fix it.

Another issue that may arise is uneven tension when working decreases. This can lead to ladders or gaps forming between your stitches. To avoid this issue, make sure to keep an even tension throughout your work and practice your chosen decrease method before incorporating it into your project.

Incorporating Decreases into Your Next Project

Now that you have a better understanding of how decreases work and how they can affect your knitting project, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice! Whether you’re looking to add shaping or design elements, incorporating decreases into your next project is a great way to elevate your knitting skills.

Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to decreasing stitches in knitting. As with any new technique, it may take time and patience to perfect, but the end result will be worth the effort. Happy knitting!

Q: What is the best method for decreasing stitches in knitting?
A: The most common and effective method for decreasing stitches in knitting is called the “knit two together” decrease.

Q: How do I do the “knit two together” decrease?
A: To do the “knit two together” decrease, simply insert your right needle into the next two stitches on your left needle and knit them together as if they were one stitch.

Q: Can I use a different decrease method instead of “knit two together”?
A: Yes, there are several other decrease methods that you can use, such as the slip slip knit (SSK) or the centered double decrease (CDD). It is important to choose a decrease that will match with your overall knitting pattern.

Q: Do I need to follow a specific order when decreasing stitches?
A: It is generally recommended to follow the instructions provided in your knitting pattern. However, if there are no specific instructions, it is best to start with the decreases furthest from the edge and work towards the edges.

Q: Is there a standard rate of how many stitches I should decrease per row?
A: The number of stitches you should decrease per row depends on your specific knitting pattern and desired project. However, a common rate is to decrease two stitches every other row.

Q: How can I fix mistakes made while decreasing stitches?
A: If you make a mistake while decreasing stitches, you can simply unravel back to where you made the mistake and correct it. Alternatively, you can also use a crochet hook or tapestry needle to drop down any incorrect stitches and fix them before continuing with your decreases.

In summary, decreasing stitches in knitting is a crucial skill for any knitter to possess. It allows for the creation of various knitting patterns and designs, while also preventing the fabric from becoming too wide or bulky. Throughout this discussion, we have explored various methods of decreasing stitches, such as knitting two stitches together and slip, slip, knit techniques. We have also discussed how decreases can be used creatively to achieve different effects in a knitted project.

It is important to keep in mind that proper tension and consistent stitch size are key factors in successfully decreasing stitches. As with any new skill, practice is key to mastering the technique of decreasing stitches. Start with simpler projects and gradually progress to more complex ones as your confidence grows.

Furthermore, it is essential to pay attention to the pattern instructions and understand which method of decrease is required for each specific project. Knowing when to decrease at the beginning or end of a row can also make a significant difference in achieving the desired result.

Lastly, experimentation is encouraged when it comes to reducing stitches. This can lead to unique and interesting designs that can elevate your knitting projects. Knitting should be an enjoyable hobby, so don’t be afraid to try out different techniques and have fun with it!

In conclusion, mastering the art of decreasing stitches opens up

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.