Unraveling the Mystery: How to Decrease Stitches in Knitting

Knitting is a timeless craft that has been passed down through generations, creating beautiful and intricate pieces of fabric. However, for beginners and experts alike, one common hurdle that can throw off the entire project is an unexpected increase in stitches. This can be frustrating and cause the final product to look uneven or lopsided. But fear not, for there are simple techniques to decrease stitches in knitting that will save your project and your sanity. In this article, we will explore various methods for decreasing stitches, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to tackle any knitting pattern with ease. So grab your needles and let’s get started!

Understanding Knitting Stitches

Knitting is a popular craft that involves creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with special needles. The basic unit of knitting is the stitch, which consists of a series of loops that are held on the knitting needle. Through a combination of different stitches, knitters can create a vast array of patterns and textures in their knitting.

There are two main types of stitches: knit stitches and purl stitches. Knit stitches look like little “v” shapes and are created by inserting the needle into the front of the loop on the previous row. Purl stitches look like bumps or little “b” shapes and are created by inserting the needle into the back of the loop on the previous row. By combining these two types of stitches, knitters can create various techniques such as ribbing, garter stitch, stockinette stitch, and more.

The Importance of Knowing How to Decrease Stitches

Decreasing stitches in knitting involves reducing the number of stitches on your needle. This technique is essential when shaping your knitting projects or creating intricate patterns. It helps to create curves and angles in your knitting and allows for a smooth and seamless finish.

Decreasing can also be useful when correcting mistakes in your project. For example, if you accidentally increase a stitch while working on a particular pattern, you can decrease to get back to your desired number of stitches. Knowing how to decrease will make you feel more confident as a knitter and open up possibilities for more complex projects.

Methods for Decreasing Stitches

There are several different methods for decreasing stitches in knitting, each with its own unique look and purpose. Here are some commonly used techniques:

1. Knit 2 Together (K2tog) – In this method, two knit stitches are combined into one by inserting your needle through both loops at the same time and knitting them together as if they were one stitch.

2. Slip Slip Knit (SSK) – This method is used to decrease two stitches at a time, usually to create a shaped edge. It involves slipping two stitches separately, then knitting them together through the back loop.

3. Purl 2 Together (P2tog) – Similar to K2tog, this method decreases two purl stitches into one by purling them together as if they were one stitch.

4. Slip-Slip-Purl (SSP) – If you’re working on a ribbed pattern and need to decrease two purl stitches, this is the technique to use. It involves slipping both stitches knit-wise, then passing them back onto the left needle and purling together.

5. Central Double Decrease – For more complex patterns that require decreasing three stitches at once, the central double decrease comes in handy. It involves slipping one stitch knit-wise, another stitch purl-wise, then knitting both slipped stitches together through the back loop before passing them off the left needle.

Tips for Decreasing Stitches Successfully

Decreasing may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and a few tips, you can master this essential knitting technique.

1. Pay Attention to Your Yarnovers – Yarnovers are an easy mistake when decreasing stitches because they look similar to a decreased stitch when positioned next to each other on your needle. Make sure you don’t have any extra loops on your needle before moving on to the next row.

2. Practice Before Using New Techniques – Before incorporating new decreasing methods into your project, practice them on a swatch or scrap yarn first to get comfortable with the technique and ensure it will give you the desired result.

3. Use Stitch Markers – Placing stitch markers around decreased stitches can be helpful in maintaining accurate stitch count and preventing mistakes in more intricate patterns.

4. Read the Pattern Carefully – Make sure you understand what type of decrease is required in a particular pattern by reading the instructions carefully. Some knit stitches are designed to lean in a specific direction, so using a different method can affect how your project turns out.

Decreasing stitches in knitting may seem daunting, but it is an essential skill that every knitter should know. Whether you’re shaping a garment or creating an intricate design, decreasing opens up possibilities for more advanced projects and gives your knitting a polished and professional look. With practice and some simple tips, you can master this technique and add it to your knitting toolkit. Happy knitting!

Causes of Increased Stitches in Knitting

When it comes to knitting, dealing with increased stitches can be a frustrating and challenging problem. As you carefully work your way through each row, you might suddenly realize that there are more stitches on the needle than there should be. This can lead to uneven edges, lumpy fabric, and overall dissatisfaction with your project.

But why does this happen? There are several common causes of increased stitches in knitting that every knitter should be aware of.

One of the main causes is accidental yarn overs. Yarn overs are an intentional increase in stitch count used to create decorative patterns such as lace. However, when they happen unintentionally, they can quickly add up and cause a significant increase in stitches. This usually occurs when you inadvertently wrap the yarn around the needle one extra time while working a stitch.

Another reason for increased stitches is dropping one stitch from the needle while working. This can happen if you accidentally drop a stitch off one side of the needle without catching it with the other side. The result is an extra loop on your working needle, increasing your stitch count.

Additionally, picking up stitches from previously knit rows can also lead to an increase in stitch count. This tends to happen when beginners attempt to fix mistakes made in previous rows by picking up loose or dropped stitches with their working needle. If not done correctly, this can result in extra loops and ultimately more stitches than desired.

Lastly, tension issues can also contribute to increased stitches in knitting. If you’re a beginner or have just started tackling more complicated knitting patterns, it’s normal for your tension to fluctuate as you get used to holding and manipulating your needles and yarn. Uneven tension can cause uneven increases or decreases in stitch count throughout your work.

Techniques for Decreasing Stitches

Now that we know some of the main causes of increased stitches in knitting, let’s explore some effective techniques for decreasing stitches.

One technique is the knit-two-together (k2tog) decrease. This method involves knitting two stitches together as one, effectively reducing your stitch count by one. It is a quick and easy technique, especially for beginners, and can be used in various types of knitting projects.

Another popular decrease technique is the slip-slip-knit (ssk) decrease. In this method, you slip two stitches individually from the left needle onto the right needle without knitting them. Then, insert your left needle into the front loops of both slipped stitches and knit them together through the back loop. This decreases stitch count by one and creates a neat left-leaning decrease.

Alternatively, you can try the purl-two-together (p2tog) decrease when working in purl stitch. This works similar to k2tog but in purl instead of knit stitch. You simply insert your right needle into two stitches from right to left and purl them together as one.

If you’re dealing with increased stitches caused by yarn overs, you can easily fix it with a simple “knit-one-from-the-row-below” method. Insert your right needle into the loop below the extra yarn over on your left needle and knit it together with the next correct stitch.

Lastly, if tension issues are causing an increase in stitches, take a moment to adjust your grip on both needles before every new row. Additionally, practicing consistent tension techniques such as wrapping your yarn around your fingers or using tensioners can greatly help prevent uneven tension and thus avoid increased stitch counts.

Preventing Increased Stitches in Knitting

While knowing how to decrease stitches is essential when dealing with increased stitch count, prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to keep in mind to prevent increased stitches while knitting:

1. Count your stitches after each row: Making sure that you have the correct number of stitches before moving onto the next row can save you a lot of time and frustration. It’s always better to catch a mistake early on rather than trying to fix it later.

2. Use stitch markers: Stitch markers are handy tools that can help you keep track of your stitches and catch any mistakes before they get out of hand. They are especially useful when knitting complex patterns with multiple increases and decreases.

3. Practice consistent tension techniques: As mentioned earlier, maintaining consistent tension is crucial when knitting to avoid uneven stitches and an increase in stitch count. Take the time to figure out what works best for you and stick to it throughout your project.

4. Double-check increases or decreases in patterns: When following a pattern, make sure to double-check every increase or decrease before executing it on your work. Sometimes, incorrect instructions can also lead to increased stitches.

By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be better equipped to prevent and fix increased stitches in your knitting projects.

Conclusion

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, increased stitches can still happen in knitting projects. However, by identifying the causes and learning effective techniques for decreasing stitches, you can quickly fix any issues that arise without compromising the quality of your work. Remember to stay patient

FAQs on How Do You Decrease Stitches In Knitting:

1. What are the various methods for decreasing stitches in knitting?
There are several methods for decreasing stitches in knitting, such as knitting two stitches together, slipping a stitch and passing one over, and the slip, slip, knit method.

2. Can you decrease a knit stitch without using a special decrease method?
Yes, you can decrease a knit stitch by simply knitting two stitches together. This is known as the “knit two together” or K2Tog method.

3. How do I decrease a purl stitch in knitting?
One way to decrease a purl stitch is to purl two stitches together. Another method is to slip one purlwise, then knit the next stitch, and pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch.

4. What is the difference between right-leaning and left-leaning decreases?
Right-leaning decreases (such as K2Tog) slant to the right and left-leaning decreases (such as SSK) slant to the left. This creates a more gradual decrease line along your work.

5. Can I use different types of decreases within one project?
Yes, you can use different types of decreases within one project depending on which direction you want your decrease to slant or for aesthetic purposes.

6. At what point in my knitting project should I start decreasing stitches?
The point at which you should start decreasing stitches will vary based on your project pattern or design. However, generally decreases are made after working some rows without any increase or decrease stitches.

In conclusion, decreasing stitches in knitting may seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques and practice, it can be easily mastered. The key to successfully decreasing stitches lies in understanding the basic principles of knitting and identifying the correct method for your specific project. It is important to carefully plan and count your stitches before and during the decrease, as well as pay attention to tension and maintain consistent gauge throughout. By consistently implementing these tips and techniques, you can decrease stitches confidently and achieve beautifully crafted knitting projects. Additionally, it is essential to keep trying and not get discouraged when you encounter challenges in decreasing stitches. With patience and perseverance, you will become more comfortable with this skill and be able to create a wide range of intricate designs in your knitting projects. Lastly, always remember that practice makes perfect – so don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with decreasing stitches in knitting!

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.