Unraveling the Mystery: How to Perfectly Decrease a Stitch in Knitting

Knitting is a popular and beloved hobby that allows for endless possibilities to create beautiful and cozy pieces. However, even the most experienced knitters may run into a common dilemma – dropping or accidentally adding a stitch. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of a project. But fear not! Learning how to decrease a stitch in knitting is a valuable skill that can quickly fix this issue and keep your knitting on track. In this article, we will explore different methods to decrease stitches in knitting, so you can confidently tackle any knitting project with ease. So grab your needles and let’s dive into the world of decreasing stitches!

Understanding Knitting Stitches

When learning how to knit, one of the fundamental skills that you need to acquire is understanding knitting stitches. Each stitch plays a specific role in creating a knitted fabric, and knowing how to manipulate them is crucial in achieving the desired design and structure.

There are two main types of stitches in knitting – knit and purl. Knit stitches are created by pulling the working yarn through a loop on the needle, while purl stitches are made by bringing the working yarn over the needle from front to back. Different combinations and variations of these two stitches form the basis for all knitted patterns.

Another important aspect of understanding knitting stitches is their orientation – whether they are worked from right to left or left to right. Most beginners start with right-handed knitting, which means that the working yarn is held in their right hand while they work the stitches with their left needle. However, there are also left-handed knitters who reverse this position.

Furthermore, each stitch can also be oriented differently on the needle, resulting in various stitch combinations such as twisted or crossed stitches. These variations add texture and depth to a knitted fabric, making it look more intricate and interesting.

In addition to knit and purl stitches, there are also increases and decreases that play a crucial role in shaping a knitted piece. Increases involve adding extra stitches either by making yarn overs or knitting into a previously worked stitch, while decreases reduce the number of stitches on your needle.

Now that you have a basic understanding of knitting stitches, let’s dive into how you can decrease a stitch in knitting.

Techniques for Decreasing Stitches

Decreasing a stitch is simply reducing its number on your needle without dropping any active loops. This skill is particularly useful when shaping your work or creating different patterns like lace or cables.

1. Knit Two Together (K2Tog)

One of the most common ways to decrease a stitch is by working a knit two together (K2Tog). This decrease is used in many patterns and involves knitting two stitches together as one, creating a right-leaning decrease.

To work a K2Tog, insert your right needle through both stitches on your left needle and knit them together as if they were one stitch. This will decrease your stitch count by one.

2. Slip Slip Knit (SSK)

Another popular decrease method is the slip slip knit (SSK), which creates a left-leaning decrease. To work an SSK, you first slip two stitches from the left needle to the right needle as if to knit them separately. Then, insert your left needle into the front loop of both slipped stitches and knit them together.

3. Purl Two Together (P2Tog)

For those who prefer purling, there is also a decrease method called purl two together (P2Tog). As its name suggests, this decrease involves purling two stitches together as one, creating a right-leaning decrease on the purl side of your fabric.

To work a P2Tog, insert your right needle through both stitches on your left needle and purl them together as if they were one stitch.

4. Slip One Knit One Pass Slip Stitch Over (SKP)

Another popular decrease for creating lace patterns is the slip one knit one pass slip stitch over (SKP). This decrease creates a left-leaning effect similar to an SSK but produces a bigger slant.

To work an SKP, slip one stitch from your left to right needle as if to knit, then knit one more stitch on your left needle. Next, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch and off your right needle.

When to Use Different Decrease Techniques

Knowing how to decrease stitches is essential in creating visually appealing knitted projects. However, it’s also important to understand when to use each decrease technique to achieve the best results.

Generally, you should use a decrease that matches the stitch you’re working with. For example, if you’re knitting in stockinette stitch, which has a combination of knit and purl stitches, using a K2Tog or P2Tog would create a clean-looking decrease without disrupting the pattern.

On the other hand, if you’re knitting in a lace pattern, using an SSK or SKP would be more suitable as they create a more pronounced slant and blend well with the rest of the lace stitches.

Lastly, when shaping your work, it’s crucial to pay attention to left- and right-leaning decreases. Alternating between these decreases can help maintain balance and symmetry in your project.

Tips for Decreasing Stitches

Decreasing stitches may seem like a simple task, but there are some tips that can make it much easier and more efficient.

1. Use stitch markers: Placing stitch markers on either side of your decrease stitches can help you keep track of where they are in your knitting. This is especially useful when decreasing in lace patterns where keeping track of individual stitches is crucial.

Understanding How Knitting Stitches Work

Before learning how to decrease a stitch in knitting, it is important to have a basic understanding of how knitting stitches work. When you knit, you are essentially creating loops by wrapping yarn around your needles. These loops are interlocked, creating a fabric with different textures and patterns. Each stitch has a front loop and a back loop, which form what is commonly referred to as the “V” shape in knitting.

The Different Types of Knitting Decreases

There are several types of decreases used in knitting depending on the pattern you are following. The most common ones include knit two together (k2tog), slip slip knit (ssk), and purl two together (p2tog). Each decrease creates a different look and is used for different purposes in your knitting project.

The k2tog decrease is the most common one and involves knitting two stitches together as if they were one. This decrease creates a neat angle in your knitting, making it appear as if the stitches are leaning towards the right.

On the other hand, the ssk decrease is popular for decreasing stitches on the left edge of your work. It involves slipping two stitches individually onto your right needle and then slipping them back onto your left needle before knitting them together through their back loops.

Lastly, p2tog decreases involve purled stitches instead of knitted ones. These decreases are commonly used in ribbing patterns or when working on projects that require frequent color changes.

Why You Might Need to Decrease A Stitch

Knowing when and why you might need to decrease a stitch in knitting is crucial to creating a beautiful finished product. One of the most common reasons is to shape your project, such as when decreasing for sleeves or adding shaping to hats or socks. Decreasing can also help create intricate patterns like lacework or cables by altering the overall stitch count.

Another reason for decreasing is to fix mistakes. If you realize that you have accidentally added an extra stitch, decreasing is a great way to get rid of it without having to take your work apart. Additionally, decreasing can also be used as a decorative element in your knitting, adding unique designs and textures to your project.

Step-by-Step Guide to Decreasing Stitches

Now that you understand the basics of decreases and their importance, let’s go through the step-by-step process of how to decrease a stitch in knitting. For this example, we will use the k2tog decrease method.

Step 1: Knit until you reach the point where you need to decrease.

Step 2: Insert your right needle into the first two stitches on your left needle, from front to back.

Step 3: Wrap your working yarn around your right needle as if you were knitting one stitch.

Step 4: Using your right needle, pull this new loop through both stitches on your left needle. This will leave you with one new stitch on your right needle.

Step 5: Slip the original two stitches off the left needle and continue with your pattern or instructions.

Tips for Decreasing Successfully

– Always read and follow the pattern instructions carefully before starting decreases.
– Make sure all stitches are securely on the needles before making any decreases.
– Use a marker or safety pin to mark where decreases should be made in complex patterns.
– Practice makes perfect – don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right.
– Keep track of how many stitches you have decreased and in which rows for future reference.
– Experiment with different decrease methods to find what works best for you and your project.

Common Mistakes When Decreasing Stitches

Decreases are not always straightforward, and even experienced knitters make mistakes. The most common ones include decreasing in the wrong spot, dropping stitches, or forgetting to decrease at all. These mistakes can be easily avoided by following the pattern instructions carefully and double-checking your work before moving on to the next row.

Another mistake to watch out for is not being consistent with your decrease method throughout the project. This can result in an uneven or lopsided finished product. Make sure to stick to one method throughout to maintain a clean and uniform look.

Decreasing stitches in knitting may seem intimidating at first, but with practice and attention to detail, it can become second nature. Remember to take your time, read instructions carefully, and follow our tips for successful decreases. By adding this skill to your knitting repertoire, you can tackle more complex patterns and create beautiful and well-fitting projects with ease. So start practicing and soon you’ll be a pro at decreasing stitches in knitting!

1. How do I know when I need to decrease a stitch in knitting?
To determine when to decrease a stitch, look at the pattern you are following. Usually, there will be instructions that tell you when to decrease, such as “decrease 1 stitch at the beginning and end of every row.” Additionally, you may notice that your knitting is getting wider than the desired size, which is another sign that it’s time to decrease.

2. What tools do I need to decrease a stitch in knitting?
All you need is your yarn and needles. To make the process easier, some knitters prefer using a tapestry needle or crochet hook to help bring one loop over another when decreasing.

3. Is there a specific method for decreasing stitches in knitting?
Yes, there are various methods for decreasing stitches in knitting, such as knit two stitches together (K2tog), slip slip knit (SSK), or slip slip purl (SSP). Each method has its own unique effect on the look of your project, so it’s essential to choose the one specified in your pattern.

4. Can I decrease more than one stitch at a time in knitting?
Yes, you can! Advanced knitters often use methods like knit three stitches together (K3tog) or double decreases (slip 2 stitches at once then knit or purl them together) to decrease multiple stitches in one row.

5. How can I fix mistakes while decreasing stitches in my knitting?
If you drop a stitch or make an error while decreasing, try not to panic. Carefully examine your work and undo the last few rows until you reach the mistake. If needed, use a crochet hook or tapestry needle to pick up dropped stitches and fix any twists or tangles in your yarn before continuing.

6. Can I decrease stitches when knitting in the round?
Yes, you can decrease stitches when knitting in the round. However, it requires a bit more planning and careful attention to your pattern instructions. Make sure to read your pattern carefully and double-check your stitch count after each decrease row to ensure accuracy.

In conclusion, decreasing a stitch in knitting may seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques, it can be easily accomplished. By understanding the fundamentals of how stitches are constructed and having a clear plan of action, knitters can confidently decrease stitches without fear of ruining their project.

Firstly, it is imperative to understand the structure of a knitted stitch and how decreases affect it. Decreases are necessary for shaping and creating intricate designs in knitting. Knowing the different types of decreases and when to use them will help achieve clean and professional-looking results.

Next, choosing the appropriate method for decreasing based on the knitting pattern and yarn type is crucial. Slip-slip-knit (SSK), knit two together (K2tog), and centered double decrease (CDD) are just some of the ways to decrease a stitch. It is essential to practice these methods before starting on a project to become comfortable with them.

Maintaining proper tension while decreasing is also vital. This will prevent any loose or tight stitches that can affect the overall appearance of the project. Adding a lifeline can also prove helpful in case you make a mistake while decreasing.

Lastly, being attentive and following instructions correctly can save time and avoid any unnecessary mistakes while decreasing stitches. Reading through patterns carefully and ensuring

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.