Mastering the Art of Decreasing in Knitting: Tips for In-the-Round Projects

Knitting in the round is a popular technique used by knitters to create seamless, circular projects such as hats, cowls, and sweaters. However, one aspect that can prove challenging for many is decreasing in the round. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, mastering this technique can take your projects to the next level. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of how to decrease in knitting in the round, providing you with tips and tricks to make the process smoother and more efficient. Get ready to elevate your knitting skills and create flawless circular pieces with our helpful guide.

Knitting in the round is a popular technique used to create seamless and continuous tubes such as hats, cowls, and sweaters. While it may seem intimidating at first, knitting in the round is actually quite simple and allows for an endless variety of patterns and designs. One common challenge when knitting in the round is decreasing, which creates shaping and a narrower circumference. Decreasing in knitting can be done in several ways and this guide will provide detailed instructions on how to decrease in knitting while working in the round.

The Importance of Decreasing

Decreasing is an essential technique in knitting that allows for shaping of various projects. By decreasing stitches, you can create curves or angles that add interest and structure to your work. When working in the round, decreasing is especially important as it helps shape items that are knit without seams. It also helps create a professional, finished look by seamlessly transitioning between different stitch patterns.

Methods of Decreasing

There are several ways to decrease stitches while knitting in the round depending on the desired outcome and project design. The most common methods include knit 2 together (K2tog), slip slip knit (SSK), and slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (SKP). These methods all involve decreasing two stitches at once to gradually narrow the circumference of your project.

Knit 2 Together (K2tog)

The K2tog method is a basic decrease that is frequently used when creating simple shapes such as hats or socks. To perform this decrease:

1) Knit until you reach the point where you want to begin decreasing.
2) Insert your right needle into both stitches from front to back.
3) Wrap yarn around your needle from back to front.
4) Pull yarn through both stitches and slip them off your left needle.
5) You have now completed a K2tog decrease.

Slip Slip Knit (SSK)

SSK is another common decrease that is often used to create a left-leaning decrease, making it ideal for shaping sleeves or creating intricate designs. Here’s how to perform an SSK decrease:

1) Knit until you reach the desired point for decreasing.
2) Slip the first stitch knitwise onto your right needle.
3) Repeat with the second stitch, also slipping it knitwise onto your right needle.
4) Insert your left needle through both slipped stitches from left to right.
5) Wrap yarn around your needle from back to front.
6) Pull yarn through both stitches and slip them off your left needle.
7) You have now completed an SSK decrease.

Slip 1, Knit 1, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (SKP)

Similar to the SSK decrease, SKP is often used for creating a left-leaning decrease. This method is typically used in lace knitting or various decorative stitch patterns. Here’s how to perform an SKP decrease:

1) Knit until you reach the desired point for decreasing.
2) Slip the first stitch knitwise onto your right needle.
3) Knit the next stitch on your left needle.
4) Insert your left needle into the slipped stitch on your right needle and pass it over the knitted stitch and off of your right needle.
5) You have now completed an SKP decrease.

Tips for Decreasing in Knitting

– When using any of these methods, always keep in mind which direction you want the decrease to lean and choose your method accordingly. K2tog decreases will lean towards the right while SSK and SKP will lean towards the left.
– Use markers or a row counter to keep track of where you need to decrease in your pattern.
– Practice on a swatch or scrap yarn before attempting decreases on your actual project.
– Keep a consistent tension throughout the decrease to avoid any gaps or puckering in your knitting.

Incorporating Decreases into Your Knitting

Now that you know the basic techniques for decreasing in knitting, it’s time to put them into practice. When working on a pattern that requires decreases, they will typically be written out for you. For example, a pattern may instruct you to “K2tog, K6” which would mean to knit two together and then knit the next six stitches. It’s important to pay attention to the order in which these decreases are written as they can affect the overall design of your project.

Decreasing within a Stitch Pattern

If you’re following a more intricate stitch pattern, such as lace, cables, or colorwork, it’s important to know that decreases can be incorporated into these patterns as well. This adds an extra level of complexity but also gives you the opportunity to create unique and beautiful designs.

Shaping with Decreases

Decreasing is not only used for creating straight edges but also for creating shaping within your work.

Understanding Decreasing in Knitting in the Round

Decreasing in knitting is an essential skill that every knitter should master. It involves reducing the number of stitches on your needle to create shaping or to finish a project. When you are working in the round, which means knitting in a continuous spiral rather than back and forth, decreasing can seem daunting. However, with a few techniques and tips, you can easily decrease in your knitting projects.

Decreasing in knitting is essentially the opposite of increasing. Instead of adding stitches, you are taking them away. This process creates shaping and adds structure to your knitted pieces. It is especially important when working on projects such as hats, socks, and sweaters where you need to create curves or tapering.

There are a few key terms that you need to understand when it comes to decreasing in knitting. First is “stitch,” which refers to the individual loops on your needle. Then there’s “decrease,” which means taking two or more stitches and working them together into one stitch. And finally, there’s “directional decrease,” which simply means decreasing either on the right-hand side (right-leaning) or left-hand side (left-leaning) of your work.

Types of Decreases

Before we dive into how to decrease while knitting in the round, let’s take a look at some common types of decreases that you’ll encounter:

1. Knit Two Stitches Together (k2tog): This is one of the most basic decreases in knitting. It involves inserting your right needle through two stitches on your left needle and then pulling a loop through both stitches together.

2. Slip Slip Knit (ssk): This decrease creates a left-leaning stitch and is great for shaping armholes or necklines. To do this decrease, slip two stitches separately as if to knit onto your right needle, insert the left needle into the front loops of those stitches and knit them together.

3. Knit Two Together Through the Back Loop (k2tog-tbl): This decrease creates a right-leaning stitch and is often used for shaping shoulders or decreasing in ribbing. To do this decrease, insert your right needle through the back loops of two stitches on your left needle and knit them together.

4. Central Double Decrease (cdd): This decrease is perfect for creating symmetrical decreases in lace patterns. It involves slipping two stitches as if to knit, knitting the next stitch, then pulling the slipped stitches over it and off the needles.

5. Slip Slip Slip Knit (sssk): Similar to ssk, this decrease creates a left-leaning stitch but involves slipping three stitches instead of two before knitting them together.

Decreasing in Knitting in the Round

Now that you’re familiar with some common types of decreases, let’s look at how to decrease while knitting in the round:

1. Prepare Your Yarn: Before starting to decrease, make sure that you have enough yarn for your project, leaving a few inches for weaving in ends. You can also cut a long tail at this point if you are using the “magic loop” method.

2. Read Your Pattern: If you are following a pattern, read it carefully to understand where and how many decreases you need to make.

3. Keep Track of Your Stitches: While working in the round, it’s easy to lose track of your stitches since there is no clear beginning or end of each row. Use markers or place a safety pin on one edge every few rows to help keep track and ensure that you are decreasing evenly.

4. Choose Your Decrease: Decide which type of decrease suits your project best based on how you want your fabric to look and what type of shaping you need.

5. Place Your Markers: If you are using stitch markers, place them on each side of the stitches that you want to decrease.

6. Work the Decrease: When you reach the marked stitches, follow the instructions for your chosen decrease method. Continue working in the round until all decreases are made.

7. Adjust Your Needles: As you decrease, it’s essential to keep your stitches evenly distributed on your needles. Adjust your circular needle if needed to prevent overcrowding and ensure comfortable knitting.

Tips for Decreasing in Knitting in the Round

– Always count your stitches before and after making a decrease to ensure you haven’t missed or added any.
– If working with a loose tension, consider using a smaller needle size when decreasing to maintain even tension throughout your project.
– For projects such as hats or socks, try decreasing every few rounds instead of every round for a more gradual shaping.
– If decreasing involves slipping stitches, look out for any “yo” (yarn over) instructions between slipped stitches that may need extra attention.
– Remember that decreasing while knitting in the round is not difficult but requires patience and practice. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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1. What is the best method for decreasing in knitting in the round?
The most common method for decreasing in knitting in the round is known as the “knit two together” decrease, which involves knitting two stitches together as one.

2. Can I use a different decrease method when knitting in the round?
There are several other methods for decreasing in knitting, such as the slip, slip, knit (SSK) decrease or the slip knit pass (SKP) decrease, but these may not produce the best results when working in the round.

3. When should I start decreasing when knitting a project in the round?
The timing for when to start decreasing depends on your specific project and pattern. Generally, decreases are made gradually throughout a project to create shaping or a desired design.

4. How do I avoid gaps when decreasing in knitting in the round?
To avoid gaps between your stitches when decreasing in the round, try pulling your working yarn snugly after each stitch or using a smaller stitch marker to keep your stitches together.

5. Is there a certain direction I should be decreasing when working in the round?
When working with circular or double pointed needles, decreases are typically made going from right to left. However, always follow your pattern instructions to ensure proper shaping and symmetry.

6. Can I incorporate decreases into my knitted accessories such as hats or socks?
Yes, you can incorporate decreases into any knitted project worked in the round. Just be sure to pay attention to your pattern instructions and adjust based on your specific project.

In conclusion, decreasing in knitting in the round can seem intimidating or challenging at first, but with practice and patience, it can be mastered. Understanding the technique and selecting the right method for your project is crucial to achieving a neat and professional looking result. The process of decreasing not only helps shape your project but also adds texture and visual interest to your design. By following the steps outlined in our discussion, you can decrease confidently in any knitting project.

Remember to knit tightly when decreasing and keep an eye on your stitch markers to ensure accuracy. It is also helpful to practice on scrap yarn before incorporating decreases into your main project.

Additionally, understanding the anatomy of a decrease stitch and how they interact with each other is essential in creating a smooth and polished final product. Experimenting with different decrease types can also add variety and creativity to your knitting projects.

In summary, decreasing in knitting in the round requires attention to detail, practice, and a willingness to try different methods. By mastering this technique, you can take your knitting skills to the next level and create stunning pieces that are both functional and visually appealing. So go ahead and incorporate decreases into your next knitting project and see the difference it makes! Thank you for reading our guide on how to decrease in knitting in the round – we hope

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.