Knit Smarter, Not Harder: Mastering the Art of Decreasing in the Round

Did you know that knitting in the round can be both rewarding and frustrating? While it allows for a seamless and continuous pattern, it can also lead to an uneven tension known as “knitting in the round” or “twisted stitches”. If this sounds like a familiar struggle, fear not! In this article, we will explore how to decrease knitting in the round and achieve a more uniform and polished look in your projects. So, grab your needles and let’s dive into some tips and techniques to overcome this common challenge in knitting.

Understanding Knitting In the Round

Knitting in the round is a technique used to create seamless projects such as hats, sweaters, and socks. It involves working in a continuous spiral rather than going back and forth like traditional knitting. This technique is beneficial as it eliminates the need for seaming and creates a more polished and professional appearance.

To knit in the round, you can use double-pointed needles, circular needles, or even magic loop method. With each method, you will need to join your work in the round by knitting the first stitch of your cast on row with the last stitch. This creates a seamless circle that allows you to work continuously without turning your knitting.

One of the most common issues knitters face while working in the round is an increase or decrease in their stitch count. This can cause uneven sides and ultimately disrupt the entire project. In this guide, we will discuss how to decrease knitting in the round, which is an essential skill to have for any successful circular knitting project.

Tips for Decreasing Knitting In the Round

Decreasing stitches while knitting in the round may seem daunting at first, but with these helpful tips, it can be easily mastered.

1. Use Markers:
Markers are essential when working in the round as they help track your stitches and prevent any unwanted increases or decreases. Place markers after a set number of stitches or before and after a specific stitch pattern. This will help you keep track of where you are supposed to decrease.

2. Keep a Consistent Tension:
Maintaining an even tension throughout your work is crucial for decreasing evenly. Uneven tension can lead to varying stitch sizes and ultimately cause increases or decreases unintentionally.

3. Follow Pattern Instructions:
If you are following a pattern, be sure to read and understand the instructions carefully before starting your decreases. The pattern will guide you on where and how to decrease, so it’s essential to follow them accurately.

4. Practice Decreasing on Scrap Yarn:
Before jumping into your actual project, it’s always a good idea to practice decreasing on a sample swatch with scrap yarn. This will help you get comfortable with the technique and also allow you to make any necessary adjustments before starting your project.

Common Methods for Decreasing Knitting In the Round

There are several methods for decreasing knitting in the round, each with its own unique purpose and outcome. Here are some of the most commonly used methods:

1. Knit Two Stitches Together (K2tog):
K2tog is a simple yet effective way of decreasing stitches in circular knitting. To do this, insert your right needle through the first two stitches from left to right and knit them together as one stitch. This method is usually used to decrease one stitch at a time and create a smooth angled decrease.

2. Slip Slip Knit (SSK):
SSK is another common method used for decreasing in the round, especially in lace patterns. To do this, slip the first two stitches as if you were going to knit them, then insert your left needle through the front loops of these two stitches and knit them together as one stitch. This will create a left-leaning decrease.

3. Knit Two Together Through Back Loop (K2togtbl):
This method is similar to K2tog but creates a different type of decrease by twisting the stitches before knitting them together. Insert your right needle through the back loops of the first two stitches from left to right and knit them together as one stitch.

4. Central Double Decrease:
This decrease involves slipping two stitches together knitwise, knitting one stitch, then passing both slipped stitches over this knit stitch. This creates a clean center-line decrease often used in shaping garment armholes or necklines.

Additional Tips for Decreasing Knitting In the Round

1. Use Stitch Dictionaries:
Stitch dictionaries are excellent resources for knitters, especially when it comes to shaping techniques such as decreasing. These books contain a vast variety of stitch patterns and decreasing methods that you can refer to while working on your project.

2. Keep Tension Even Between Decreases:
As mentioned earlier, maintaining an even tension is crucial when working in the round. When decreasing, be mindful of your tension between stitches to avoid creating gaps or tight spots in your work.

3. Block Your Work:
Blocking is a crucial step in any knitting project and can help even out any uneven stitches or edges caused by decreases. Once you have completed your project, block it using steam or water to give it a polished and professional finish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Decreasing Knitting In the Round

1. Unexpected Increases:
If you notice that your stitch count is increasing instead of decreasing, check to make sure you are following the pattern instructions correctly and counting your stitches accurately as you work.

2. Uneven Sides:
Uneven sides are often caused by unintentional increases or decreases in between decrease rows. To fix this, carefully count your stitches after each decrease row

Understanding Knitting in the Round

Knitting in the round is a popular technique used to create seamless garments, such as hats, socks, and sweaters. It involves working in a continuous circle without the need for seams. This technique is commonly used by experienced knitters but can be intimidating for beginners. However, once you understand the basics of knitting in the round, it can open up a whole new world of possibilities for your knitting projects.

Tools and Materials Needed

To successfully knit in the round, you will need some specific tools and materials. The most common method for knitting in the round is using circular needles. These have two needle points connected by a flexible cable. They come in different sizes and lengths depending on your project’s needs. Choosing the right size needle is crucial as it determines how tight or loose your stitches will be.

Another tool you will need is stitch markers. These small plastic or metal rings are used to mark specific points on your knitting, such as where a new round begins or where increases/decreases occur. They are essential for keeping track of your progress and following complex patterns.

You will also need yarn suitable for circular knitting and a pattern that is written specifically for this technique. Keep in mind that working in the round may require more yarn than flat knitting due to tighter tension.

Casting On

Casting on is slightly different for knitting in the round compared to flat knitting. You have two options when casting on: using double-pointed needles (DPNs) or using magic loop method with circular needles.

If using DPNs, divide your stitches evenly between three or four needles (depending on how many stitches you have) and join them together to form a circle. Make sure there are no twists in your stitches before beginning.

With magic loop, simply cast on all of your stitches onto a circular needle and slide the stitches to the middle of the cable. Bend the cable in half and use the tips of your needles to knit each side, working in a continuous circle.

Techniques for Decreasing Stitches

Decreasing stitches is necessary for shaping your project, whether it’s making a hat or decreasing towards the toe of a sock. There are two main methods for decreasing stitches when knitting in the round: knit-two-together (K2tog) and slip-slip-knit (ssk).

K2tog involves knitting two stitches together as one. To do this, insert your right needle into the first two stitches on your left needle, wrap your yarn around and pull through both stitches at once. This decreases one stitch.

Ssk is similar to K2tog but results in a slightly different angle on your decrease. Slip two stitches individually as if you were going to knit them, then transfer them back onto your left needle, insert your right needle into both stitches from behind and knit them together. This also decreases one stitch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a few mistakes that beginners often make when first attempting circular knitting. One common error is accidentally twisting their cast on stitches, resulting in an hourglass shape instead of a flat circle. Always double-check that all your stitches are facing right side up before joining in the round.

Another mistake is forgetting to use stitch markers or not moving them up as you progress. This can quickly lead to confusion about where you are in the pattern, especially if it involves increasing or decreasing.

Lastly, tension can be tricky to get right when knitting in the round. Some knitters tend to pull tighter on their yarn without even realizing it, resulting in smaller and tighter stitches compared to their flat knitting gauge. Be mindful of maintaining consistent tension throughout the entire project.

Finishing Your Project

To finish your project, you will need to bind off your stitches. The most common method is the standard bind off, where you knit two stitches and pass the first stitch over the second, repeating until all stitches are bound off.

For a seamless finish, you can also use a stretchy bind-off method such as the Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off (JSSBO). This bind-off allows for more elasticity and is ideal for ribbing or edges that need to stretch, such as hats or cuffs.

In conclusion, learning how to knit in the round opens up a whole new world of possibilities for your knitting projects. With the right tools and techniques, you can create beautiful seamless garments with ease. Remember to be patient with yourself and practice regularly. Before you know it, knitting in the round will become second nature to you. Happy knitting!

1. What does it mean to “decrease” in knitting in the round?
Decreasing in knitting refers to the technique of gradually reducing the number of stitches in a round, creating a tapered or curved shape.

2. Why would I need to decrease while knitting in the round?
Decreasing is commonly used when shaping a piece of knitted fabric, such as for sleeves or hats. It can also be used to create texture or pattern within a project.

3. How do I decrease while knitting in the round?
To decrease, simply knit two stitches together (k2tog) or slip slip knit (ssk) on either side of the designated decrease stitch marker. This will result in one stitch being decreased from your row.

4. Can I use any decrease method while knitting in the round?
Yes, you can use any traditional decrease method while knitting in the round, such as k2tog, ssk, p2tog, and ssp. However, some methods may be more suitable for certain projects or patterns.

5. How can I maintain a consistent stitch count while decreasing?
To maintain an even number of stitches on each round while decreasing, make sure to always decrease an equal number of stitches on either side of your designated decrease stitch marker.

6. Can I undo decreases if I make a mistake?
Yes, you can fix decreases by carefully unraveling your work back to where you made the error and then re-knitting those stitches correctly. Use a lifeline thread to prevent losing too many stitches when unraveling.

In conclusion, knitting in the round can provide many benefits such as seamless construction and versatility in creating various projects. However, it can also be challenging to maintain consistent tension and avoid the dreaded “jog” when joining rounds. Fortunately, there are several techniques that can help decrease knitting in the round and create a more polished final product. From adjusting needle size to utilizing stitch markers and incorporating stretchy cast-on methods, there are many ways to achieve smoother transitions between rounds and a more professional finish.

Another critical aspect of decreasing knitting in the round is understanding the importance of maintaining equal tension throughout the project. This can be achieved through proper technique, such as avoiding pulling the yarn too tightly or loosely as you knit. Additionally, regularly checking your tension and making adjustments as needed can greatly improve the overall appearance of your finished project.

It is also essential to consider the type of yarn you are using when attempting to decrease knitting in the round. Stretchier yarns or those with more give may require different techniques than stiffer, less forgiving yarns. Experimenting with various methods and finding what works best for you and your specific project is crucial.

In addition to technical aspects, decreasing knitting in the round also requires patience and practice. As with any skill, mastering this technique takes time and

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.