Master the Art of Knitting Decrease: A Step-by-Step Guide

As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like snuggling up with a warm cup of tea and a cozy hand-knitted scarf. And for those of us who are avid knitters, there’s always something new to learn and expand our skills. One essential technique that every knitter should have in their repertoire is how to knit decrease. Whether you’re an experienced knitter looking to add some variety to your projects or a beginner curious about this popular method, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dive into the basics of how to knit decrease, giving you all the tools and tips you need to master this technique. So grab your needles and let’s get knitting!

The Basics of Decreasing in Knitting

Decreasing is an essential skill to master when it comes to knitting. It involves reducing the number of stitches on your needle, resulting in a smaller and more compact fabric. Decreasing is commonly used in knitting patterns to shape garments, create decorative designs, or simply decrease the width of your project.

There are various methods for decreasing in knitting, and each one produces a different effect. Some decrease methods are more subtle, while others create a more pronounced decrease line. In this guide, we will go over the basics of decreasing in knitting and explore the most common methods used.

Why is Decreasing Important?

Decreasing is crucial to achieve proper shaping in your knitting projects. Without decreasing, your finished piece may appear bulky or unflattering. For example, if you were making a sweater without any decreases, the sleeves would be as wide as the body, resulting in an oversized and awkward fit.

Decreasing also allows you to create interesting textures and patterns in your knitwear. By manipulating the number of stitches on your needle, you can create unique designs that add visual interest to your projects.

How to Decrease Knitting Stitches

To decrease in knitting, you will need to have at least two stitches on your needle. The most basic method for decreasing is called “knit two together” (k2tog). To perform this decrease, insert the right needle into the next two stitches on the left needle as if you were going to knit them normally. Instead of wrapping the yarn around the needle once, wrap it around twice before pulling it through both stitches at once.

Another popular decrease method is “slip slip knit” (ssk). This technique involves slipping two stitches individually from left to right needle as if to knit them separately. Then insert the left-hand needle into both slipped stitches from left to right and knit them together.

These two methods create a right-leaning decrease, where the stitches slant to the right. To achieve a left-leaning decrease, you can use the “knit one through the back loop” (k1tbl) method. To do this, knit into the back of the stitch instead of the front, creating a twisted stitch.

Decreasing in Different Parts of Your Knitting

Knowing how to decrease is not enough; you also need to know where and when to decrease in your project. Decreasing too early or too late can affect the overall look and fit of your finished piece.

In garments like sweaters or cardigans, decreases are often used to shape armholes, necklines, or waistlines. These areas require gradual decreases over several rows to create a smooth and gradual reduction in size.

In lace knitting, decreases are essential for creating intricate patterns and motifs. The placement and frequency of decreases play a significant role in achieving symmetry and balance in lace designs.

When shaping garments with sleeves or leg openings like socks or mittens, decreases are often used at regular intervals along the edges to shape a cuff or toe.

Avoiding Mistakes when Decreasing

Like any other knitting technique, decreasing requires practice and patience. It’s common for beginners to make mistakes while decreasing, resulting in misshapen or uneven projects. One way to avoid these mistakes is by counting your stitches regularly. Keeping track of your stitch count will ensure that you have not missed any decreases or accidentally increased stitches.

Another mistake to avoid is pulling your yarn too tightly after decreasing. This can cause your fabric to pucker and appear distorted. It’s essential to maintain an even tension throughout your work while decreasing.

Mastering the art of decreasing in knitting opens up endless possibilities for creating beautifully shaped garments, intricate lace designs, and more. With practice and a basic understanding of the different decrease methods, you can confidently tackle any knitting project that requires shaping. Just remember to count your stitches, maintain an even tension, and have fun experimenting with different decrease techniques. Happy knitting!

What is Knit Decrease?

Knit decrease is a knitting technique used to decrease the number of stitches in your work. This technique is essential in creating various patterns such as shaping a garment or creating different stitch designs. It is commonly used in knitting socks, sweaters, hats, and gloves.

When you knit, you create loops with your yarn on your needle. Decreasing means to remove some of these loops from your needle, resulting in fewer stitches. This allows you to shape your knitting project and give it a more tailored look.

Methods for Knit Decrease

There are several methods for knit decrease, each resulting in a slightly different look and serving different purposes depending on your project. The most commonly used methods are the knit two together (K2tog), slip-slip-knit (SSK), and slip-slip-purl (SSP) decreases.

Knit Two Together (K2tog)

This method is used to decrease one stitch from two stitches. It is often used at the beginning or end of a row to shape edges or add texture to your work. To do this decrease, insert your needle through two consecutive stitches as if you were going to knit them together, then wrap the yarn around the needle and pull it through both stitches, slipping them off the needle.

Slip-Slip-Knit (SSK)

The SSK method creates a left-slanting decrease that is great for shaping garments or adding design elements such as a diagonal line. To perform this decrease, slip the first stitch on your left-hand needle onto the right-hand needle without knitting it. Then slip the second stitch onto the right-hand needle as well. Insert your left-hand needle into these two stitches from the front and knit them together.

Slip-Slip-Purl (SSP)

SSP is similar to SSK, except it creates a right-slanting decrease and is used in purl stitches. To do this decrease, slip two stitches as if you were going to knit them together, but instead of knitting, purl them together.

When to Use Knit Decrease

Knit decrease is an integral part of many knitting projects. It is used to shape your work and create intricate designs. You can use it at the beginning or end of a row for shaping edges, or in the middle of a row for adding texture or design elements.

For example, when knitting a hat, you may decrease stitches at the crown to give it a tapered shape. When making a sweater with a waistline, you may use decreases at the sides to cinch in the waist and give the garment a more defined silhouette. Knit decreases can also be used in lace patterns to create beautiful designs and textures.

Tips for Perfecting Knit Decrease

Here are some tips that will help you master knit decrease:

– Make sure all your decreases are done on the same side of your work. If you use one type of decrease on one side and another on the other side, it will result in an uneven look.
– Keep track of where you have decreased by using stitch markers or writing down on a piece of paper.
– Use lifelines if you are working on complex projects. This way, if you make a mistake while decreasing, you can easily unravel to that point without having to start again.
– Practice on scrap yarn before incorporating decreases into your actual project. This way, you can familiarize yourself with different methods and choose which one gives you the best results.
– Pay attention to your tension when decreasing. If your tension is too tight, it will result in smaller stitches and make your work look uneven. Make sure to keep your tension consistent throughout your project.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning how to knit decrease, it can be easy to make mistakes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

– Decreasing in the wrong place or using the wrong method.
– Not paying attention to your stitch count and losing track of where you have decreased.
– Tension variations resulting in uneven stitches.
– Skipping or forgetting to decrease, resulting in an incorrect final shape.

Learning how to knit decrease is an essential skill for any knitter. It allows you to create various patterns and shapes in your projects and achieve a professional, tailored look. By understanding the different methods and tips for perfecting this technique, you can confidently incorporate decreases into your knitting projects and take your skills to the next level. So grab some yarn and needles, and start practicing those decreases!

1. What does “knit decrease” mean?
A knit decrease is a technique used in knitting to reduce the number of stitches on your knitting needle and shape your project.

2. How do I knit decrease?
There are several ways to knit decrease, such as knit two together (K2tog), slip slip knit (SSK), and purl two together (P2tog). Each method results in a different type of decrease, so it’s essential to choose the correct one based on your project’s pattern.

3. Can I knit decrease on any stitch?
You can knit decrease any stitch, including stockinette stitch, garter stitch, ribbing, and more. However, each type of stitch may require a different type of decrease method.

4. How do I know where to place my decrease stitches?
The pattern you are following will indicate where to place your decrease stitches. Pay attention to any symbols or abbreviations that indicate which stitches should be decreased.

5. Can I undo a knit decrease if I make a mistake?
Yes, you can undo a knit decrease by carefully unpicking the stitches with your knitting needle or using a crochet hook to pick up dropped stitches. However, it may be easier to start again from the beginning of the row.

6. What happens if I don’t use the right method for knit decreasing?
Using the wrong method for decreasing may result in an incorrect shape or tension in your knitted project. It’s essential to follow the pattern instructions carefully and choose the right method for each specific decrease indicated in the pattern.

In conclusion, learning how to decrease while knitting is essential for creating beautifully structured and well-fitted projects. Decreasing stitches not only adds shape and dimension to your knitting, but it also allows you to create unique patterns and textures. By understanding the different types of decreases and when to use them, you can elevate your knitting skills and create professional-looking pieces.

Throughout this guide, we have discussed the various techniques for decreasing in knitting, such as knit two stitches together (k2tog), slip slip knit (ssk), and purl two stitches together (p2tog). We have also touched upon the importance of gauge swatching and understanding the anatomy of a stitch, both of which play a crucial role in achieving proper decreases.

Moreover, we have explored the practical application of decreasing techniques in different knitting projects, from hats and socks to sweaters and shawls. By providing step-by-step instructions, tips, and visual aids, we hope to have made the concept of decreasing easier to grasp for both novice and experienced knitters.

As with any skill, mastering the art of decreasing takes time and practice. It is important to be patient with yourself and not get discouraged by mistakes or imperfect results. Experimenting with various techniques and incorporating decreases into your own designs can lead to

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.