Mastering Knitting Decreases: A Comprehensive Guide

Knitting decreases are fundamental techniques that shape your projects, transforming a flat piece of fabric into something three-dimensional. Whether you’re crafting fitted sweaters, shaping hats, or creating intricate lace patterns, understanding how to decrease stitches is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various decrease methods, providing detailed, step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to elevate your knitting skills.

Why Learn Knitting Decreases?

Decreases are used to reduce the number of stitches on your needle, thereby narrowing your knitted fabric. This is crucial for:

* **Shaping:** Creating curves and angles in your knitted pieces, like the shoulders of a sweater or the crown of a hat.
* **Fitting:** Tailoring garments to the body for a more flattering and comfortable fit.
* **Design:** Incorporating decorative elements, such as lace patterns or textured stitches.
* **Finishing:** Neatly closing seams and creating professional-looking edges.

Types of Knitting Decreases

There are numerous ways to decrease stitches, each producing a slightly different result. The most common methods include:

* **Knit Two Together (k2tog):** A right-leaning decrease.
* **Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk):** A left-leaning decrease.
* **Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (skpo):** Another left-leaning decrease, sometimes preferred for its neater appearance.
* **Central Double Decrease (CDD):** A symmetrical decrease that reduces two stitches at once, creating a centered point.
* **Purl Two Together (p2tog):** A right-leaning decrease worked on the purl side.
* **Slip, Slip, Purl (ssp):** A left-leaning decrease worked on the purl side.

We’ll explore each of these techniques in detail, providing clear instructions and visual aids.

Right-Leaning Decreases

Right-leaning decreases slant to the right, effectively pulling the fabric in that direction. They are often used on the right side of a piece to create a balanced shape.

Knit Two Together (k2tog)

K2tog is perhaps the most basic and widely used decrease. It’s simple to execute and creates a clean, defined line.

**Steps:**

1. **Insert your right needle into the first two stitches on your left needle as if to knit them together.** Instead of inserting the needle into just the first stitch, you’ll be catching both the first and second stitches.
2. **Wrap the yarn around the right needle as you would for a regular knit stitch.** Bring the yarn from back to front over the right needle.
3. **Draw the yarn through both stitches.** Use the right needle to pull the wrapped yarn through both the first and second stitches on the left needle.
4. **Slip both stitches off the left needle.** You’ve now decreased one stitch, replacing two stitches with one.

**Tips for a Better k2tog:**

* **Tension:** Maintain a consistent tension to avoid loose or overly tight stitches. Experiment to find what works best with your yarn and needle size.
* **Needle Angle:** Pay attention to the angle of your right needle as you draw the yarn through the stitches. Keeping it relatively parallel to the left needle can help create a smoother stitch.

Purl Two Together (p2tog)

The p2tog decrease is the purl-side equivalent of k2tog. It leans to the right and is used to shape the fabric on the wrong side of your work.

**Steps:**

1. **Insert your right needle into the first two stitches on your left needle as if to purl them together.** This is similar to k2tog, but you’re inserting the needle from right to left into both stitches.
2. **Wrap the yarn around the right needle as you would for a regular purl stitch.** Bring the yarn from front to back over the right needle.
3. **Draw the yarn through both stitches.** Use the right needle to pull the wrapped yarn through both the first and second stitches on the left needle.
4. **Slip both stitches off the left needle.** You’ve decreased one stitch on the purl side.

**Tips for a Better p2tog:**

* **Yarn Position:** Ensure the yarn is in front of your work before starting the decrease.
* **Tension:** As with k2tog, consistent tension is key to a neat and even decrease.

Left-Leaning Decreases

Left-leaning decreases slant to the left, complementing right-leaning decreases to create symmetrical shaping. They are often used on the left side of a piece or in pairs with k2tog to create a balanced look.

Slip, Slip, Knit (ssk)

Ssk is a popular left-leaning decrease known for its clean appearance. It involves slipping two stitches knitwise before knitting them together.

**Steps:**

1. **Slip one stitch knitwise.** Insert your right needle into the first stitch on your left needle as if to knit, and slip it onto the right needle without working it. Repeat with the second stitch.
2. **Return the slipped stitches to the left needle.** Insert the tip of the left needle into the front of the two slipped stitches on the right needle. Slide them back onto the left needle. The order of the stitches is now reversed.
3. **Knit the two stitches together through the back loops.** Insert your right needle into the back loops of both stitches and knit them together. This twists the stitches, causing them to lean to the left.

**Tips for a Better ssk:**

* **Slipping Knitwise:** Always slip the stitches knitwise to properly orient them for the decrease.
* **Tension:** Be mindful of your tension, especially when knitting through the back loops. Avoid pulling the yarn too tightly, as this can create a distorted stitch.
* **Alternative Method:** Some knitters find it easier to slip the stitches purlwise and then knit them together through the back loops. Experiment to see which method works best for you.

Slip, Knit, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (skpo)

Skpo is another left-leaning decrease that produces a similar result to ssk. Some knitters find it easier to execute and prefer its slightly different texture.

**Steps:**

1. **Slip one stitch knitwise.** Insert your right needle into the first stitch on your left needle as if to knit, and slip it onto the right needle without working it.
2. **Knit the next stitch.** Knit the following stitch on the left needle as you normally would.
3. **Pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.** Use the tip of the left needle to lift the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch and off the right needle. This creates the decrease.

**Tips for a Better skpo:**

* **Smooth Movement:** When passing the slipped stitch over, be gentle to avoid distorting the stitches. A smooth, fluid motion will result in a neater decrease.
* **Tension:** Consistent tension is important to maintain a uniform appearance.

Slip, Slip, Purl (ssp)

The ssp decrease is the purl-side equivalent of ssk. It leans to the left and is used to shape the fabric on the wrong side of your work.

**Steps:**

1. **Slip two stitches knitwise.** Slip the first two stitches on the left needle one at a time knitwise onto the right needle.
2. **Return the slipped stitches to the left needle.** Insert the tip of the left needle into the front of the two slipped stitches on the right needle. Slide them back onto the left needle. The order of the stitches is now reversed.
3. **Purl the two stitches together through the back loops.** Bring the yarn to the front of your work. Insert your right needle into the back loops of both stitches and purl them together.

**Tips for a Better ssp:**

* **Ensure the Yarn is in Front:** Remember to bring the yarn to the front before purling.
* **Tension:** Maintain even tension to avoid puckering or loose stitches.

Central Double Decrease (CDD)

The Central Double Decrease (CDD), also known as the centered double decrease, reduces two stitches at once, creating a symmetrical point. It’s commonly used in lace patterns and other decorative designs.

**Steps:**

1. **Slip two stitches together as if to knit them together.** Insert your right needle into the first two stitches on the left needle as if you were going to k2tog, and slip them onto the right needle without working them.
2. **Knit the next stitch.** Knit the following stitch on the left needle as you normally would.
3. **Pass the two slipped stitches over the knitted stitch.** Use the tip of the left needle to lift the two slipped stitches over the knitted stitch and off the right needle. This creates the double decrease.

**Tips for a Better CDD:**

* **Smooth Motion:** Ensure a smooth, fluid motion when passing the slipped stitches over to avoid snagging the yarn.
* **Centered Appearance:** The CDD creates a neat, centered decrease, making it ideal for symmetrical designs.

Reading Your Knitting: Identifying Decreases

Being able to identify different decrease types in your knitted fabric is essential for understanding patterns and correcting mistakes. Here’s what to look for:

* **k2tog:** Creates a distinct, diagonal line that leans to the right. The decrease stitch will appear slightly larger than surrounding knit stitches.
* **ssk:** Also creates a diagonal line, but it leans to the left. The twisted appearance of the stitches makes it recognizable.
* **skpo:** Similar to ssk, but may have a slightly tighter or neater appearance depending on your tension.
* **CDD:** Forms a clear, centered point, with stitches radiating outwards.
* **p2tog:** A right-leaning decrease on the purl side, appearing as a vertical line.
* **ssp:** A left-leaning decrease on the purl side, also appearing as a vertical line.

Choosing the Right Decrease for Your Project

The type of decrease you choose will depend on the desired effect and the specific pattern you’re following. Here are some general guidelines:

* **Symmetrical Shaping:** Use k2tog on the right side and ssk (or skpo) on the left side to create a balanced, symmetrical shape. Alternatively, use p2tog on the right side of the wrong side row and ssp on the left side of the wrong side row.
* **Decorative Decreases:** CDD is excellent for creating eye-catching details in lace patterns and other decorative designs.
* **Seamless Decreases:** When working in the round, consider using yarn overs in conjunction with decreases to create a smooth, seamless transition.
* **Pattern Instructions:** Always follow the instructions in your knitting pattern carefully. The designer will have chosen the specific decreases for a reason.

Troubleshooting Common Decrease Problems

Even experienced knitters sometimes encounter challenges when working decreases. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

* **Loose Decreases:** If your decreases are too loose, try tightening your tension or using a smaller needle size. You can also try the alternative method of ssk, slipping the stitches purlwise.
* **Tight Decreases:** If your decreases are too tight, try loosening your tension or using a larger needle size. Ensure you’re not pulling the yarn too tightly when knitting through the back loops (for ssk).
* **Uneven Decreases:** Uneven decreases can be caused by inconsistent tension. Pay close attention to maintaining a uniform tension throughout your work.
* **Incorrect Decrease Count:** Double-check your pattern instructions and carefully count your stitches after each decrease row to ensure you’re working the correct number of decreases.
* **Holes in the Fabric:** Holes can sometimes appear around decreases, especially with lace patterns. Make sure you’re wrapping the yarn correctly and maintaining consistent tension. Blocking the finished piece can also help even out the stitches.

Tips for Improving Your Decrease Skills

* **Practice Regularly:** The best way to master knitting decreases is to practice them regularly. Work swatch samples using different decrease methods to familiarize yourself with the techniques.
* **Use Visual Aids:** Watch video tutorials and refer to detailed diagrams to understand the correct steps for each decrease. There are many excellent resources available online.
* **Experiment with Different Yarns and Needles:** Different yarns and needle sizes can affect the appearance of your decreases. Experiment to find the combinations that work best for you.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Frog:** If you make a mistake, don’t hesitate to unravel your work and try again. “Frogging” (ripping out stitches) is a normal part of knitting, and it’s often the best way to correct errors.
* **Join a Knitting Community:** Connect with other knitters online or in person to share tips, ask questions, and learn from each other. Knitting communities are a valuable resource for improving your skills.

Incorporating Decreases into Projects

Here are a few project ideas that showcase the use of knitting decreases:

* **Hats:** Decreases are essential for shaping the crown of a hat. Experiment with different decrease patterns to create various styles.
* **Sweaters:** Decreases are used to shape the shoulders, neckline, and sleeves of sweaters. Understanding decrease placement is crucial for achieving a well-fitting garment.
* **Shawls:** Decreases can be used to create interesting shapes and textures in shawls and scarves. Lace patterns often incorporate complex decrease sequences.
* **Mittens:** Decreases shape the top of the mitten and create the thumb gusset.
* **Socks:** Decreases are utilized to shape the toe of the sock.

Conclusion

Knitting decreases are indispensable techniques that every knitter should master. By understanding the different types of decreases and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to create beautifully shaped and fitted projects. Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore new techniques. With patience and dedication, you’ll soon be decreasing like a pro!