Knit or Purl Two Stitches Together
Two Methods of Decreasing in Knitting Using Knits or Purls
Two common methods of decreasing in knitting are to knit two stitches together (k2tog) and to purl two stitches together. Learn to execute them correctly.
A couple of very common methods of decreasing in knitting are to k2tog, or knit two stitches together, and to p2tog. They are common in patterns as well as in designing, because unless a knitter only wants to make squares and rectangles, she must master the decrease.
The following methods are very common ways to decrease. There are other ways, so be sure to do what the pattern asks for. If designing, choose the method that will provide the desired look.
The K2tog Technique
At the position for the decrease, take the right needle from left to right through the front of the first two stitches on the left needle. The tip of the right needle will end up behind the left needle. (Figure 1)
Wrap the yarn from back to front between the tips of the two needles. (Figure 2)
Draw the tip of the right needle back through the two stitches on the left needle. Keep the wrapped yarn on the right needle.
The wrapped yarn will form a new stitch on the right needle.
Slide the right needle to the right, slipping the used loops on the tip of the left needle off the needle. (Figure 3)
The P2tog Technique
At the position for the decrease, take the right needle from right to left through the fronts of the first two stitches on the left needle. The tip of the right needle will end up in front of the left needle.
Wrap the yarn from right to left (counterclockwise) around the tip of your right needle.
Draw the tip of the right needle back through the two stitches on the left needle. Keep the wrapped yarn on the right needle.
The wrapped yarn will form a new stitch on the right needle.
Slide the right needle to the right, slipping the used loops on the tip of the left needle off the needle.
Other Techniques
There are a few ways to decrease in knitting; however, these two methods are very popular.
Other ways to decrease are the slip, slip, knit method, and the slip, knit, pass the slipped stitch over method.
Related Articles: Knitting Increase While Purling, Bar Increase With Knit Stitch, Hiding Knit Tails and Joins, The Purl Stitch, The Knit Stitch, and Many Others.
