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Decreases: K2tog & ssk

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There are so many knit decreases out there! In this Stitchopedia post, I will explain the k2tog (knit two together) and the ssk (slip slip knit), which are the two I see and use most often. Just as with the two kinds of make one increases we discussed a while back, these two decreases lean in opposite directions. I will also show you an alternate way to make the ssk. In this post you will find written instructions, process photos, and a video.

For this tutorial I used Red Heart Super Saver and an size US 10/6.00mm knitting needles.

Abbreviations:
k ~ knit
st(s) ~ stitch(es)

k2tog: knit 2 together
Insert right hand needle from left to right through the front loop of the first 2 sts on the left hand needle (2 sts closest to the tip of the left hand needle), wrap yarn over the right hand needle and pull through as you would to knit.

ssk: slip slip knit
Insert right hand needle into st closest to the tip of the left hand needle as if to knit (from left to right in the front loop) and slip the st off the left needle onto the right, repeat for the next st, insert the left needle from left to right in the front loops of the 2 sts just slipped to the right needle, wrap yarn over the right hand needle and pull through as you would to knit.

Above is the traditional way to ssk, however, there is an alternate way that can be used in place of the ssk, and is sometime included in patterns and called k2tog through back loop, or k2tog tbl. This is done as follows:
Insert right hand needle from right to left through the back loops of the 2 sts closest to the tip of the left hand needle, wrap yarn over the right hand needle and pull through as you would to knit.

These two needles do create the same st, however, with the first method the second st that is knitted together seems to get pulled a little bigger, and with the second method, the first st seems to get pulled a little bigger. This creates a slightly different look. I suggest making a swatch of each method within your stitch pattern and deciding which looks best for you.

Would you like a practice piece? Try the evens coasters in these evens and odds mitered coaster to get the hang of these decreases!

©Copyright 2015 Jessie Rayot / Jessie At Home All my videos, patterns and posts are my own work. Do not copy them in any way. If you want to share this information with someone, share the link to this post. If you want to share on your own blog / website, then you may use the first photo in this post and link back to this post. You may not give away printed copies of this post. Thank you.

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