Three decreases-- *knit 2 together *slip, slip, knit *3 stitch decrease

*Knit 2 together *slip, slip knit *three stitch decrease
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includes a how-to

This post is about 3 handy decreases.

The first, "Knit 2 together" (abbreviated "k2tog") slants to the RIGHT. K2tog decreases away ONE STITCH every time it is done.

The second decrease, "Slip, slip, knit" (abbreviated "ssk") slants to the LEFT. Like k2tog, ssk also decreases away ONE STITCH every time it is done.

In lots of garments, paired decreases are used: k2tog AND ssk to make raglan decreases, v-necks (and other shapings too, like hat tops, sock gussets, etc.)

A third type of decrease "3 stitch decrease" (abbreviated "3stdec") slants neither right nor left, but makes a STRAIGHT LINE. 3stdec decreases away TWO STITCHES every time it is done. It is used especially on the tops of hats where a flat top is wanted (tams, roll-brim shaped hats) or to make the flat bottom of a knitted bag.

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Here are directions for each of the three decreases:

KNIT 2 TOGETHER
(k2tog)

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1. PREPARATION: Insert right needle from left to right (knitwise) through the two stitches at the tip of the left needle. Draw the yarn through the loops.
2. The FINAL RESULT: The LEFT stitch lies on top, the RIGHT stitch is hidden behind, and the decrease slants RIGHT. One stitch appears where 2 were before, so k2tog is a one-stitch decrease.

SLIP, SLIP, KNIT
(ssk)

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1. FIRST SLIP: Insert the right needle from left to right (knitwise) into the first stitch on the tip of the left needle, and slip the stitch onto the right needle.
2. SECOND SLIP: Repeat same step with the second stitch
3. KNIT TOGETHER THOUGH THE BACK LOOPS: Insert the left needle into the front of the 2 stitches previously slipped onto right needle. Draw the yarn through the loops from this position.
4. The FINAL RESULT: The right stitch lies on top, the left stitch is hidden behind and the decrease slants left. One stitch appears where 2 were before, so (like k2tog) ssk is a one-stitch decrease.

3 STITCH DECREASE
(3stdec)

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1. Inserting from left to right (knitwise), run right needle through TWO loops at tip of left needle and slip these two stitches onto the right needle. Knit the next stitch. Next, insert the tip of the left needle under the 2 slipped stitches and lift them OVER the knitted stitch. This is called "passing the slipped stitch(es) over" and is abbreviated "psso."
2. If 3stdec looks like combination of k2tog and ssk, that's because it is. Like k2tog, the stitch behind the top stitch slants right; like ssk, there is also a left slanting stitch behind the top stitch. The two slanted stitches combine to pull the top (middle) stitch straight. One stitch appears where 3 were before, so 3stdec is a two-stitch decrease.

(In a future post, there will be a pattern for improved baby booties which uses all three of these decreases.)

--TECHknitter