Decreases
Decreases are techniques used to reduce the number of stitches on your needles, making the fabric narrower to shape necklines, sleeves, and heels.
Explanation
Decreases are techniques used to reduce the number of stitches on the needle, making the knitting narrower. The most common decrease techniques are k2tog (knit two together), which slants to the right, and SSK (slip, slip, knit), which slants to the left. By combining these two techniques, you can create symmetrical decreases. Decreases are typically used for necklines, at the top of sleeves, and for raglan shaping.
Also known as: dec, Decreasing
Right- and left-leaning
K2tog knits two stitches together and leans right. SSK — or the related SKP — produces a decrease that leans left. Together they form the pair used for all symmetrical shaping: armholes, necklines and raglan lines.
A central double decrease, usually called CDD, removes two stitches at once and gives a straight, centered line. It is used where three columns of stitches meet at a single point, as in hat crowns and shawl spines.
Reading which way it leans
Hold the fabric up to the light and look at the stitch above the decrease. If the top stitch slants to the right over the one below, it is a K2tog. Slanting left, it is an SSK. It is the quickest way to confirm you used the right method on the right side.
Pairing decreases so shaping looks intentional
Single decreases lean. K2tog leans right, SSK leans left, and using one where the other belongs is what makes otherwise correct shaping look sloppy.
The convention on paired shaping is that each decrease leans towards the edge nearest it — so a right-side row shaped at both ends typically reads SSK at the start and k2tog at the end, framing the piece. On raglan lines the same logic makes the four seams read as clean diagonals. Where a decrease sits in the middle of a symmetrical feature, such as the centre of a V-neck or the top of a mitten, a central double decrease keeps the middle stitch on top and avoids the shaping drifting to one side.
Common mistakes
- Using K2tog on both sides, so the shaping does not mirror.
- Decreasing into the selvedge stitch itself.
- Forgetting that decrease rounds reduce the stitch count, and not re-counting.
Keywords
- decreases
- decreasing stitches
- k2tog
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between K2tog and SSK?
Direction. K2tog leans right, SSK leans left. They are used as a pair so the shaping is symmetrical on both sides of the garment.
Why do my decreases look messy?
Usually because the methods are not mirrored, or because they sit too close to the edge. Try moving them one stitch inward.
Can I substitute k2tog for SSK if I find SSK fiddly?
For a single decrease in an inconspicuous place, yes. On paired shaping it will show: both decreases will lean the same way and one side of the garment will look wrong. If SSK is the problem, SKP or k2tog through the back loop are easier alternatives that still lean left.