Decreases

Decreases are techniques used to reduce the number of stitches on your needles, making the fabric narrower to shape necklines, sleeves, and heels.

Category: Techniques

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, centred 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.

Always decrease at least one stitch in from the edge. A decrease worked at the very edge leaves it uneven and awkward to seam.

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.

Norwegian Term Reference

Reading Norwegian patterns? See the matching term on Strikketips.no:

Fellinger Strikketips.no →

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.