SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit)
SSK is a decrease technique where two stitches are slipped individually and knitted together through the back loop, slanting the decrease left.
Explanation
SSK (slip, slip, knit) is worked by slipping two stitches individually to the right needle without knitting them, inserting the left needle into the front of both stitches at once, and knitting them together. This produces a decrease that slants to the left, opposite to k2tog which slants right. Used together, the two techniques create mirrored, symmetrical decreases, and are the standard technique for shaping necklines, raglans, and sleeve caps in most patterns.
Also known as: Slip, Slip, Knit, SKP
How to work SSK
Slip two stitches individually to the right needle as if to knit, insert the left needle into both from the front, and knit them together. The slipping reorients the stitches, and that is what gives the decrease its left lean.
SKP is a related variant: slip one, knit the next, pass the slipped stitch over. The result is similar, but SSK generally gives a tidier stitch.
The mirror of K2tog
SSK goes wherever K2tog goes on the opposite side: armholes, necklines and raglan lines. Used correctly, the pair produces two clean lines that mirror each other along the shaping.
Getting SSK to actually mirror k2tog
SSK is meant to be the left-leaning twin of k2tog, but worked as written it often looks looser and less defined than its mirror, which shows up clearly on paired raglan or sleeve shaping where the two sit a few stitches apart.
The usual fix is to slip the first stitch knitwise and the second purlwise, rather than both knitwise. That leaves the second stitch untwisted and lets the two lie flatter against each other. Some knitters prefer SKP (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) or k2tog through the back loop instead. All three lean left; work a few of each on a swatch and use whichever matches your k2tog best, because that varies with your tension.
Common mistakes
- Slipping both stitches together instead of one at a time, which orients them wrongly.
- Using SSK where the pattern calls for K2tog, so the line leans the wrong way.
Keywords
- SSK
- slip slip knit
- left-leaning decrease
Frequently asked questions
Why is my SSK looser than my K2tog?
Because slipping stretches the stitch slightly. Slipping the second stitch purlwise tightens it and evens out the pair.
Are SSK and SKP the same?
They produce the same lean but are worked differently. SSK is considered tidier; SKP is faster.
What is the difference between SSK and SKP?
Both are left-leaning single decreases and both consume two stitches. SSK slips both stitches first and knits them together through the back loops; SKP slips one, knits one, then passes the slipped stitch over. SKP is slightly quicker and slightly more prominent; SSK usually looks smoother. Patterns rarely care which you use.