How to Knit Decreases

Co-authored by Blythe Nudelman

Last Updated: July 31, 2024

Knitting decreases are just what they sound like. The decrease the number of stitches on the needle. There are several methods for decreasing and this article will give a brief overview of them all.

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If you're knitting without a pattern or if the pattern is very vague, you might be left up to your own devices to choose a decrease. Consider whether you want a hole in the knitting or a seamless change. The following steps will help you to learn about some of the different decreases.
: This is one of the simplest decreases. To do this, decrease slide your needle under the second down stitch as if you were going to knit into it and pick up the first stitch as well. Then knit both of them. You're basically treating two stitches like they are one. This is a very tight, right-slanting decrease.

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P2tog or purl two together: This is the same as k2tog, except you will pick up two stitches as if you are purling one and purl them to create a left slanting decrease.
Knit one stitch and then slip it back onto the left needle. Use the right needle to slip the second stitch on the left needle over this stitch and off. Slip the first left needle stitch back onto the right needle to finish a right slanting decrease.
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SSK or slip slip knit: This uses a similar technique to k2tog. Slip the first two stitches (knitwise) off your left needle and onto your right. Insert the left needle back into both stitches and knit them from the back. This is another tight, right slanting decrease.
- There is also SSK improved, where you slip the first stitch knitwise and the second stitch purlwise so the decrease lays flatter.
Slip two stitches knitwise and then slip them back onto the left needle. Come up with the back through the two stitches and purl them together for a right slanting decrease.
Slip one stitch purlwise, purl one stitch and then slip the second stitch on your right needle over the first stitch to make a right slanting decrease.
Slip the yarn over as if you are going to do a YO. Slip two stitches knitwise, and then knit them together like a normal YO as you slip them back onto the left needle.
This gives you a clue as to which decrease to use because you should use a decrease that creates the correct stitch to blend into the pattern or overall stitch on your knitting piece.

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Question

Where can I use a knit decrease?

Blythe Nudelman
Knitting Expert
Blythe Nudelman is a Knitting Expert based in Ponderay, Idaho. She is the owner and operator of Twilight Fibers, a knitting shop and business in Ponderay. Twilight Fibers' products are made of 100% all natural yarns & fibers. They sell a large variety of products for knitting, crochet, embroidery, and other craft hobbies.

Blythe Nudelman

Knitting Expert

Expert Answer

Decreasing knitting rows can be used on beanies or caps. First off, it helps shape your project, giving it a tapered and snug fit. As you decrease stitches, the fabric starts to gather, forming a rounded crown that sits nicely on the head. By reducing the number of stitches in each row, you're narrowing the fabric until it forms a small opening. Once you've completed the decreases, you can gather the remaining stitches together, cinching them tightly to close the hole completely, which shapes your hat or beanie.

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Question

How can I decrease 4 stitches?

SarahB

Community Answer

Decrease two stitches at the beginning of each row and two at the end by knitting the two stitches together.

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Do you decrease the next stitch every time you knit?

LibraryMouse

Community Answer

Not unless your pattern calls for it.

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