The four main ways to decrease stitches

Decreasing stitches means removing one or more loops from your needle to narrow your fabric. The four methods you will use most often are knit two together (K2tog), slip-slip-knit (SSK), purl two together (P2tog), and pass slipped stitch over (PSSO). Each one leans the decrease in a different direction, which matters when you are shaping a garment or creating a pattern.

The direction a decrease leans affects how your finished piece looks. A K2tog decrease slants to the right. An SSK decrease slants to the left. P2tog is used on the purl side and also slants right. PSSO creates a left-leaning decrease and is often used for a more pronounced effect. Learning all four gives you control over the visual balance of your work.

Key Takeaways

  • Knit two together (K2tog) is the simplest decrease and slants to the right; insert your needle through two stitches at once and knit them as one.
  • Slip-slip-knit (SSK) creates a left-leaning decrease by slipping two stitches individually, then knitting them together through the back loops.
  • The direction a decrease leans matters for shaping symmetry — pair right-leaning decreases on one side with left-leaning decreases on the other.
  • Pass slipped stitch over (PSSO) removes two stitches in one motion and creates a pronounced left-leaning decrease often used in lace patterns.

Knit two together (K2tog): the right-leaning decrease

K2tog is the fastest and most straightforward decrease. Insert your right needle through the first stitch on your left needle, then through the second stitch on the left needle, from left to right. Knit both stitches as if they were one stitch. You have now turned two stitches into one, and the decrease slants to the right.

Use K2tog on the right side of your work when you want a right-leaning decrease. This is the standard choice for the right edge of a V-neck or the right side of a tapered sleeve. Because you are working through both stitches in their normal orientation, the stitch sits flat and blends easily into stockinette stitch.

Slip-slip-knit (SSK): the left-leaning decrease

SSK creates a mirror image of K2tog by slanting to the left. Slip the first stitch knitwise (as if to knit), then slip the second stitch knitwise. Insert your left needle through both slipped stitches from left to right and knit them together through the back loops. The result is a clean left-leaning decrease.

SSK takes one extra step compared to K2tog, but the visual payoff is worth it. When you are decreasing on both sides of a garment — such as on a raglan sleeve or a V-neck — pair K2tog on the right side with SSK on the left side. This creates balanced, symmetrical shaping that looks intentional rather than accidental.

Purl two together (P2tog): decreasing on the purl side

When you are working on the wrong side of your fabric and need to decrease, use P2tog. Insert your right needle through two stitches on your left needle from right to left (the direction you normally purl), and purl them together as one stitch. P2tog slants to the right when viewed from the knit side of the fabric.

P2tog is useful when your pattern calls for decreases on wrong-side rows. Because you are working on the back of the fabric, the direction of the lean is reversed from what you see on the front. If your pattern says to decrease on a wrong-side row and you want a left-leaning decrease on the front, use P2tog.

Pass slipped stitch over (PSSO): the pronounced decrease

PSSO removes two stitches in a single motion and creates a more dramatic left-leaning decrease. Slip one stitch knitwise, knit the next stitch, then use your left needle to lift the slipped stitch over the knit stitch and off the needle. The slipped stitch passes over the knit stitch, and you are left with one stitch on your right needle.

PSSO is common in lace patterns and decorative decreases where you want the decrease itself to be visible. The stitch sits higher and more pronounced than SSK, which makes it useful when you are creating a pattern where the decreases form a design element. PSSO also uses slightly less yarn than other decreases, which can matter in very fine or delicate work.

Choosing the right decrease for your pattern

Most patterns will tell you which decrease to use and where. If your pattern does not specify, the general rule is to use K2tog on the right side of your work and SSK on the left side when you are shaping a garment. This creates balanced decreases that look the same on both sides of the finished piece.

For decorative decreases in lace or openwork patterns, follow the pattern instructions exactly. The designer has chosen specific decreases to create the visual effect they want. Substituting one decrease for another will change how the pattern looks, even if the stitch count ends up the same.

Common mistakes when decreasing

The most common error is working through the stitches in the wrong direction. When you slip stitches for SSK or PSSO, slip them knitwise (as if to knit), not purlwise. Slipping purlwise changes the orientation of the stitch and makes the decrease sit differently on your fabric.

Another mistake is forgetting to pair your decreases. If you decrease on both sides of a garment using only K2tog, one side will slant right and the other will slant left, creating an unbalanced look. Take the extra second to use SSK on the opposite side, and your shaping will look intentional and professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between K2tog and SSK?

K2tog slants to the right and is worked by knitting two stitches together in their normal orientation. SSK slants to the left and is worked by slipping two stitches and then knitting them together through the back loops. Both remove one stitch, but the direction of the lean is opposite.

Can I use K2tog instead of SSK?

You can, but your shaping will look unbalanced. If you use K2tog on both sides of a decrease, one side will slant right and the other left, creating an asymmetrical effect. For balanced shaping, pair K2tog on one side with SSK on the other.

What does PSSO stand for?

PSSO stands for pass slipped stitch over. You slip one stitch, knit the next stitch, then lift the slipped stitch over the knit stitch and off the needle. It is a left-leaning decrease often used in lace patterns where the decrease itself is part of the design.

Do I need to know all four decreases?

Most knitters work primarily with K2tog and SSK and use them for the majority of their projects. P2tog and PSSO are useful for specific situations — P2tog when decreasing on wrong-side rows, and PSSO for decorative lace patterns. Learning all four gives you more control, but you can complete many projects with just K2tog and SSK.

Why does the direction of the decrease matter?

The direction affects how your finished garment looks and how balanced your shaping appears. Paired decreases — one leaning right, one leaning left — create symmetrical shaping on both sides of a garment. This is especially important on visible edges like V-necks, raglan sleeves, and fitted waistlines.