What a Slip, Slip, Knit Stitch Does

A slip, slip, knit (SSK) is a left-leaning decrease that removes one stitch from your needle. You slip two stitches one at a time, then knit them together through the back loop. The result leans to the left, which makes it useful for shaping the left side of armholes, necklines, and decreases that need to mirror a right-leaning decrease (like a knit two together, or K2tog) on the opposite edge.

SSK and K2tog are mirror images of each other. If your pattern calls for decreases on both sides of a garment, you will typically use K2tog on the right edge and SSK on the left edge so the decreases slant toward the center and create a balanced look.

Key Takeaways

  • Slip two stitches knitwise one at a time, then insert your left needle through both loops from left to right and knit them together.
  • SSK creates a left-leaning decrease, while K2tog leans right—use them on opposite edges for symmetrical shaping.
  • The stitch sits on your needle after you complete it, so count it as one stitch in your total.
  • Common mistakes include slipping too tightly (which makes the next row hard to work) or inserting your needle through the loops in the wrong direction.

Step-by-Step Instructions for SSK

Work SSK on a knit row (the side facing you). You will need two stitches on your right needle to work the decrease.

Step 1: Slip the first stitch. Insert your right needle through the first stitch on your left needle from left to right, as if you were going to knit it. Slip it onto your right needle without knitting it. The stitch should move smoothly; do not pull tight.

Step 2: Slip the second stitch the same way. Insert your right needle through the next stitch on your left needle from left to right and slip it onto your right needle. You now have two slipped stitches on your right needle, sitting next to each other.

Step 3: Insert your left needle through both loops. Take your left needle and insert it through both slipped stitches from left to right (front to back). Your left needle should go through the loops from the side closest to you, pointing away from you.

Step 4: Knit the two stitches together. Wrap your yarn around your right needle and pull it through both loops, completing one new stitch. This new stitch sits on your right needle. You have now decreased by one stitch.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent error is slipping too tightly. When you slip stitches, keep the same tension you use for regular knitting. If you pull the yarn too hard, the stitches bunch up and the next row becomes difficult to work. Let the stitches slide onto your needle smoothly.

Another common mistake is inserting your left needle through the loops in the wrong direction. The left needle must go through from left to right (the same direction your right needle came from). If you insert it from right to left, you will twist the stitch and it will sit incorrectly on your needle.

Some knitters also forget to count the new stitch. After you complete SSK, you have one stitch on your right needle, not two. If your pattern says to work 10 stitches, then SSK, then work 5 more, you will have decreased your total stitch count by one.

When to Use SSK in Your Patterns

SSK appears in patterns wherever a left-leaning decrease is needed. Common places include the left side of a V-neck, the left edge of an armhole, or any shaping that needs to slant toward the center of the garment. Patterns usually write it as "SSK" in the abbreviation list.

If your pattern shows a schematic (a flat drawing of the finished piece), look at the decreases on the diagram. Decreases that slant left use SSK; decreases that slant right use K2tog. This visual check helps you understand why the pattern chose one decrease over the other.

Some patterns use SSK on every row, while others use it every other row or every few rows, depending on how much shaping the garment needs. Always follow the row-by-row instructions in your pattern to know when to work the decrease.

SSK Versus Other Left-Leaning Decreases

SSK is not the only way to create a left-leaning decrease, but it is the most common. Another option is skp (slip, knit, pass slipped stitch over), which produces a similar result. With skp, you slip one stitch, knit the next stitch, then pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch. Both SSK and skp lean left, though some knitters find one easier to tension than the other.

A third option is sl2tog, k1, psso (slip two stitches together, knit one, pass slipped stitches over). This decreases two stitches at once and creates a more pronounced left lean. Use this only when your pattern specifically calls for a double decrease.

For most everyday shaping, SSK is the standard choice. It is reliable, sits neatly on the needle, and pairs well with K2tog on the opposite edge.

Practicing SSK on a Swatch

Before working SSK in a full garment, practice on a small swatch. Cast on 15 stitches using worsted-weight yarn and size 8 or 9 needles. Knit 4 rows in garter stitch (knit every row). On row 5, knit 3 stitches, work SSK, knit to the end. Knit row 6 normally. Repeat rows 5 and 6 until you have worked SSK about 5 times.

Look at your swatch. The decreases should form a neat column that leans to the left. The stitches should sit flat and even, with no twisted loops or gaps. If your decreases look uneven, check your tension on the slip stitches and make sure you are inserting your left needle in the correct direction.

Once you feel confident with the motion, you are ready to use SSK in a real project. Many knitters find that SSK becomes automatic after a few projects, and the motion becomes as natural as a regular knit stitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SSK have to be on a knit row?

Yes, SSK is worked on knit rows (the right side of stockinette stitch). On purl rows, you would use a different decrease, such as p2tog (purl two together) for a right-leaning decrease on the purl side. If your pattern shows decreases on both knit and purl rows, check the instructions to see which decrease to use on each row.

What if I slip the stitches too loosely?

If the slipped stitches are very loose, the new stitch will be loose too, and you may see a gap or hole in your fabric. Tighten your tension slightly on the slip stitches, but do not pull so hard that the next row becomes difficult. A light, even tension is the goal.

Can I use SSK on a purl row?

SSK is designed for knit rows. On a purl row, use p2tog (purl two together) for a right-leaning decrease or p2tog tbl (purl two together through the back loop) for a left-leaning decrease on the purl side. Always check your pattern to see which decrease is called for on each row.

How do I know if my SSK is twisted?

A twisted stitch will have a loop that crosses over itself instead of sitting flat. This usually happens when you insert your left needle through the loops from right to left instead of left to right. If you notice a twisted stitch, drop it and redo the decrease. With practice, the correct direction becomes automatic.

Is SSK the same as K2tog?

No. SSK leans left, while K2tog leans right. They are mirror images. Both decrease by one stitch, but they are used on opposite edges of a garment to create balanced, symmetrical shaping. Using the correct decrease in the right place makes a visible difference in how your finished piece looks.