What SSK is and why you use it

SSK stands for slip, slip, knit — it is a left-leaning decrease that removes one stitch from your needle. You use it when a pattern calls for a decrease, usually paired with a knit two together (K2tog) decrease on the opposite side of your work to create a balanced, symmetrical shaping.

The reason SSK exists is that K2tog leans to the right, while SSK leans to the left. When you decrease on both sides of a neckline, armhole, or sleeve cap, using one of each creates a mirror image that looks intentional and polished rather than lopsided.

SSK appears in almost every fitted garment pattern — cardigans, sweaters, hats with shaping, and anything that tapers. Learning it takes five minutes of practice, and once you have done it a few times, your hands will remember the motion.

Key Takeaways

  • SSK is a three-step motion: slip one stitch knitwise, slip another stitch knitwise, then insert your left needle through both from left to right and knit them together.
  • The decrease leans left, making it the visual opposite of K2tog, which leans right.
  • You perform SSK on the knit side of your work, usually where a pattern tells you to decrease.
  • The stitch count drops by one when you complete the decrease, so a row with two SSKs removes two stitches total.
  • Tension matters — if your slipped stitches are too loose, the decrease will look sloppy, so keep even tension as you slip.

The four-part motion, step by step

Step 1: Slip the first stitch knitwise. Insert your right needle through the first stitch on your left needle from left to right, as if you were going to knit it. Slide the stitch off the left needle onto the right needle without actually knitting it. The stitch now sits on your right needle unworked.

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

Step 3: Insert your left needle through both slipped stitches. Take your left needle and insert it through both slipped stitches from left to right — that is, from the front of the stitches toward the back. Your left needle now passes through both stitches at once, and both stitches are on both needles.

Step 4: Knit the two stitches together. Using your right needle, knit through both stitches as if they were one. One new stitch forms on your right needle, and you have removed one stitch from your total count. The decrease is complete.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

The most frequent error is slipping the stitches purlwise instead of knitwise. If you insert your needle from right to left (as you would to purl), the stitches twist and the final decrease looks uneven. Always slip from left to right, the knit direction.

The second mistake is pulling too tight on the slipped stitches. If you yank the yarn as you slip, the stitches become so small that the decrease looks pinched. Slip with the same tension you use for regular knitting — the yarn should move smoothly, not strain.

A third issue is inserting your left needle through the slipped stitches from the wrong direction. You must go left to right (front to back) so that when you knit, the stitches unwind in the correct order. If you go right to left, the stitches will twist and the decrease will look backwards.

If your SSK looks loose or gappy compared to the rest of your work, tighten the first stitch after the decrease by pulling the working yarn snug. This is normal — the stitch right after any decrease often needs a gentle tug to close the gap.

When to use SSK versus other decreases

Use SSK when your pattern says "SSK" or when you need a left-leaning decrease. On the opposite side of the same row or round, you will usually see K2tog, which leans right. Together, they create balanced shaping.

If your pattern says "decrease 1 stitch" without specifying which decrease, check whether you are on the right side or left side of the garment. On the right side, use K2tog. On the left side, use SSK. This keeps the decreases symmetrical.

Some patterns use P2tog (purl two together) on the purl side instead of SSK on the knit side. This is also a right-leaning decrease. If you are working in the round or on a side where you only see knit stitches, SSK is your standard left-leaning choice.

Practicing SSK until it feels natural

Cast on 20 stitches in a worsted-weight yarn and a size that feels comfortable in your hands. Knit 4 rows plain. On row 5, knit 5 stitches, then do an SSK, knit to the end. Repeat this every other row for 10 rows. You will see the decreases stack up in a neat diagonal line.

Once that feels smooth, try doing SSK on both sides of the same row: knit 5, SSK, knit to 7 stitches from the end, K2tog, knit 5. This mimics what happens in a real garment. After a few rows of this, the motion becomes automatic.

If you are a visual learner, watching someone else perform SSK in real time often clarifies the hand position better than reading alone. Many knitting videos show the motion from multiple angles, which helps your hands understand the path the needles take.

How SSK fits into larger shaping patterns

In a typical sweater, you might see a line like "decrease 1 stitch each side every other row 8 times." This means on every other row, you do an SSK near the beginning and a K2tog near the end, for 8 rows total. That removes 16 stitches (8 from each side) and creates a tapered sleeve or armhole.

The pattern will tell you exactly where to place the decrease — usually "knit 3, SSK" or "SSK, knit to end." Follow those instructions exactly so the decreases line up vertically and create a clean, intentional look.

Once you understand that SSK is straightforward a way to remove one stitch with a left lean, you can read any pattern that uses it. The motion never changes, only where and how often you do it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SSK and K2tog?

K2tog leans to the right, SSK leans to the left. Both remove one stitch, but they create opposite visual angles. Patterns use both on the same row to create balanced, symmetrical shaping on garments.

Can I use K2tog instead of SSK if I do not know SSK yet?

Technically yes, but the result will look unbalanced. If a pattern calls for SSK on one side and K2tog on the other, using K2tog on both sides will make one side of your garment look different from the other. Learning SSK takes minutes and is worth the effort.

Do I slip the stitches knitwise or purlwise?

Always knitwise — insert your needle from left to right, as if you were about to knit. Slipping purlwise will twist the stitches and make the decrease look wrong.

Why does my SSK look loose or gappy?

Pull the working yarn snug after completing the decrease. The stitch when ready following any decrease often needs a gentle tug to close the gap and match the tension of the rest of your work.

Can I do SSK on the purl side?

Not in the traditional way. On the purl side, the equivalent left-leaning decrease is P2tog tbl (purl two together through the back loop). Most patterns work decreases on the knit side, so you will rarely need this.