Ask knit is a decrease that slants left and uses two stitches to make one
An ask knit (abbreviated as "ask" or sometimes written "sl1-k1-psso") is a left-leaning decrease. You slip one stitch, knit the next stitch, then pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch. The result is one stitch on your needle instead of two, and the remaining stitch leans to the left.
This decrease appears in nearly every knitting pattern that shapes fabric — cardigans, sweaters, hats, and shawls all use ask knit to taper edges or create decorative lines. It pairs with the knit two together (k2tog) decrease, which leans right. Many patterns use both decreases symmetrically on the same row to create balanced shaping.
The ask knit is straightforward once you know the three-step motion. It takes practice to keep your tension even, but the technique itself is not difficult.
Key Takeaways
- Ask knit uses three steps: slip one stitch knitwise, knit the next stitch, then pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch.
- The decrease leans to the left and removes one stitch from your row, making it useful for shaping and pattern work.
- Keeping your tension loose on the slipped stitch prevents the decrease from puckering or pulling too tight.
- Ask knit pairs with k2tog (knit two together) to create symmetrical decreases on opposite sides of a garment.
Step-by-step: how to work an ask knit
Step 1: Slip one stitch knitwise. Insert your right needle through the next stitch on your left needle from left to right, as if you were about to knit it. Slide the stitch onto your right needle without knitting it. The stitch should sit on your right needle unworked.
Step 2: Knit the next stitch. Knit the following stitch on your left needle in the normal way. You now have two stitches on your right needle: the slipped stitch and the newly knit stitch.
Step 3: Pass the slipped stitch over. Using the tip of your left needle, reach into the slipped stitch (the first of the two stitches on your right needle) and lift it over the knit stitch and off the needle. You are left with one stitch on your right needle. That stitch is your completed ask knit decrease.
The whole motion takes about three seconds once your hands know the path. The key is not to rush the pass-over step — if you pull too hard, the decrease will look tight and distorted.
Why tension matters in ask knit
The ask knit decrease can look loose or puckered if your tension is uneven. The slipped stitch is the culprit: because it is not worked, it sits on the needle slightly looser than a knit stitch. When you pass it over, that extra slack can make the decrease look sloppy.
To fix this, keep your working yarn slightly loose when you slip the stitch, then tighten gently when you knit the next stitch. On the row after your decrease, knit the stitch that sits directly above the decrease with a firm, even tension. This evens out the appearance without making the decrease itself too tight.
If your ask knits still look uneven after a few rows, check that you are slipping the stitch in the same direction every time. Slipping knitwise (from left to right) is the standard, and switching directions mid-row will throw off the look of your decreases.
Ask knit versus knit two together: which decrease to use
The ask knit and the k2tog decrease both remove one stitch, but they lean in opposite directions. Ask knit leans left; k2tog leans right. In most patterns, you will see both decreases used on the same row, one on each side of the fabric.
For example, a raglan sweater might have you work ask knit on the left side of the sleeve and k2tog on the right side. This creates a balanced, symmetrical line of decreases. If you used only ask knit on both sides, the decreases would lean the same direction and the shaping would look off-balance.
Some patterns use ask knit in the middle of a row to create a decorative line or eyelet. In those cases, the direction of the lean matters for the visual design, not just for balance. Always check your pattern to see which decrease it calls for and where.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistake is slipping the stitch purlwise instead of knitwise. Slipping purlwise (from right to left) twists the stitch, and when you pass it over, the decrease looks distorted. Always slip knitwise unless your pattern specifically says otherwise.
Another mistake is pulling the working yarn too tight after the pass-over. This makes the decrease pucker and draws the fabric inward. Let the stitch sit naturally on your needle after you pass it over, and save your tension control for the next row.
A third mistake is working ask knit when your pattern calls for k2tog. They are not interchangeable — the lean direction matters. If you are unsure which decrease your pattern wants, look at the abbreviation key at the beginning of the pattern or check the stitch diagram.
Practicing ask knit on a swatch
Before you work ask knit in a real project, practice on a small swatch. Cast on 15 stitches in a worsted-weight yarn and knit a few rows in stockinette stitch (knit on the right side, purl on the wrong side). This gives you a stable base.
On the next right-side row, knit 5 stitches, work an ask knit, knit the remaining stitches. Purl the next row. Repeat this for 10 rows. You will see a vertical line of left-leaning decreases running down your swatch. This is what ask knit should look like in finished fabric.
Once you are comfortable with the motion, try working ask knit and k2tog on the same row: knit 5, ask knit, knit 3, k2tog, knit to the end. This shows you how the two decreases work together and how they balance each other visually.
Ask knit in patterns and shaping
In garment patterns, ask knit usually appears in shaping instructions. A pattern might say "decrease 1 stitch at the beginning of the next 8 rows by working ask knit." This means you will work the ask knit decrease at the start of the row, right after you turn your work.
Ask knit also appears in lace patterns and stitch patterns where the decrease is part of the design. In these cases, the decrease creates an intentional hole or line in the fabric. The pattern will show you exactly where to place the decrease and how many rows apart to work them.
When you are decreasing for shaping (like at the armhole of a sweater), work the decrease one or two stitches in from the edge. This creates a neat selvage and makes it easier to pick up stitches later if you need to add a border or sleeve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "slip knitwise" mean?
Slip knitwise means to insert your right needle through the stitch from left to right, as if you were about to knit it, then slide the stitch onto your right needle without working it. This is the standard direction for slipping in ask knit and most other decreases.
Can I use ask knit and k2tog on the same side of a garment?
You can, but it will look unbalanced. The two decreases lean in opposite directions, so using both on the same edge creates a zigzag line instead of a clean vertical line. Most patterns use ask knit on one side and k2tog on the other for symmetry.
Why does my ask knit look loose compared to my other stitches?
The slipped stitch in ask knit sits slightly looser than a knit stitch because it is not worked. Tighten your tension on the knit stitch that follows the slip, and knit the stitch above the decrease firmly on the next row. This evens out the appearance.
Is ask knit the same as slip, slip, knit?
No. Ask knit is slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over. Slip, slip, knit (ssk) is slip two stitches knitwise one at a time, then knit them together through the back loop. Both are left-leaning decreases, but they are worked differently and may look slightly different in finished fabric.
What if my pattern just says "decrease" without specifying which decrease to use?
Check the abbreviation key at the front of the pattern. If it is not there, look at the stitch diagram — the diagram will show you the symbol for the decrease. If you still cannot find it, ask knit and k2tog are close enough that either will work for basic shaping, though the pattern designer had a specific one in mind.