The ABC’s of Inc’s, Dec’s, SSK’s, K2tog’s, M1L’s, M1R’s, SKP’s, etc. – Part 4

In recent posts we discussed various types of increases. The time has come to talk about decreases.  We need to make decreases not only to shape our projects, but also when executing decorative work, such as lace.

As I explained in my posts about increases, we need to decide if we want our decreases to be unobtrusive  (“blended”) or decorative (“full-fashioned”). If we want a decrease to be blended, we should select a technique that slants in the same direction as the garment shape. If we want a decorative decrease, we need to select a technique that slants in the opposite direction as the garment shape.

Let’s look at the most common decreases done on the knit side of your work.

Right Slanting Decreases

K2tog – The  k2tog decrease is made by knitting 2 stitches together through the front loop.

KSP – To make a KSP decrease, knit the stitch and then put it back on the left hand needle. Then pass the next stitch on the left hand needle purlwise over the stitch you just knit and return the completed stitch to the right hand needle.

Left Slanting  Decreases

SSK –  To execute an SSK, slip the next 2 stitches, one at a time knitwise Then insert the left hand needle into the front of the   two slipped stitches (to hold them) and knit them together through the back loop

SKP – To make an SKP, slip the next stitch knitwise, then knit the following stitch. Using the left hand needle tip, pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch and drop it from the right hand needle.

Things to Think  About

To execute a blended decrease, use a left-slanting decrease (SSK or SKP) at the beginning of a row and a right-slanting decrease (K2tog or KSP) at the end of the row. Leave at least a 1-stitch selvedge at each end of the row to insure a smooth edge which will  give you a smoother seam when you put your garment together. Sometimes decreased stitches are loose and exaggerated. To avoid this problem, try to execute the decreases using the tips of your needles and when passing a slipped stitch, pass it close to your work.   With practice, you should be able to make beautiful blended and full-fashioned decreases!