Decrease Knitting

Decrease knitting is an essential skill that every knitter must know. This technique is used to narrow the knitted fabric by reducing the number of stitches. Decreasing helps in shaping the garment, and it is used in almost every knitting pattern. This article will guide you through various types of decrease knitting techniques, their uses, and common mistakes to avoid while using these techniques.

What is Decrease Knitting?

Decrease knitting is the process of reducing the number of stitches in a knitted fabric. It is usually used to shape the garment or to create a pattern. Decrease knitting is the opposite of increasing, where the number of stitches is increased. Decreasing can be done at the beginning, middle, or end of a row.

Why is Decrease Knitting Important?

Decrease knitting is essential because it helps in shaping the garment. Decreasing can be used to create curves, angles, and a tapered look. It is used in almost every knitting pattern, from socks to sweaters. Decreasing can also be used to create patterns, such as lace or cables.

Types of Decrease Knitting Techniques

There are various types of decrease knitting techniques that you can use in your knitting projects. The most common decrease knitting techniques are:

Knitting Two Together (K2Tog) Technique

The Knitting Two Together (K2Tog) technique is one of the most basic decrease knitting techniques. It involves knitting two stitches together to decrease the number of stitches. To do this technique, insert the right-hand needle through the next two stitches from left to right, then knit them together as if they were one stitch.

Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) Technique

The Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) technique is another basic decrease knitting technique. It involves slipping two stitches from the left needle to the right needle, then knitting them together. To do this technique, slip the first stitch knitwise, slip the second stitch knitwise, then insert the left-hand needle into the front of these two stitches and knit them together.

Purl Two Together (P2Tog) Technique

The Purl Two Together (P2Tog) technique is similar to the Knitting Two Together (K2Tog) technique, but it is done on the purl side of the fabric. To do this technique, insert the right-hand needle through the next two stitches from right to left, then purl them together.

Central Double Decrease (CDD) Technique

The Central Double Decrease (CDD) technique is used to decrease three stitches into one stitch in the center of a row. To do this technique, slip two stitches together knitwise, then knit the next stitch. Pass the slipped stitches over the knit stitch.

Knit Two Together Through the Back Loop (K2Tog TBL) Technique

The Knit Two Together Through the Back Loop (K2Tog TBL) technique is similar to the Knitting Two Together (K2Tog) technique, but the stitches are knitted through the back loop. This technique twists the stitches, creating a decorative effect.

Sssk (Slip, slip, slip, knit) Technique

The Sssk (Slip, slip, slip, knit) technique is similar to the Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK) technique, but it involves slipping three stitches instead of two. To do this technique, slip the first three stitches knitwise, then insert the left-hand needle into the front of these three stitches and knit them together.

Slip 1, Knit 1, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (SKP) Technique

The Slip 1, Knit 1, Pass Slipped Stitch Over (SKP) technique is used to decrease stitches at the beginning of a row. To do this technique, slip one stitch knitwise, knit the next stitch, then pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch.

Knitting Decreases in Pattern

Decrease knitting can be used to create patterns in knitting, such as lace or cables. Decreases can be worked into the pattern to create a decorative effect. For example, a lace pattern may involve decreasing stitches to create holes in the fabric.

How to Use Decrease Knitting in Knitting Projects

Decrease knitting is used in almost every knitting project. It is used to shape the garment and create patterns. Decreases can be worked at the beginning, middle, or end of a row, depending on the pattern. When using decrease knitting, it is important to follow the pattern instructions carefully to ensure the correct number of stitches is achieved.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Decrease Knitting

There are a few common mistakes to avoid while decrease knitting. These include:

Not counting stitches – It is important to count the stitches before and after a decrease to ensure the correct number of stitches is achieved.

Not knitting the decrease correctly – It is important to follow the instructions for each decrease knitting technique carefully to ensure it is done correctly.

Not using the correct decrease – Different decrease knitting techniques are used for different patterns. It is important to use the correct decrease for the pattern being worked.

Conclusion

Decrease knitting is an essential skill that every knitter must know. It is used to shape the garment and create patterns. There are various decrease knitting techniques that can be used in knitting projects. It is important to follow the pattern instructions carefully and avoid common mistakes while decrease knitting.

FAQs

Is decrease knitting the same as reducing stitches in knitting?

Yes, decrease knitting involves reducing the number of stitches in a knitted fabric.

Can you decrease knitting by skipping a stitch?

No, decreasing in knitting involves working stitches together or passing stitches over each other.

Can you decrease knitting without losing the pattern?

Yes, decrease knitting can be worked into patterns, such as lace or cables, to create a decorative effect.

Can you decrease knitting in the round?

Yes, decrease knitting can be worked in the round by knitting or purling two stitches together.

How do I know which decrease knitting technique to use?

The pattern instructions will specify which decrease knitting technique to use. It is important to follow the instructions carefully to achieve the correct number of stitches.