Decreases - K2TOG and SSK

Our very own, Laura (Jimmy), stars in this knitting instructional video about how to do K2tog and SSK decreases. We hope you enjoy it!

Decreases - K2tog and SSK

Sometimes patterns call for decreasing and just say "decrease." In these instances, you can choose whichever decrease you prefer. This video shows two different types of decreases you could choose to use.

K2tog: Knit Two Together (right leaning decrease)

1. Go into the first two stitches on the left hand needle as if to knit
2. Knit these two stitches together as if they were one stitch

The K2tog decreases one stitch each time it is done

SSK: Slip Slip Knit (left leaning decrease)

1. Slip the first stitch on the left hand needle as if to knit.
2. Slip the next stitch from your left hand needle as if to purl (Some instructions say to slip this second stitch as if to knit. The directions for your knitting project may specify which way to slip otherwise slip in the manner you like the look of best. There is a very subtle difference.)
3. Both slipped stitches are now on your right hand needle
4. Use left hand needle and put into the front loop of both slipped stitches
5. Wrap the yarn around the right hand needle as if to knit
6. Pull the wrapped yarn through both slipped stitches

The SSK decreases one stitch each time it is done

Have fun and don't be afraid to experiment with these decreases!