In almost every project we knit, at some point, we are required to knit two stitches together. Whether it is to shape the project, or to create texture, k2tog is a huge help. This most popular way to decrease stitches is simple, reliable and it works great in most cases.
But sometimes, especially when we work with thicker yarns, “knit 2 together” adds an unwanted bulk to the fabric. The extra layer of the two stitches that we knit together every time we work this decrease makes the line of decreases embossed on the surface of the project.
If the project has a smooth texture, these lines become clearly visible and often overwhelm the overall look of the projects.
In these situations, it is better to use a much flatter and neater way to make a right-slanting decrease. Let’s see how we can do it step by step.
If you are a visual learner, click here to watch every step explained below in a video tutorial. Or, simply scroll to the bottom of this page to watch the embedded version of the video.
STEP 1
Work to a spot where you plan to make a decrease.
STEP 2
Knit one stitch.
STEP 3
Slip the stitch that we’ve just knitted back to the left needle. Do it purlwise. That means that we should insert the tip of the left needle from left to right into the stitch, and then take the right needle out leaving the stitch on the left needle.
STEP 4
Insert the tip of the right needle from right to left into the second stitch from the tip of the left needle.
Pass this stitch over the first stitch and off the needle.
STEP 5
Slip the first stitch from the tip of the left needle to the right needle. To make sure you don’t twist the stitch, insert the tip of the right needle into the stitch from right to left, then take the tip of the left needle out leaving the stitch on the right needle.
As you slip the stitch to the right needle, make sure the stitch does not enlarge. It should be of the same size as the rest of the stitches. Otherwise, the line of decreases won’t be even.
That’s it. We’ve just made a right-slanting decrease without knitting two stitches together.
As a result, the line of decreases lays flat on the surface of the fabric. When you feel the fabric with your fingers, you will notice that decreases formed by this technique do not add any extra bulk to the fabric.
To be fair, I haven’t blocked the swatches featured in the photos. I slightly steamed the edges to keep them from curling, but the lines of decreases are not blocked.
If you enjoyed this tutorial,
here’s something else you might find helpful:
“Neat Side Edges” Book
Learn twelve ways to make side edges of a knitted project nice and tidy. Plus, ways to fix side edges, and a way to improve edges of finished projects.
Happy knitting!
