The Sampler Dishcloth shows each of the decreases. Cockwise from top left are mssk, ssk, k2togb, and skp.
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LEFT-LEANING DECREASES
Directional decreases often are an integral part of a knitted design. For a single decrease that leans to the right, there is the k2tog. It is easy to work, lies flat, and generates little thought or controversy. That is not the case with single left-leaning decreases. This Tip looks at four of those.
Four Decreases
The four common left-leaning decreases are k2togb; skp or sl1, k1, psso; ssk; and mssk or modified ssk. (Abbreviations skp and mssk are used only for simpicity and are not definitive.) Any of these can be substituted for the others, however each produces slightly different results that are more obvious in stockinette stitch than garter stitch.
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Decrease Definitions
- k2togb—knit 2 stitches together through their back loops.
- skp—slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit the next stitch, and pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch.
- ssk—slip 1 stitch knitwise, slip next stitch knitwise, replace those 2 stitches onto holding needle, and knit them together through their back loops.
- mssk—slip 1 stitch knitwise, replace onto holding needle, and knit that stitch and the next together through their back loops. (This also sometimes is written as slip 1 stitch knitwise, slip next stitch purlwise, replace on holding needle, and knit those 2 stitches together through their back loops.)
Knit a Sampler
To see which you prefer, knit the Sampler Dishcloth shown above. Each stockinette block shows a different decrease. Knit in worsted weight yarn, it easy to see how the stitches lay after the decreases are worked.
To print a PDF for this Tip and the Sampler Dishcloth, click here.
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