Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to K2tog and SSK in Knitting
Have you ever come across the knitting abbreviations "K2tog" and "SSK" in a pattern and felt a little lost? Don't worry, you're not alone! These two techniques are commonly used in knitting patterns to create decreases and shape your knitting. In this tutorial, we'll be exploring K2tog and SSK step-by-step, so you can confidently execute them in your next project. Mastering these essential techniques will enhance your knitting skills and allow you to tackle a wider range of patterns. So grab your needles and yarn, and let's get started!
What are K2tog and SSK?
Before we jump into the step-by-step guide, let's first discuss what K2tog and SSK are and how they differ from each other.
K2tog stands for "knit two together" and is a right-leaning decrease. This means that it slants the stitch to the right when executed. On the other hand, SSK stands for "slip slip knit" and is a left-leaning decrease, which slants the stitch to the left.
A knitting pattern may call for you to use one or the other. However, K2tog and SSK are often used together because they create symmetrical decreases since they lean in opposite directions.
Both of these decreases are commonly used in all sorts of patterns as they are both simple, effective, and pretty techniques to reduce your stitches and shape your knitting. I even include them in a few of my patterns, including the Staple Skirt, the Staple Sock, and the Tall Staple Beanie!
The Staple Skirt
K2tog and SSK are used on the bottom half of the skirt to create a fitted design.
The Staple Sock
K2tog and SSK are used to decrease the stitches after the heel and to shape the toe in the Staple Sock.
The Tall Staple Beanie
K2tog and SSK are used to shape the crown on the Tall Staple Beanie.
K2tog + SSK Step-By-Step Guide
Now that we've covered what k2tog and ssk are (as well as their benefits and differences), let's dive into the step-by-step guide for each technique.
How to K2Tog (Knit Two Together)
Step 1
Instead of knitting a single stitch, simply knit 2 stitches at the same time! Easy peasy.
Insert your right needle knitwise into the both the second and first stitches on your needle and knit as normal.
Video Tutorial: K2Tog
How to SSK (Slip Slip Knit)
Step 1
Slip the first stitch on your left needle onto your right needle knitwise.
Step 2
Slip the next stitch on your left needle onto your right needle knitwise as well.
Step 3
You now have two stitches on your right needle that have been slipped knitwise.
Step 4
Insert your left needle into the two slipped stitches and knit both stitches together.
Video Tutorial: SSK
Tips for K2tog and SSK
Don’t twist the stitches
While k2tog is quite a simple technique, one easy way to make it look not quite right is by accidentally doing it while one of the stitches is twisted. A twisted stitch will cause the fabric to look possibly lumpy and definitely not quite even. To avoid this mistake, make sure both stitches on your left needle are facing the same direction before knitting them together.
This same mistake is even more common with ssk, since you have to slip both stitches first before knitting them together. Make sure to slip both stitches knitwise in order to create a perfect ssk decrease. Slipping the stitches purlwise will make the decreases not symmetrical to their k2tog counterparts.
Practice, practice, practice
As with any new knitting technique, practice makes perfect! Take your time and practice K2tog and SSK on a swatch or small project to get the hang of them. Remember that it's okay to make mistakes and that the more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with the techniques.
K2tog and SSK are essential techniques to add to your knitting toolkit. They allow you to create unique textures, reduce the number of stitches, and shape your knitting. By understanding the differences between the two techniques and following the step-by-step guide, you'll be able to execute them with ease and take your knitting to the next level.
Want a tutorial for a specific knitting technique? Let me know in the comments! And be sure to sign-up for the New Wave Knitting Circle Newsletter so you never miss a blog post or tutorial.