Basic Left-Slanting Decrease (SSK) [FREE Knitting Tutorial]

Learn How to Make a Basic Left-Slanting Decrease (SSK)

The ssk is the decrease that is a pair to the k2tog. In fact, it is a single, left-slanting decrease.

Ssk is the abbreviation for slip one, slip one, knit two together.

Just like the k2tog, the ssk is a decrease you often see in knitting patterns.

Furthermore, it is often found in lace patterns. Then, it is commonly paired with a yarnover as it ensures that the number of working stitches in your knitting project does not increase.

As a decrease, it is often used at the end of a row. However, it can also be applied anywhere within a knitting project.

Actually, when paired with the k2tog, it can be used for narrowing your fabric at both ends at the same time and thus shaping it.

If you are not familiar with the k2tog, you can find a step-by-step tutorial here: Basic Right-Slanting Decrease (K2tog)

In this tutorial, you need slip stitches. If you are not sure about how to slip stitches correctly, you can find a great tutorial here: Slipping Stitches Knitwise or Purlwise

Characteristics

Ideal for

Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Make a SSK Decrease

Start by knitting to where you want your decrease.

Ensure that you have the working yarn at the back of your project.

Slip 1 stitch knitwise from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle.

Then, slip 1 more stitch knitwise from the left needle onto the right needle.

Insert the left-hand needle into the front of the 2 slipped stitches as shown. You should now have both knitting needles inserted into the 2 slipped stitches.

Keeping both needles inside the slipped stitches, wrap the working yarn under and then over the right-hand needle.

Pull the working yarn through the 2 slipped stiches. You have now knitted through both stitches at the same time and turned them into 1 stitch.

You can now drop the 2 stitches from the left-hand needle.