Purled Left-Slanting Decrease (SSP) [FREE Knitting Tutorial]

The ssp is a basic decrease that is normally used as part of a pair with the p2tog.

In fact, the decrease is normally carried out on the purl side of your knitting project.  It results in a left-slanting decrease on the knit side.

In addition, it reduces your stitch count by one.

Actually, ssp is the abbreviation for slip one, slip one, purl two together. Typically, this decrease is used at the end of a row.

At times, you will want to decrease at the beginning and the end of both right- and wrong-side rows in stockinette stitch.

In this case, you would use ssk and k2tog on the rows that are on the right-side knit rows.

Conversely, you would use ssp and p2tog on the wrong-side purl rows.

The ssp is roughly interchangeable with p2togtbl. They are not quite the same, but in most instances, you will not be able to see the difference.

Furthermore, the ssp, when paired with the p2tog, can be used for tapering your knitted fabric.

This tutorial involves slipping stitches. If you are not sure how to slip stitches correctly, why not check out our step-by-step tutorial? You can find it here: Slipping Stitches Knitwise or Purlwise [FREE Knitting Tutorial]

Characteristics

Ideal for

Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Make an SSP Decrease

Purl to where you would like your decrease to be.

The working yarn should be at the back of your project.

From the left-hand needle, slip 1 stitch knitwise onto the right-hand needle.

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

Slip the 2 stitches back onto the left-hand needle while making sure not to twist them.

Move the working yarn to the front.

Insert the right needle from left to right through the back of the second stich, then the first stitch.

Wrap the yarn first over, then under the right needle.

Pull the working yarn through the stitches. You have now purled the 2 stitches together through the back loops.

Finally, drop the 2 stitches from the left knitting needle.