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Purling 2 stitches together (P2tog) is used on the wrong side (WS) or purl side in stockinette stitch of your knitting project.
In effect, it is the reverse side equivalent to the k2tog, so it is one of the easier decrease techniques.
In fact, this basic decrease method results in a right-slanting decrease on the knit side of the fabric. Furthermore, it decreases your number of working stitches by one.
In addition, this decrease is often used to mirror the ssp when shaping your knitted fabric.
Typically, you would use the p2tog at the beginning of a wrong-side row, or a purl row. Conversely, you would use the ssp at the end of a row.
However, you can also use the p2tog anywhere where you want to make a decrease.
We have a step-by-step tutorial on how to do the ssp that you can find here: Purled Left-Slanting Decrease (SSP).
Characteristics
When viewed from the knit side, this is a right-leaning decrease
Decreases the stitch count by one
Ideal for
Making decreases at the beginning of a purl row
Shaping fabric when paired with ssp
Narrowing fabric by making decreases at the beginning and end of a wrong-side or purl row in stockinette stitch
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Make a P2tog Decrease

Start by purling to where you want your decrease to be.


Make sure the yarn is in front.


Insert the right-hand needle purlwise through the front loops of the next two stitches on the left-hand needle.


First, wrap the yarn over, then under the right-hand needle (like you normally would do when purling).


Pull the loop through the two stitches.


Finish by dropping the two stitches for the left-hand needle.
