Purled Right-Slanting Decrease (P2TOG) [FREE Knitting Tutorial]

This may post contains affiliate links. You can learn more in our disclaimer.

Text area which says "Purled Right-Slanting Decrease (P2TOG), learnknittingonline.com" followed by hands knitting the purl side of a knitting projectPurling 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.

P2TOG Tutorial Step 1: Hands knitting on the purl side of a knitting project

Make sure the yarn is in front.

P2TOG Tutorial Step 2: Hands knitting on the purl side of a knitting project with the highlighted working yarn in front of it

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

P2TOG Tutorial Step 3: Right-hand needle inserted on the first 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).

P2TOG Tutorial Step 4: The working yarn being wrapped around the right-hand needle while it's inserted on the first two stitches from the left needle.

Pull the loop through the two stitches.

P2TOG Tutorial Step 5: Right-hand needle pulling the resulting loop after purling the two stitches from the left needle.

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

P2TOG Tutorial Step 6: The first two stitches on the left needle dropped creating the decrease.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*