Knitting two stitches together

DECREASING:

K2TOG (Knitting Two Stitches Together) & SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit)
Decreasing is another methods of shaping a knitting piece. There are several methods of decreasing and here are just two.

K2TOG

The most common way of doing this is to knit 2 stitches together or purl 2 stitches together. The method you choose depends on what stitching pattern you are using. If the stitches would normally be knitted, then knit 2 together to decrease. If the stitches would normally be purled, then decrease by purling 2 together (p2tog).

To knit 2 stitches together, just insert the right needle into two stitches at the same time and knit. This will result in a decrease of one stitch. This decrease will slant to the right.

Diagram 1 for knitting 2 stitches together

Diagram 2 knitting 2 stitches together


SSK

For this method of decrease, slip the first stitch as if to knit,

Diagram 1 methods of decreasing stitches

then slip the next stitch as if to knit.
Insert the left needle into the front of both slipped stitches

diagram 2 method of decreasing stitches

and knit them together.

Diagram 3 method for decreasing stitches

This decrease slants to the left.

© Reprinted with permission from Craft Yarn Council of America's Certified Instructors Program (www.craftyarncouncil.com)