Knit 2 together (k2tog) is probably the most common decrease in knitting. It is just like knitting normally, except you work in 2 stitches at the same time. Each k2tog decreases your number of stitches by 1 stitch.
K2tog leans to the right. The reverse side of this stitch looks just like a p2tog (purl 2 together), which leans to the left.
This decrease is often paired with ssk (slip slip knit) or another left-leaning decrease to create symmetrical shaping in a garment.
In this video, I show you how to k2tog:
How to K2tog
- Insert your working needle as if to knit through 2 stitches at the same time
- Knit those 2 stitches together as if they were one stitch and slip them off the left needle
Now look at your work. Notice at the base of your new stitch there are 2 stitches drawn together with the leftmost stitch in the front of the rightmost stitch. This is what makes this decrease lean to the right. The left stitch is in the front and is being pulled toward the center, causing it to lean to the right.
Other Common Right-Leaning Knitwise Decreases??
There are a couple other obscure right leaning decreases. They are so obscure that, in all my years of knitting, I’ve never encountered them in a pattern. Knit 2 together is THE go-to decrease for a right-leaning knitwise decrease.
Knit 3 together (k3tog) is much less common and is knit the same as k2tog. Simply insert your working needle into 3 stitches instead of 2, resulting in a 2-stitch decrease.
Want to Practice K2tog?
The best way to learn a new stitch is to use it in a project. Our Brady the Snowman knit along is a fantastic little project for learning and practicing k2tog, as well as several other increases and decreases. Check it out at https://knitalongclub.com/course/brady/.
