When it comes to attractive, figure-hugging sweaters, decreases are essential for achieving a good fit. The simple stitches are easy to learn, and you’ll find yourself using them again and again.

Supplies

• Yarn.
• Knitting needles.

1. K2TOG and SSK

K2TOG, shown on the right, stands for knit two together. It’s a right-slanting decrease with the second stitch laying on top of the first. SSK, shown on the left, stands for slip slip knit. It’s a left-slanting decrease with the first stitch laying on top of the second.

Now watch my video tutorial to learn how to do decreases.

Start Knitting Beanies and Socks

In this tutorial you learned how to knit decreases that work together beautifully. With these stitches in your repertoire, you’ll be able to tackle any shaped project from beanies to socks. Or why not knit a cute cropped sweater? 

What's your next knitting project? Let us know if you have any questions about decreases in the comments below.