Have you heard the term P3tog before? If you know the P2tog, then it is easy to learn the P3tog technique. It is a useful method that helps to decrease the three stitches into one with knitting needles, it is also called left slanting decrease for the purl side. The procedure is mostly used to give a proper shape or add a nice texture to a fabric. In this guide, we will cover in detail how to knit P3tog, steps, and tips to give a perfect shape to your fabric.

P3tog stands for (purl three together decrease), and it's quite easy to learn. However, you must be careful while using this technique because it will shorten your fabric, and you often see a little bump. You will find these stitches in lace, cable, and ridge patterns.

What Materials do you require?

You can use the same needles for the decrease method that you are using in your final project. Circular or double-pointed needles are good if you are working on a neckline decrease this technique works well and gives a beautiful shape. Keep knitting accessories like stitch markers, finishing needles, and scissors handy while working on projects.  If you know how to knit two together through the back loop (K2tog TBL), it's easier to understand the purl version.

How to Knit P3tog?

Are you ready? So, let’s get started with this technique. Follow these easy steps and become an expert in the P3tog.

Step 1: To start this method, first identify the three stitches and insert the right needle into these three stitches on your left needle from left to right, like a normal purl stitch.

Step 2: Bring your yarn to the front side and wrap the yarn around the needle counterclockwise as you do in purl stitches.

Step 3: Next, pull the wrapped yarn through all three stitches. Make sure your tension is not too tight. Now, you should have one stitch on your right knitting needle where there were three stitches. Great! Congratulations on your first P3tog.

When to use P3tog?

In knitting patterns, P3tog decreases the stitches in a row or purl of rounds. Here are a few projects, where you can use P3tog.

• If you are looking to create beanies or hats using circular knitting needles, P3tog is perfect for giving a shape.
• P3tog gives a beautifully textured effect to the blankets.
• While working with cable patterns or twisted rib stitches, P3tog keeps the stitches aligned and gives a flawless look.

Use high-quality premium knitting needles for the P3tog technique that makes your work smoother.

Why to use P3tog?

Here are some reasons why to use P3tog in your project:

• The P3tog technique is used to decrease the number of stitches in the project and make it narrower.
• The technique is often used in garment shaping and lace patterns.
• Most importantly it saves valuable time then a double decrease.

Mistakes while working with P3tog stitch

Here are some common mistakes that you can avoid:

• Check for the extra stitches in your fabric, and make sure you count the stitches regularly to avoid any hole that doesn't look right in your project.
• Sometimes your stitches go in the wrong way, in that case, insert your needle, turn it, and put it back on the needle. Refer to our blog on how to fix dropped stitches in knitting.
• Check the gauge and if you find it wrong, try to change the needle, switch to a different yarn, or experiment with other techniques.

Tips/ ideas for the perfect P3tog shape

• Tight stitches can make the P3tog work difficult, so keep the yarn tension relaxed and it will be easy to pull through three stitches.
• Make sure you have stitch markers that you can place correctly, where you need to decrease in your fabric. This will help you to keep track of stitches, especially when working on a large pattern. To weave the loose ends at the end of the project, ensure you have a finishing needle.
• Choose the right yarn type for your project, which is easy to use and gives a neat and clean stitch.
• Selecting the right needle type, if you are working on a small round project, DPNs are a perfect choice.

P3tog looks tricky in the starting, but with a little practice, you will easily use it in your projects. This technique opens up a creative opportunity for the knitters, it adds beautiful texture and depth to your project. Whether you are using circular or double-pointed knitting needles, you can easily add the P3tog technique to your knitting project. Grab your needle, and start giving a professional look to your project.

Source:https://medium.com/@lanternmoonhandcrafted/how-to-knit-p3tog-purl-three-together-16ed200e28ad