In knitting, decrease is a fundamental step that provides an elegant shape to your project. No matter, whether you make hats, socks, or shawls, you require your project to get narrower. This can be achieved only by combining the multiple stitches into one. There are more than fifty techniques to reduce the stitch count with knitting needles. Purl decrease is generally used when working on the wrong side of the fabric. This blog post will cover the best ways to decrease in knitting purlwise.
What are the Types of Purl Decrease?
Now that you understand the purl decrease let's dive and explore the list of purl decreases in knitting.
- Purl two together (P2tog)
P2tog is a common decrease in knitting that is used in various projects. This method generally means purling two stitches together. It is a neat right-leaning decrease in purl stitches. The technique is best for projects that need shape such as hats, socks, or garments. In P2tog, you can work with single-pointed knitting needles or circular ones for knitting back and forth. While working in the round, you can use circular or double-pointed knitting needles.
You can use P2tog when you need a decrease in rows or rounds of purl stitches. If the knitting pattern, suggests you decrease in stitches, then try, and include this method in the middle instead of the first and the last stitches. You can learn how to purl two stitches together in our blog.
- Slip, Slip, Purl (SSP)
The Slip, Slip, Purl is a decrease technique that you can work in rows or rounds of purl stitches and it is abbreviated as SSP. It is a right-leaning decrease that has a corresponding left-leaning technique. The method looks similar to SSK when seen from the knit side. It creates a smooth and flat result, ideal for subtle shaping. The SSP technique is a tidy decrease, enhancing the overall appearance, especially for lace patterns or garments that need shaping. Practice the stitch slowly in the beginning because it can be tricky until you get used to it. Read our blog on how to Slip, slip, and purl and provide a professional right-leaning decrease.
- Purl two together through the back loop (P2Tog TBL)
Purl two together through a back loop is a decrease method, involving purling two stitches together while working through the back loops. It is a left-leaning decrease when viewed from the purl side. Additionally, it twists the stitches slightly, creating a subtle decorative effect.
It needs a lot of practice to master this technique and it is especially used in necklines, armholes, raglan sleeves, and lacework. Don't worry, you can easily learn this method through our blog.
- Central Double Decrease for the Purl Side (CDDP)
CDDP is one of the easy decrease techniques in knitting. In this, you decrease three stitches into one, creating a decorative, centered decrease. It does not slant left or right, which means you slip two stitches knitwise, then purl them together with the next stitch on the left needle. It is used when you need a clean, vertical decrease line on the purl side.
- Purl three together (P3tog)
This method is used on the purl side for reducing the three stitches together into one. It is also known as a left slanting decrease when viewed on the right side of the purl. The technique is commonly used, whenever you need to decrease stitches in rows or rounds, for example hats, and beanies for shaping crowns, lace, cable, or ribbing patterns.
Tips for Perfect Purl Decrease
Check out a few suggestions for a perfect purl decrease.
- Keep the yarn tension consistent to avoid loose or tight stitches around the decrease.
- Make sure your stitches are correctly placed on the needles to avoid twisting.
- Keep track with stitch markers, where you need a decrease in the project.
Mastering the purl stitches opens wide opportunities for shaping and designing your knitted garments and these technique helps you achieve neat and professional finishing. Lantern Moon offers a collection of knitting needle sets that allow a smooth and effortless knitting experience. So, grab your yarn, knitting needles and start practicing these decreases, and apply them to your projects.
Source: https://lanternmoon.hashnode.dev/the-ultimate-list-of-purl-decrease-in-knitting
