This tutorial explains how to work a p2tog (purl two together) decrease. This method decreases one stitch. Let’s see how it works.
This tutorial includes:
- What IS a p2tog decrease anyways?
- p2tog video
- How to work a p2tog
- What does this decrease look like in a decrease line?
- More knit decreases
What IS a p2tog decrease anyways?
A p2tog is a single decrease – this means you are decreasing 1 stitch. It’s usually used on the wrong side of the work, and the opposite side of a p2tog is a k2tog (knit 2 stitches together). In the swatch above I’ve worked a p2tog, p2, p2tog-tbl at the centreline. On the opposite side of the work it appears as a k2tog, k1, ssk (slip, slip, knit 2 stitches together through the back loop).
p2tog video
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How to work a p2tog
- With yarn in front, insert the right needle through the first two stitches on the left needle as if to purl.
- Bring the yarn around the right needle and purl the two stitches together as if they were one.
What does this decrease look like in a decrease line?
As the decreases start to stack up you can see how the decrease line looks.
In the yellow swatches above I’ve worked a p2tog-tbl (purl 2 stitches together through the back loop), then purled 1 stitch, then a p2tog. On the right side of the work it looks like a k2tog (knit 2 stitches together), k1, ssk (slip, slip, knit 2 stitches together through the back loop).
In the purple swatches, at the centreline I’ve worked a p2tog, purled 1 stitch, then worked a p2tog-tbl. On the right side of the works it appears as an ssk, 1 knit stitch, and a k2tog. Do you notice how these form subtly different effects on both the right side and wrong sides of the work?
More decreases
There are LOTS of decrease types in knitting. You can find all of our decrease posts here and our post on decrease lines is coming soon!
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Let’s Knit a Northward Hat | Tin Can Knits
November 5, 2020 @ 1:32 pm
[…] 1: [k6, p2tog, p2] around [45 (54, 63, 72) sts]Round 2: [k4, k2tog, p3] around [40 (48, 56, 64) sts]Round 3: [k5, […]
April 21, 2017 @ 1:53 pm
I am a benginner knitter and i love this pattern and your tutorials are easy to read and to follow. Thank you for sharing your info. Knitting helps me to release stress.
March 7, 2017 @ 3:56 pm
I don’t understand what I’m supposed to do in round 2 in the dogwood blanket. Do I P3tog on each needle? If so, there will only be 1 st left on each one. Please clarify.
thanks
March 8, 2017 @ 9:51 am
Hi Mary – nope, no p3togs in round 2. You are just knitting your knits and purling your purls. The note is that you are purling the sts that were p3tog in the previous round when that comes up.