P2tog (purl two stitches together) is a simple decrease used for shaping in knitting patterns. The technique and steps are exactly the same as when purling, except that you work into two stitches at the same time.
HOW TO WORK a p2tog :::
1. With working yarn in front, insert the right hand (RH) needle into two stitches at once, from back to front (in the same manner as when you work a single purl stitch).
2. Wrap the working yarn around the RH needle tip (in the same way as when you purl)
3. Use the RH needle tip to push this loop of yarn through both stitches at once, from the front of the work to the back, creating a new stitch on the RH needle.
4. Drop the 2 ‘old’ stitches off the LH needle
Working a p2tog decreases the stitch count, because you have effectively gathered two stitches together into a single stitch.
Similar decreases: p3tog (exactly the same, but working into 3 stitches at once)
Mirrored decrease: p2tog-tbl
This tutorial is part of The Simple Collection – our 100% free learn-to-knit series. Check out the 8 fabulous free patterns sized from baby to big, and get started making modern seamless knits for the entire family! Like our work? Get our email updates and we will let you know about new patterns, tutorials, and events.
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.