p2tog-tbl: how to purl 2 stitches together through the back loop

This tutorial explains how to work a p2tog-tbl decrease. This method decreases one stitch, purlwise. Let’s see how it works.

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This tutorial includes:

1. What IS a p2tog-tbl decrease anyways?
2. p2tog-tbl video
3. How to work a p2tog-tbl
4. What does this decrease look like in a decrease line?
5. More decreases

What IS a p2tog-tbl decrease anyways?

A p2tog-tbl – purl two stitches together through the back loops – is a single decrease, this means you are decreasing 1 stitch. It’s usually used on the wrong side (or purl side) of the work, and the opposite side of a p2tog-tbl is a ssk (slip, slip, knit 2 stitches together through the back loop).

In the yellow swatch above I’ve worked a p2tog-tbl, p1 at the centreline, then p2tog. On the opposite side of the work this is a k2tog (knit 2 stitches together), k1, ssk.

How to work a p2tog-tbl

1. With yarn in front, insert the right needle through two stitches on the left needle through the back loop. You’ll go through the second stitch, then the first. If this feels really awkward, you’re doing it right!
2. 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 this is a k2tog (knit 2 stitches together), k1, ssk (slip slip, knit 2 stitches together through the back loop).

In this swatch the decreases are reversed – at the centreline I’ve worked a p2tog, purled 1 stitch, then worked a p2tog-tbl. On the right side of the works this is an ssk, 1 knit stitch, then a k2tog.

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!