Decreasing Stitches
Beginner Knitting Lessons, Part 10
In this lesson we tell you how to knit decrease stitches. There are two main methods to decrease stitches: to knit several stitches together and method of pulling. Now we will consider the method of knitting of stitches together. You may find additional information on decreasing by pulling in Knitting Technique Section.
Most often it is necessary to decrease one stitch by knitting 2 stitches together. Just like increasing stitches, it is more convenient to decrease stitches on the right side. Therefore, let's consider in details first method: to knit the two stitches together. This may be done with slope of the stitches to the left or right.
Cast on 30 stitches and knit 4 rows by plain knitting. From the right edge we will be to decrease stitches with slope to the left, from the right edge - with slope to the right. Slip the edge stitch and knit 4 stitches.
In order for the stitches were tilted to the left, you need to knit them through the back loops, pre-twist each stitch or at least the first of the two. To do this we need to slip stitch by inserting the needle through the front loop, similarly as we make the classic knit stitch (this technique is known as “slip a stitch knitwise”). Then again put the stitches to the left needle and knit them through the back loops (granny's knitting method).
Continue to knit row. The fifth and the sixth stitches from the left knit together.
We have decreased the row on one stitch with slope to the right. Knit the row to the end. The wrong side row is knitted with the purl stitches without decreasing.
If you need to remove the stitch by the purl, do it in a similar way. If you purl two stitches together by a classic purl method, you will get stitches with slope to the right; if you purl them through the back loops, you will get stitches with slope to the left. There is no difficulties to purl two stitches by a classic method. While purl through the back loops is very inconvenient. Therefore it will be more convenient if you first twist these stitches and then purl them as usual. This method is complex and is rarely used.
