A variety of methods can be used to decrease the width of a piece of knitting. Decreasing can slant to the right or left or be vertical. The decreasing can also be invisible, or visible and decorative. Here we outline the most common methods of decreasing, starting with a basic single right-slanting decrease.
Most decreases are worked on the right side of the knitting, but sometimes it is necessary to decrease on the wrong side, such as when the decreases are worked in every row. Both methods are shown here.
Basic single right-slanting decrease (K2tog):
Placing the decrease one or two stitches in from the edge makes it visible and decorative. Work to the position of the decrease at the end of the right-side row.
Insert the right-hand needle knitwise (from front to back) into the next two stitches on the left-hand needle.
Wrap the yarn around the needle and draw the loop through the two stitches.
By knitting two stitches together you have decreased one stitch and slanted the edge of the fabric to the right.
Work to the end of the row. You will be able to see the beginning of the decorative decrease where you knitted the two stitches together.
Basic single right-slanting decrease (P2tog):
To work the decrease on the wrong side you need to purl stitches together. Work to the position of the decrease. Insert the right-hand needle purlwise (into the front loops from right to left) of the next two stitches on the left-hand needle.
Wrap the yarn around the needle as though purling in the usual way.
Draw the yarn through the two stitches to form a single stitch and decrease one stitch. Work to the end of the row.
Working the decreases in this way on the right or wrong side of the fabric will produce a piece of knitting that slants to the right on the right side of the fabric. The decreased stitches show as a decorative ridge.