Right-Slanting Decrease in Garter Stitch
In garter stitch, k2tog produces a right-slanting decrease that is much less visible than in stockinette but still present. For shaped garter pieces (shawls, scarves, dishcloths), the decrease is the standard right-slanting tool.
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Method
On a right-side row (the row you would normally knit), work to two stitches before the decrease point. K2tog. Continue knitting to the end.
Visual in garter
The decrease blurs into the garter ridges and reads as a slight thinning rather than a clean slant. From a distance, the slant is invisible; up close, the decrease pattern shows as a small skew in the ridges.
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Pairing with ssk
Pair k2tog with ssk for symmetric shaping. In garter stitch, both decreases are nearly invisible, so the pairing is more about consistency than visible symmetry.
When to decrease
Always on the right-side row in garter (if you decrease on every row, the decrease rate doubles). For garter stitch worked back and forth, "every right-side row" means every other row.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k2tog | knit two together |
| ssk | slip slip knit |
Tips
- In garter stitch, decrease only on right-side rows for the standard rate.
- k2tog and ssk are both nearly invisible in garter — choose either based on pattern conventions.
- Block to set the garter shaping.
In depth
Decreases in garter stitch are much less visible than in stockinette because the garter texture obscures the slant. This makes garter a forgiving canvas for shaped projects but also means the visual symmetry of paired decreases matters less.