S2KP (Centred Double Decrease)
S2KP — slip 2 together knitwise, knit 1, pass the 2 slipped stitches over — is a centred double decrease that converts three stitches into one with the centre stitch sitting on top. It is the standard double decrease for shawl shaping and lace centrelines.
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Mechanics
Slip the next two stitches together as if to k2tog. Knit the next stitch. Lift the two slipped stitches over the knit stitch and off the right needle. Three stitches become one.
Visual
A clean vertical column on top of the decrease, with the original centre stitch forming the visible "spine." The two outer stitches disappear underneath.
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When to use
Shawl spines worked top-down. The centre of mitred squares (where four corners meet at one stitch). Lace patterns that need a single decrease line, such as old shale and Shetland horseshoe.
Compared to other double decreases
S2KP keeps the centre stitch dominant. Sk2p (slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped over) leans to the left. K3tog leans to the right. Choose based on which way you want the decrease to lean.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| s2kp | slip 2 together knitwise, k1, pass 2 slipped over |
Tips
- Pair s2kp with paired increases on either side of a marker for shawl spines worked downward.
- For a slightly different look, work s2kp tbl — slip both purlwise, knit through the back loop.
- In lace, s2kp under a yarn-over column produces a clean centred eyelet with no lean.
In depth
The centred double decrease is the only common decrease that produces no horizontal lean. The original centre stitch is preserved as the topmost (dominant) stitch in the new column, with the two flanking stitches disappearing below it. This is why it produces such clean shawl spines.