SKP (Slip, Knit, Pass) — Alternative Left Decrease
SKP — slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over — is an alternative left-leaning decrease that produces a slightly different visual effect than ssk. Some knitters prefer SKP for its faster motion.
Recommended A printable technique cheat-sheet for your knitting bag.
Mechanics
Slip the next stitch knitwise. Knit the next stitch. Lift the slipped stitch over the knit stitch and off the needle. The result is a left-leaning decrease.
Compared to ssk
SKP is slightly faster (one fewer slip motion) but produces a slightly less even decrease. The difference is subtle and most visible in fine lace.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
When to choose SKP over ssk
When pattern conventions call for it explicitly. When the slightly faster motion matters in a long decrease row. Some traditional patterns specify SKP because it was the more common decrease before ssk became standard in the late 20th century.
When to choose ssk
For consistent symmetry with k2tog (the resulting decreases match in size and tension). For fine lace where the slightly more even ssk produces a cleaner line.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| SKP | slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped over |
| ssk | slip slip knit |
| psso | pass slipped stitch over |
Tips
- Use ssk for fine lace and consistent paired decreases.
- Use SKP when patterns specify it or for the slightly faster motion.
- Most modern patterns prefer ssk for its even tension.
In depth
SKP was the dominant left-leaning decrease in mid-20th-century knitting before ssk replaced it as the modern standard. Both are still in use; the choice between them is largely a matter of personal preference and pattern convention.