SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit)
SSK is the basic left-leaning decrease and the mirror partner of k2tog. Slip two stitches knitwise one at a time, then knit them together through the back loop. The result is one stitch leaning to the left.
Recommended A printable technique cheat-sheet for your knitting bag.
Mechanics
Slip the next stitch from left to right needle as if to knit. Slip the next stitch the same way. Insert the left needle into the front of both slipped stitches and knit them together through the back loop.
Why slip knitwise
Slipping each stitch knitwise (rather than purlwise) twists the stitches as they sit on the right needle. When the left needle later picks them up and knits them together through the back loop, they untwist into a clean left-leaning decrease.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Visual leaning
The new stitch leans visibly to the left. On stockinette, ssk reads as a small diagonal line going up and to the left — the mirror of k2tog.
Variations
Some knitters prefer "skp" (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) as a faster left-leaning decrease. The two are nearly identical visually but skp can be slightly less even.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ssk | slip slip knit |
| k2tog | knit two together |
Tips
- Always pair ssk with k2tog for symmetric shaping.
- For a tighter, cleaner ssk, slip both stitches knitwise (not purlwise).
- On the wrong side, the equivalent is ssp (slip slip purl).
In depth
SSK works by re-mounting two stitches in the "wrong" orientation (twisted), then knitting them together through the back loop, which untwists them. The result is a clean left-leaning decrease where the first stitch from the left needle becomes the dominant column above the decrease.