SSP (Slip, Slip, Purl)
SSP is the wrong-side mirror of ssk: a left-leaning purl decrease used on wrong-side rows where ssk would appear on the right side.
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Mechanics
Slip the next two stitches knitwise (one at a time). Slip them back to the left needle without untwisting. Purl them together through the back loop. The slip-slip motion twists the stitches the right way for a clean left-leaning decrease.
Visual
When viewed from the right side, SSP reads as a small left-leaning decrease — visually identical to ssk worked from the right side.
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When to use
Wrong-side decrease rows in stockinette where the right-side row would have used ssk. Symmetric shaping in reverse stockinette and purl-faced patterns.
Common error
Slipping the stitches purlwise instead of knitwise produces a twisted, ugly decrease. Always slip knitwise and twist back before purling through the back loop.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ssp | slip slip purl |
| ssk | slip slip knit |
Tips
- Always slip the stitches knitwise — purlwise slipping twists the result.
- Use SSP wherever ssk would appear on the wrong side for symmetric shaping.
- For reverse stockinette, SSP and p2tog are the standard left- and right-leaning pair.
In depth
SSP works by re-mounting two stitches and purling them together through the back loop, mirroring the structure of ssk on the knit side. The resulting left lean matches ssk when viewed from the right side of the fabric.