Knit Two Together (k2tog)

Originally published on February 17, 2025

The "knit two together" (abbreviated as k2tog) is one of the most commonly used knitting decreases. There isn't any pattern out there that doesn't use this decrease. It is a simple and beginner-friendly technique that creates a right-leaning decrease. This method is widely used in patterns for shaping garments, lacework, and other projects where a clean, slanted decrease is required. You can often find it in combination with the SSK (slip, slip knit decrease) because these two complement each other perfectly.

In this blog post, you will learn:

(Click on the links below to jump to the corresponding sections)

• What k2tog is

• How to knit k2tog

• A visual comparison of a combination of one right-leaning decrease and two left-leaning decreases

• Tips to master this technique

• Common uses in knitting patterns

k2tog on the left side

What is k2tog?

K2tog is a decrease technique that involves knitting two stitches together as if they were one. This reduces the stitch count by one and creates a right-leaning slant. It is one of the easiest decreases to learn, making it a favorite among beginner and experienced knitters alike.

This decrease is often used in patterns for shaping areas like armholes, necklines, and crown shaping in hats. It is also a key technique in lace knitting, where directional decreases are essential for creating intricate patterns.

A few swatches showing right-leaning decreases (k2tog) and left-leaning decreases ( SSK and k2tog tbl )

How to Knit k2tog

Here’s a step-by-step guide to working the k2tog decrease:

1. Insert the right-hand needle into the first two stitches on the left-hand needle, as if to knit, from left to right.

2. Wrap the working yarn around the right-hand needle.

3. Pull the yarn through both stitches, creating a single stitch on the right-hand needle.

4. Slide the two original stitches off the left-hand needle.

Insert the right-hand needle into the first two stitches on the left-hand needle...	...from left to right.	Close up from behind

Yarn Over	Pull the yarn through both stitches, creating a single stitch	Slide the two original stitches off the left-hand needle.

A visual comparison

k2tog is one of several decrease techniques in knitting. Here’s the right-leaning k2tog and a left-leaning decrease look together:

• k2tog vs. SSK: While k2tog creates a right-leaning decrease, SSK (slip, slip, knit) creates a left-leaning decrease. These two techniques are often used together in patterns to create symmetrical shaping.

• k2tog vs. k2tog tbl: Both techniques involve knitting two stitches together, but the difference lies in how the stitches are worked. k2tog is worked through the front loops, creating a right-leaning slant, while k2tog tbl (through the back loop) is worked through the back loops, creating a left-leaning slant with a slight twist.

The choice between these decreases depends on the desired look and the pattern requirements.

On the left side, I worked a k2tog decrease, and on the right side, you can see the left leaning ssk decrease.	On the left side, I worked a k2tog decrease, and on the right side, a left leaning k2tog tbl decrease.

Tips for the k2tog

Here are some tips to help you perfect the k2tog decrease:

• Keep your tension consistent: Avoid pulling the yarn too tightly, as this can distort the stitches.

• Use sharp-pointed needles: This makes it easier to insert the needle through two stitches at once. If the stitches are still too tight, you can insert your needle purlwise and gently loosen them.

• Practice on a swatch: Before incorporating k2tog into a project, practice the technique on a small swatch to get comfortable with the motion.

• Pay attention to stitch orientation: Ensure that the stitches are not twisted on the needle before working the decrease.

Insert your needle purlwise and gently the stitches.

Common Uses in Knitting Patterns

k2tog is one of the most used decrease that in knitting projects. You can incooperate the k2tog everywhere where you need to decrease by one stitch. Here are some common applications:

• Shaping Garments: k2tog is often used for shaping armholes, necklines, and other areas where a right-leaning decrease is needed.

• Crown Shaping in Hats: This decrease is frequently used in the final rounds of hat patterns to shape the crown.

• Lace Knitting: k2tog is essential in lace patterns to create directional decreases. You can often find it there together with the SSK decreases.

• Socks: It is commonly used in sock patterns to shape the gusset area. I am using the slip knit pass slipped stitch over together with the k2tog for the socks toes and Gussets

This is a great example of the use of decreases and increases in knitting. Along the leaf edges, you can see techniques such as SSK , M1L, and M1R increases, as well as k2tog, p2tog, KFB , and K1 S1 PSSO decreases.

Conclusion

k2tog is a simple yet very powerful decrease that creates a right-leaning slant. It’s easy to learn and incredibly versatile, making it a must-know technique for knitters of all skill levels. Whether you’re shaping garments, working on lace patterns, or finishing a hat, k2tog is a reliable and effective way to reduce stitches.

In my personal opinion, k2tog is one of the most intuitive decreases to learn, and it’s a great starting point for beginners who are just getting comfortable with shaping their knitting projects. You will need this decrease for almost all of you patterns.

So, grab your needles and give it a try!

Until then, happy knitting!

A Little Way to Say Thanks