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March 4, 2025Purl 2 Together
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Originally published on March 3, 2025
Decreases are found in almost every single knitting pattern. While knit decreases like k2tog and SSK are probably more used, purl decreases are just as important, especially when working on reverse stockinette or lace patterns. Among the purl decreases, p2tog (purl 2 together) is the simplest and most commonly used one.
In this post, you will learn:
 | p2tog on the purlside |
What is p2tog?
P2tog stands for "purl 2 together." It’s a purl decrease that reduces two stitches into one by purling them together. When viewed from the knit side of the fabric, p2tog creates a right-leaning decrease. This makes it ideal for shaping projects where the knit side is the visible side.
 | p2tog from the knitside |
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How to Work p2tog
Here’s how to work this really easy decrease:
- Insert the right needle into the first two stitches on the left needle as if to purl.
- Wrap the working yarn around the right needle.
- Pull the yarn through both stitches, creating one new stitch on the right needle.
- Slip the two stitches off the left needle.
 |  |  | Bring your working yarn to the front | Insert the right needle into the first two stitches on the left needle as if to purl | Wrap the working yarn around the right needle |
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 |  | Pull the yarn through both stitches, creating one new stitch on the right needle | Slip the two stitches off the left needle |
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When to Use P2tog
P2tog is most commonly used when you need a right-leaning decrease on the knit side of the fabric. It’s perfect for shaping necklines, armholes, or any area where symmetry and clean lines are important.
If you’re working on a reverse stockinette project (where the purl side is the visible side), p2tog is also a great choice because the slant is less noticeable on the purl side.
Knit 2 together and Purl 2 together
Both decreases serve the same purpose: reducing the stitch count by one while creating a clean, right-leaning slant. The choice between p2tog and k2tog depends on whether you're working on the knit or purl side of the fabric.
 |  | Here you can see the p2tog from the knit side | This is the knit 2 together; these two decreases are the same |
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Tips
- Practice on a swatch: This is something that I mention in every post, but if you’re new to p2tog, practice on a small swatch to get comfortable with the motion.
- Keep your tension even: Uneven tension can make the decrease look sloppy on the knit side, so take your time and work carefully.
- Use markers: If you’re shaping a garment, place markers to remind yourself where the decreases should occur.
P2tog is a simple yet essential technique that every knitter should know. Whether you’re shaping a sweater or working on a lace project, this decrease will help you achieve clean and professional results. Practice it, experiment with it, and most importantly, have fun with it!
In the next post, we’ll dive deeper into left-leaning and more advanced purl decreases, such as SSP and p2tog tbl. Stay tuned!
Until next time, happy knitting!
A Little Way to Say Thanks
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