Do you face problems with the left-leaning knitting decrease? Don’t worry; there is a simple solution to get neat results through the use of SKP, which stands for (slip, knit, pass) technique. It is simple and gives the same effect as SSK (slip, slip, knit). The decrease technique is used to provide a narrow shape to your fabric. You can apply the SKP technique using knitting needles, and reduce the number of stitches. Let’s discover this technique through this blog and create versatile and beautiful designs.
What is SKP- Slip, Knit, and Pass?
SKP stands for slip, knit, pass. The knitting method creates a left-leaning decrease that looks pretty much like SSK. The difference, however, is that you never work two stitches at the same time. This makes this technique a preferred method for projects in which you work with bulky yarn, round-tip needles, or any other circumstance (like the end or beginning of a round) where you may want to avoid difficult stitches.
It is one of the most beautiful single-stitch knitting decrease techniques. It looks pretty similar to the SSK method and creates a left-leaning decrease. In this method you don’t work on the two stitches at the same time, that’s why it is mostly preferred on bulky yarn. Due to this simple approach, it is often used in lace and texture patterns.
Before you try out the knitting decrease, gather supplies:
You’ll Need
- Yarn: Depending on the project; you are working on.
- Knitting Needles - You can choose any type of knitting needle depending on the project you are making. for knitting back and forth, single-pointed needles, or circular knitting needles. For projects knit in round double-pointed needles, and circular needles. Wooden knitting needles are good for beginners as they provide a warm and natural feeling. You also need some knitting accessories for your project to make your work easy.
When can you apply the SKP method?
The SKP technique is useful for giving precise shaping to your project like for lacework, sweaters, and hats.
- The SKP technique is used when you want a gradual or non-bulky decrease in your project for example in lace patterns, sweaters, and hats. Refer to our blog in the guide to knitting decreases in lace patterns.
- To add texture and give a unique look to your project.
What is the procedure for the SKP technique?
Let’s learn the fun part that is easy to understand.
Step 1: The first step is to identify where you want the decrease in the row, you can use stitch markers for easy reference and slip the first stitch as if to knit.
Step 2: Now the easiest step as per the SKP technique, is to knit the next stitch. Great! You have completed the slip-and-knit stitch.
Step 3: Next, the slip stitch is grabbed with the left-hand needle and passed over the knit stitch and off the needle.
Step 4: Once the decrease is completed continue the row as usual. The final result looks similar to the SSK stitch, and you can use it interchangeably if you prefer one method over the other. Use finishing needles to weave any loose ends.
Alternatives to SKP decrease method
There are various methods to choose from that reduce the stitch count from your project. Here is the list of a few projects:
- K2tog: This is the simplest and most commonly used technique in which you knit two stitches together and make one.
- P2tog: It is another method that can reduce the number of stitches by applying the purl technique, in this you purl two stitches together and make one.
- SSK: This is a left-leaning decrease. Mostly used for decorative and lace patterns to give a great texture.
- P2tog TBL: This technique is equivalent to SSK. It creates a left-leaning decrease in purl stitches.
If you are interested in learning more about this technique, check out our knitting lessons: 8 decrease techniques.
Project ideas to try
As a beginner, you may be excited to apply the SKP technique to your project. Let’s check out some of the ideas on which you can work:
- Beautiful beanie hats: SKP is a fantastic technique that gradually decreases the stitch count smoothly at the crown on the hat, making a neat and round top. Circular knitting needles are of assistance when working with the tricky steps of SKP while knitting in the round as you get to view your stitches better.
- Lace pattern: You can easily incorporate the SKP technique in a lace pattern, and make it unique and visually appealing. Stretch the stitches over the circular needle length to properly view and work lace stitches.
- Baby booties: To make the pattern more interesting and unique, use the SKP decrease on the heel and toe of the bootie to make it the perfect fit.
- Unusual shape of thumb gusset: The SKP decrease technique is useful for the thumb gusset project, and allows you to comfortably open the thumb.
Tips/Suggestions for a perfect SKP method
Before you start using the SKP technique choose the best knitting needles for your project and keep in mind a few tips that will help you make your item unique:
- You must be aware of the right spot where you want a decrease in the pattern. For that, use stitch markers.
- Experiment with different types of yarn and see how it looks.
- Always make a swatch before you start working on the final project.
We hope you understand the SKP decrease technique. It creates a similar look as an SSK but uses a different approach. You can use the methods in various projects and give a unique shape to your project. For beginners, we recommend practicing it regularly to become perfect in this technique.