How do you SSK?
I've taught 5 Craftsy classes... and there are "some" knitters who have them all! A few of them have noticed that I work my SSK's two different ways and have been asking why. I explained quickly but I felt you all deserved a detailed explanation....
First off, what is an SSK? (if you aren't a knitter, you probably shouldn't keep reading)
An SSK is a knit decrease that takes 2 knit stitches and makes them one. It is worked by slipping 2 stitches one at a time to the right hand needle and then working them together. This decrease leans to the left.
The goal of an SSK is to mirror a K2tog (knit 2 together) which is a single decrease that leans to the right.
When I first learned to SSK I was taught to slip the first stitch on my left hand needle knitwise, then the second stitch the same way and work them together:
But compare this to a K2tog.... they are similar, but not quite perfectly mirrored.
One day (many years ago) at knit group someone mentioned that she slips her second stitch purlwise as so:
See how much more that mirrors a K2tog? Am I a geek or what?
Now when I SSK I slip the first stitch knitwise, and the second stitch purlwise and then work them together.
You can work your SSK's either way I show above, but I would say that when knitting a project you should choose one way and stick with it! Grab some needles and try it out... see what I mean?
So, how do you SSK?
First off, what is an SSK? (if you aren't a knitter, you probably shouldn't keep reading)
An SSK is a knit decrease that takes 2 knit stitches and makes them one. It is worked by slipping 2 stitches one at a time to the right hand needle and then working them together. This decrease leans to the left.
The goal of an SSK is to mirror a K2tog (knit 2 together) which is a single decrease that leans to the right.
When I first learned to SSK I was taught to slip the first stitch on my left hand needle knitwise, then the second stitch the same way and work them together:
See how much more that mirrors a K2tog? Am I a geek or what?You can work your SSK's either way I show above, but I would say that when knitting a project you should choose one way and stick with it! Grab some needles and try it out... see what I mean?
So, how do you SSK?
I have always done my ssk the traditional way but I am going to give your method a try on a project soon.
ReplyDeleteLove this! I have always slipped both stitches knitwise and been slightly unhappy with the results. Now, the ssk stitches look better and the decrease takes less time as the RH needle is already in the right position to work the two stitches together! Thanks for taking me a bit further on my knitting road!
ReplyDeleteI've always done the traditional way, but recently someone told me that they slip both stitches together (knitwise), so I decided to try that on my current project. I can't really tell a difference in the look, but I like the procedure better the traditional way. I do agree that slipping the second stitch purlwise does give it a better look. I'll have to try that on my next project.
ReplyDeleteMeg Swansen teaches SSK this way. It twists the back stitch so it snugs up behind the front stitch more neatly. It is also easier as you van just swivel the needle tips and make the stitch in the same action of slipping the second stitch. I love this method!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this good pictured lesson !
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I am lazy ; I don't worry about all that ; I just knit the 2 stitches together back the loop ; it decreases 1 stitch and it leans to the left, that's all I want ; of course, doing that, I am unaware if the stitches are pre-twisted or not ; in cobweb lace, I think it does not really matter. Elisabeth
I slip the first stitch as if to knit, but place it back on the left hand needle without reorienting it and then k2tog through the back loops. I learned that in the Norby pattern.
ReplyDeleteMe too. It just seems like wasted effort to slip that second stitch purlwise since you're just going to move it back to the left needle (in the exact same orientation it was in before!) to do the k2togtbl.
DeleteI should try this! I've knit a few hats with Brooklyn Tweed's "turn a square" decreases and I'm not 100% happy with my SSK line. (sjn821 on Rav)
ReplyDeleteSince I took a couple of your classes I've been slipping the second stitch as if to purl.
ReplyDeleteYou have five Craftsy classes?? Must. Find. Missing. Three.
ReplyDeleteUse this link Becky: www.nelkindesigns.com/workshops, that will give you them all for 50% off!
DeleteThank.You!
Awesome! I took Mastering Lace Shawls while recovering from surgery. (I have plates and screws on my clavicle now) I attribute my quick healing to knitting the shawl. 😉
DeleteThanks for the clear illustration and explanation - definite convert. I think I am one of the Craftsy members who have all but one of your classes. Only missing "Lace from the inside Out" as feel I am not yet ready for that one. Love your style of imparting your creativity and knowledge. Thank you so much. Lesley
ReplyDeleteI always slip the first stitch knitwise then knit the second stitch, then slip the first stitch over the second one. It looks the same and is much easier.
ReplyDeleteThat is the way they teach it in Europe, Continental method. I have never done it any other way, and that would be for 55 years..
DeleteThis method is called a SKP (slip, knit, pass). It is much easier than the SSK. What are your thoughts on this, Laura?
DeleteI SSK like this as of right now! Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteI do my SSK with a k, then p orient on the slips, I don't exactly move them back to the LH so much as stick it in so I can work tbl. Prefer the look really, just looks neater. Used it on some socks recently, even.
ReplyDeletei totally geek out when i find handy tips such as this. thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI knit mine the traditional way. A few years ago I tried the other way. I really didn't see any difference or enough to notice in my knitting. I knit continental and don't know if that makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteLooks to be very helpful and I am anxious to try. I was taught slip as to knit, slip as to knit, return stitches to left hand needle and knit the two together through the front like a normal knit stitch. That a lot of steps! Is this wrong?
ReplyDeleteThinking out loud, I think my return to left needle is equivalent to your knit through the back loop, that I associate with twisting, That explains why I have seen some people just K2Tog through the backloop for SSK. Maybe a shortcut mix of the two versions?