As a knitter, you might come across the term "SSK”. It is an abbreviation for slip slip knit. Knitting includes various techniques and ‘slip slip knit’ is one such method. It helps to create a neat left-leaning decrease with knitting needles. It is easy and mostly used in shaping projects like sweaters and socks. There are several techniques for decreasing the stitch count in the row or round. This blog will explore the SSK technique, the steps, and tips and tricks to master the beautiful skill.
Let’s explore and understand it.
What exactly is SSK- Slip Slip Knit?
In simple words, SSK (Slip Slip Knit) is a method used in knitting to decrease stitches. You simply slip one stitch, then the next and then knit them together. Whether working on socks or a cardigan with double-pointed needles, you might need the decrease technique anytime on your project. Even if you are working on a shawl with circular knitting needles, the technique comes in handy for lace patterns and other decreases.
SSK makes two stitches as one with a sleek, left-slanting decrease instead of right-slanting in K2tog. You don’t need fancy tools for this technique. Learn more about the decrease technique by referring to our blog on how to master the art of decreasing knit stitches - a comprehensive guide.
How to do SSK?
SSK means slip slip knit and that are the only instructions that you need to follow. Once you get to the stitch where you need to make an SSK, place a stitch marker.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Insert the needle
- First, insert the right-hand needle into the first stitch on the left-hand needle but you don’t need to knit it. Instead, slip it onto your right-hand needle. Keep your slipped stitch loose and relaxed. It's simple and easy.
Step 2: Slip the stitch
- Now, in the same way, slip the second stitch and repeat the step 1. Till now, you’ve just slid two stitches and not knitted anything.
Step 3: Work with two slipped stitches
- Next, insert your left-hand needle into the front of the two slipped stitches on your right-hand needle. Knit them together through the back loops. This technique results in those two stitches becoming one, with a neat little left-leaning decrease.
You’ve just completed an SSK.
When to use an SSK method?
There are various techniques through, which you can decrease your stitches, from the ‘cast-off’ to the ‘pass one-over’. Each method offers a slightly different texture and finishing touch. You will mostly notice this in shaping necklines on sweaters, narrowing down the toe like in socks, or for rounded and neat shapes or giving the edges a beautiful look.
And once you master this technique in your knitting toolkit, you’ll feel ready to take on more advanced patterns. If you’re knitting a big, cozy blanket, circular needles will give you the space and flexibility you need.
Do you want to know what is K2tog? Refer to our blog on knitting tutorials: how do you knit two stitches together?
Pointy needle tips, such as stainless steel knitting needles from the Mindful Collection or Nova are preferred by knitters to smoothen the process and get the decrease right. A knitting needles set is a good choice as it ensures you get the right size for your job.
Other alternatives to SSK
Let’s check out some other methods:
This is right leasing decreases in which, you need to insert the right needle into the next two stitches on the left needle and then, knit them together.
It creates a left-leaning decrease with a slightly different texture. In this method, slip the first stitch as if to knit, and then, slip the second stitch as if to purl. Afterward, insert the left needle into the front loops of both slipped stitches and purl them together.
This is again a simple method wherein instead of knitting the stitches, you purl the next two stitches together as one.
This simple decrease method decreases the two stitches at the center of the row or round without a left or right leaning effect.
Keep in mind, that you will find various methods, and each can affect the appearance of your knitting, so it’s good to experiment and choose the one that best fits your project.
Finally, you’ve learned slip slip knit (SSK) like a pro. It wasn’t so difficult after all, right? Now you’re all set to add SSK to your knitting skill and impress all your friends. Grab your knitting needles, and yarn, and start using the method in your projects.