Guide to SSK in Knitting: What It Is, How to Do It, and Why It Matters

Whether you're new to knitting or an experienced knitter just refining your shaping skills, the SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit) technique is a crucial left-leaning decrease you’ll want to master.

While it might seem simple, understanding how and why to use SSK can significantly improve your knitting precision, symmetry, and fabric shaping.

A swatch worked in a beige yarn showing the SSK on the left and the K2tog on the right

What is the SSK?

SSK stands for Slip, Slip, Knit. It is a left-slanting decrease used to reduce your stitch count by one while shaping the fabric in a particular direction. By “left-slanting,” we mean that the decrease slants toward the left when looking at the right side of the fabric.

Its purpose is to create a decrease that mirrors the right-leaning K2tog (Knit Two Together).

  • Effect: Decreases the stitch count by 1 while shaping your knit’s edge or internal structure.
  • Used in: Shaping sleeves, necklines, lace patterns, raglan decreases, and more.
  • V-neck sweater: you need mirror-image decreases on each side to shape that beautiful “V.” SSK is your left-side solution.

How to Make an SSK – Step-by-Step (with Tips for Beginners)
Traditional Method

Step 1

  1. Slip 1 knitwise (as if you were going to knit it) from the left needle to the right needle.
SSK, step one: Slip 1 stitch knitwise

Step 2

2. Slip the next stitch knitwise as well.

SSK: Step 2: Slip one more stitch knitwise

Step 3

3. Insert the left needle into the front of the two slipped stitches on the right needle from left to right.

knitted decrease ssk, showing through the back loop

Step 4

4. Knit them together through the back loop and pulled through.

knitted decrease ssk worked

You’ve now completed an SSK!

A completed SSK worked on the small swatch

Why Each Step Matters

  1. Slipping knitwise twists the stitches, causing them to lean to the left when knit together.
  2. Knitting through the back loop ensures the stitch lies flat and slants properly, rather than appearing twisted.

Why Use the SSK?

  • It gives a smooth, clean left-leaning decrease.
  • It creates symmetry in garment shaping when paired with a right-leaning K2tog.
  • It is essential for balanced lace and cable patterns.

When to Use the SSK?

  • Commonly paired with K2tog on the opposite side of a garment or pattern.
  • Used in decreasing rows, such as for armholes, necklines, and raglans.
  • Found in lace knitting, where directional decreases are part of the aesthetic design.
SSK vs. K2tog Comparison

SSK vs. K2tog: Mirror Decreases Explained

Decrease Direction How It Looks Common Use
SSK Left-leaning Slants to the left Left side of a neckline or decrease
K2tog Right-leaning Slants to the right Right side of a neckline or decrease

Pro Tip: Always pair these for symmetrical shaping.

SSK Decrease Variations

Variations of the SSK Decrease

Variation Description Use Case
SSP Slip, slip, purl (purl-side decrease) Use on WS (wrong side) rows for symmetry
SKP Slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over Tighter-looking alternative to SSK
K2tbl Knit 2 together through the back loop Left-leaning decrease with a twist effect

Making SSK's More Neatly

If your SSKs look looser or less clean than K2tog, you’re not alone (ask me how I know!).

Here are some techniques (tricks) that helped polish my once-wonky SSKs.

Method 1:  Knit Through The Back Loop on Left Needle

SSK: Alternate method 2: k2tog after passing two stitches

Work to the location where you want to make the SSK, then

  1. Slip 1 knitwise, 
  2. slip 1 purlwise, return both to the left needle, 
  3. knit through the back loops.

This technique improves stitch alignment and tightens the decrease.  As you can see, it is still noticable but less so than the typical way we make the SSK.

Be careful to work on the tips of the needles—slipping too far down can stretch the stitches, making them larger than their neighbors.

Use the SKP (Slip, Knit, Pass)

skp-knitting-decrease.jpg

Use SKP for comparison

SKP = Slip 1, Knit 1, Pass Slipped Stitch Over.

This produces a similar left-leaning decrease but may look slightly different depending on yarn or tension.

  1. Slip one knitwise
  2. Knit one from left needle
  3. Pass slipped stitch over the knit stitch on the right needle and off the needle.

Learn more about the SKP (Slip, Knit, Pass)

SSK by Slip 1 knitwise, Slip 1 Purlwise

This is my favorite method and makes the SSK nearly impossible.

Knit to the location where you want to place your SSK

  1. Pass first stitch knitwise
  2. Pass second stitch purlwise
  3. Insert left needle behind these two slipped stitches and knit together.

This method is very similar to the traditional method except that you don't slip two stitches knitwise.  Rather, you slip the first stitch knitwise and the second stitch purlwise.

An alternate way to make the SSK, with directions labels

Where to Place Your SSK

SSK is a left-slanting decrease, so it’s typically worked on the right side of the fabric. However, do not place it in the first stitch of the row.

Why?

Decreases (and increases) should never be placed in the first or last stitch on rows that will be seamed. Doing so makes seaming harder and less tidy. Instead, place your SSK in the second or third stitch from the beginning or end of the row for best results.

When NOT to Use SSK

There are times when SSK may not be the best left-leaning decrease:

  • In bulky yarns, SSK can look loose and uneven.
  • In tightly knit lace, SKP may produce crisper, more defined decreases.
  • When speed is critical, SKP may be faster for some knitters than SSK.

Troubleshooting SSK Issues

Problem: Your SSK looks too loose.

  • Slip the second stitch purlwise instead of knitwise.
  • Keep tension on the working yarn as you knit the stitches together.
  • Work on the tips of your needles to avoid stretching the stitch.

Problem: The decrease doesn’t slant.

Make sure you're knitting through the back loops of both slipped stitches.

Problem: It looks different from K2tog.

That’s normal! It leans in the opposite direction.

If it still looks inconsistent, try the improved SSK method.

SSK in Charts and Written Patterns

Charts

In knitting charts, SSK is usually marked as a left-slanting slash: \ or labeled as “ssk.”

In contrast, K2tog is marked with a right-slanting slash: /.

How to make SSKs and K2tog in chart form

Written Pattern

In written patterns, SSK is often abbreviated as:

  • ssk
  • sl1, sl1, k1 tbl (knit 1 through the back loop)
  • See below for a written pattern

History of SSK and Why It Exists

The need for mirrored decreases has always been important in garment construction. Historically, SKP was more commonly used.

However, SSK gained popularity for its smoother execution and less bulky result. Today, it's the go-to left-leaning decrease in most modern patterns.

Summary: Why SSK is a Must-Know for Every Knitter

  • SSK is essential for clean, symmetrical shaping in everything from garments to lace.
  • It mirrors the right-leaning K2tog, creating visual and structural balance.
  • Though simple, refining your SSK technique can dramatically elevate your knitting quality.
  • Variations like SKP, SSP, and improved SSK allow you to adapt to yarn type, tension, or design style.

Ready to Try It?

Here’s a quick swatch tutorial you can use before adding this technique to a real project.

Materials Needed:

  • Scrap yarn
  • Knitting needles
  • Scissors

Instructions:

Cast on 14 stitches using the long-tail cast-on method.

Row 1 (RS): Purl across.

Row 2:  Knit across

Row 3:  Purl Across

Row 4: K2, K2tog, knit to the last 3 stitches, SSK, K2. (12 stitches)

Row 5: Purl across

Row 6: K2, SSK, knit to the last three stitches, K2tog, K2. (10 stitches)

Row 7: Purl across

Row 8: K2, SSK, knit to the last three stitches, K2tog, K2. (8 stitches)

Row 9: Purl across

Row 10: K2, SSK, knit to the last three stitches, K2tog, K2. (6 stitches)

Row 11:  Purl Across

Bind off.

This creates a centered double decrease swatch so you can clearly see how SSK and K2tog mirror each other.

Conclusion

Whether you're shaping a sweater or crafting delicate lace, SSK offers precision, symmetry, and control. By understanding its mechanics, use cases, and alternatives, you’ll be equipped to make confident decisions that enhance the appearance and structure of your work.

Pin for Future Reference

Pin Image showing a knitted swatch with SSK and K2tog decreases

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