How To Knit 2 Together (K2tog) – Easy Step-by-Step Guide
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.This blog post will teach you how to knit 2 together (K2tog).
The easiest knitting decrease is K2tog (or knit two together), which means that you knit two stitches together.
This is a commonly used right-leaning decrease for knitting projects such as socks, gloves, and mittens, and to shape the crown of a hat.
What Is Knit 2 Together In Knitting?
Knit 2 together (abbreviated as k2tog) is one of the easiest and most commonly used decrease stitches in knitting.
It’s a basic technique where you knit two stitches as if they were one, reducing your stitch count by one and creating a right-leaning decrease.
You’ll often see k2tog in patterns that require shaping, such as hats, garments, or lacework. It’s worked just like a regular knit stitch—but through two stitches instead of one.
There are also similar decreases, like k3tog (knit three stitches together), used when a tighter, more dramatic decrease is needed—typically in intermediate or advanced patterns.
On the purl side, you might encounter p2tog (purl two together) or p3tog, which serve the same purpose on the reverse side of your fabric.
Is Knit 2 Together Right Or Left Leaning?
The knit 2 together (k2tog) stitch is a right-leaning decrease, meaning it slants to the right on your knitting.
The stitch on the right crosses over the one on the left, creating a subtle right-leaning line.
This is what gives k2tog its distinctive slant in your knitting.
Knitters often use this decrease technique alongside a left-leaning decrease like ssk (slip slip knit) to shape their projects symmetrically—especially in garments, hats, and other fitted pieces.
How To Knit 2 Together
Learn how to knit 2 together (k2tog) with this easy step-by-step tutorial, perfect for beginner knitters.
This common decrease stitch is simple to master and essential for shaping your knitting projects.
Follow along with detailed written instructions and a helpful video tutorial that shows you exactly how to work the stitch with confidence.
Video Tutorial
Time needed: 1 hour and 30 minutes
How To Knit 2 Together (K2tog)
- Step 1 – Insert your needle tip into the next two stitches
Place the tip of the right needle into the two stitches that you want to knit together on the left hand needle, just as you would if you were going to knit the first stitch.
Wrap the working yarn around the right needle.
- Step 2 – Yarn over the needle and knit
Knit those two stitches (the first and second stitch together), just the same as you would complete a normal knit stitch.
- Step 3 – Slide the stitch off the needle
Slide the stitch off the needle – you should just have one loop on your right-hand needle.
That is it – really easy and you have just completed a decrease.
The image below shows what this will look like on the right side of the work.
You can now continue to knit the next stitch in the knit row. - Step 4 – Check the back of the work
If you check the back of the work (the wrong side of the work), you will see that you have completed your decrease and that you have knitted two stitches together successfully.
Is K2tog The Same As SSK?
You can decrease stitches in several ways, and k2tog is a popular method that creates a right-slanted decrease.
In contrast, ssk (short for slip, slip, knit) produces a left-leaning decrease.
Many knitting patterns use both techniques to shape fabric or create beautiful, intricate lace designs.
For example, my Sea Glass Shawl Knitting Pattern uses both k2tog and ssk to form its elegant, airy texture.
Which Patterns Use Knit 2 Together?
Many patterns use this popular, simple decrease stitch from sweaters to hats.
To practice this stitch, you could knit a garter stitch swatch and practice knitting two stitches together.
The following free patterns for men and women all use knit 2 together to decrease the crown of the hat to shape…
More Knitting Tutorials
Want to learn more about knitting basics or find inspiration for your next project?
Check out my post on Knitting Lessons—it’s a great place to build your skills and spark new ideas.
You can view beginner video tutorials here.
- Knitting cast-on methods
- Cast off knitting methods
- How to cast on knitting
- How to knit – A complete beginner’s guide
- How to cast off knitting for total beginners (step by step)
- How to knit the purl stitch (for beginners + a video tutorial)
- How to knit stockinette stitch (for beginners)
- How to read knitting patterns for beginners
- Knitting abbreviations and terms (US and UK)
- How to knit rib stitch patterns (1×1 and 2×2 ribbing)
- The mattress stitch – how to seam knitting
- What is TBL in knitting? (knit through the back loop)
- How To PSSO In Knitting (Pass Slipped Stitch Over)
