How To Knit CDD: Centered Double Decrease Tutorial

Learn how to knit CDD, also known as a centered double decrease, with this easy step-by-step tutorial.

CDD is a knitting decrease that turns three stitches into one stitch.

It is often used in lace knitting, decorative stitch patterns, shaping, hats, shawls, and designs where you want the decrease to sit neatly in the center.

If you have seen CDD in a knitting pattern and wondered what it means, this guide will walk you through the technique slowly and clearly.

You’ll also find a video tutorial below so you can see exactly how to work the decrease.

Quick Answer: What Does CDD Mean In Knitting?

CDD means centered double decrease.

It is a knitting decrease that turns three stitches into one stitch, reducing your stitch count by two stitches.

To knit a CDD, you slip two stitches together knitwise, knit the next stitch, then pass the two slipped stitches over the knitted stitch and off the needle.

This creates a balanced decrease that sits in the center, rather than leaning strongly to the left or right.

CDD At A Glance

Detail	Information
Abbreviation	CDD
Meaning	Centered double decrease
Type of stitch	Decrease
Stitch count	Decreases by 2 stitches
Worked over	3 stitches
Finished result	3 stitches become 1 stitch
Direction	Centered
Common uses	Lace, shawls, hats, motifs, shaping, and decorative stitch patterns
Also seen as	S2KP, sl2-k1-p2sso, central double decrease

Before You Start

CDD is usually worked on the right side of the fabric, especially in lace, motifs, and decorative stitch patterns.

If you are looking at the wrong side of your work, the decrease may look different, so check the right side to see how the centered decrease sits in the fabric.

Before learning CDD, it helps if you already know how to:

Knit the knit stitch
Slip stitches
Pass stitches over
Read basic knitting abbreviations
Count stitches in your pattern

CDD has a few separate movements, but each step is simple when you slow it down.

You will need three stitches available to work the decrease.

What Is A Centered Double Decrease?

A centered double decrease is a knitting decrease worked over three stitches.

The most common method is to slip two stitches together knitwise, knit the next stitch, then pass the two slipped stitches over the knit stitch.

This creates one centered stitch from three stitches.

Because the decrease removes two stitches, it is called a double decrease.

The result is usually neat and balanced, with the center stitch sitting on top.

Is CDD A Double Decrease?

Yes, CDD is a double decrease.

A single decrease, such as K2tog or SSK, turns two stitches into one stitch and decreases your stitch count by one.

A CDD turns three stitches into one stitch and decreases your stitch count by two.

For example, if you have 30 stitches and work one CDD, you will have 28 stitches afterward.

CDD Abbreviation

In knitting patterns, you may see this written as:

CDD
cdd
Centered double decrease
Central double decrease
Slip 2 knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over
S2KP
sl2-k1-p2sso
Center decrease

These may refer to the same technique, but instructions can vary slightly between patterns.

Always check the pattern notes if the designer gives a specific method for working the decrease.

How To Knit CDD

To work a CDD:

Knit to the place in your pattern where the decrease is needed.
Slip the next two stitches together knitwise from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle.
Knit the next stitch.
Insert the left-hand needle into the two slipped stitches.
Pass the two slipped stitches over the knit stitch and off the right-hand needle.

You have now decreased three stitches into one stitch.

This creates a centered double decrease.

Video Tutorial: How To Knit CDD

Watch the video tutorial below to see how to knit a CDD step by step.

This will show you how to slip two stitches together knitwise, knit the next stitch, and pass the slipped stitches over to create a centered double decrease.

Step-By-Step CDD Instructions

Here is the centered double decrease broken down more slowly.

Step 1: Knit to the decrease

Work across your row or round until you reach the place where your pattern tells you to work the CDD.

You will need three stitches available for the decrease.

Step 2: Slip two stitches together knitwise

Insert the right-hand needle into the next two stitches on the left-hand needle as if you were going to knit them together.

Instead of knitting them, slip both stitches together from the left-hand needle to the right-hand needle.

The two stitches should be slipped together knitwise, not one at a time.

This changes the position of the stitches and prepares them to pass over the center stitch.

You may sometimes see this written as “slip 2 knitwise” or “sl 2 knit wise” in older patterns, but the technique is the same.

Step 3: Knit the next stitch

Knit the next stitch on the left-hand needle.

You will now have the two slipped stitches and the newly knitted stitch on the right-hand needle.

Step 4: Pass the slipped stitches over

Use the left-hand needle to lift the two slipped stitches over the knit stitch.

Pass them over the knit stitch and off the right-hand needle.

You should now have one stitch where there were previously three.

Step 5: Check the decrease

The decrease should sit in the center and look neat, with the main stitch sitting on top.

You have now worked one CDD.

How To Knit CDD Centered Double Decrease Tutorial

Easy Way To Remember CDD

A simple way to remember a centered double decrease is:

Slip two, knit one, pass two over.

That is the basic movement of the decrease.

You slip two stitches together, knit the next stitch, then pass the slipped stitches over the knit stitch.

Is CDD Left-Leaning Or Right-Leaning?

A centered double decrease is designed to sit in the center.

Unlike SSK, which leans left, or K2tog, which leans right, CDD creates a more balanced decrease.

This makes it useful for lace patterns, decorative shaping, and designs where the decrease needs to line up neatly in the middle.

What Does CDD Look Like?

A CDD usually creates a neat vertical decrease with the center stitch sitting on top.

It is often used when you want a decrease to sit along the middle of a motif, such as a leaf, chevron, lace repeat, or shaped section.

Because it decreases two stitches at once, it creates a stronger shaping effect than a single decrease.

CDD Vs S1 K2tog PSSO

CDD and S1 K2tog PSSO are both double decreases, but they are worked differently.

A common CDD method is worked by slipping two stitches together knitwise, knitting one stitch, then passing the two slipped stitches over.

S1 K2tog PSSO is worked by slipping one stitch, knitting the next two stitches together, then passing the slipped stitch over.

Both decreases turn three stitches into one stitch.

However, they can look slightly different in the fabric, so always use the decrease your pattern asks for.

CDD Vs K2tog

K2tog means knit two together.

It is a single right-leaning decrease that turns two stitches into one stitch.

CDD is a centered double decrease that turns three stitches into one stitch.

The main differences are:

Decrease	Stitches Used	Stitch Count	Direction
K2tog	2 stitches	Decreases by 1	Right-leaning
CDD	3 stitches	Decreases by 2	Centered

They are used for different types of shaping, so it is important to follow the instructions given in your knitting pattern.

CDD Vs SSK

SSK means slip slip knit.

It is a single left-leaning decrease that turns two stitches into one stitch.

CDD turns three stitches into one stitch and is designed to sit in the center.

The main differences are:

Decrease	Stitches Used	Stitch Count	Direction
SSK	2 stitches	Decreases by 1	Left-leaning
CDD	3 stitches	Decreases by 2	Centered

You may see SSK and CDD used in the same lace or shaping pattern, but they create different effects.

CDD Vs S2KP: Are They The Same?

You may also see this decrease written as S2KP or sl2-k1-p2sso.

These abbreviations often describe the same basic action:

Slip two stitches, knit one stitch, pass the slipped stitches over.

However, pattern abbreviations can vary, and some designers may use slightly different wording.

If your pattern includes a glossary, always follow the designer’s instructions.

When Should You Use A CDD?

Use a centered double decrease when your knitting pattern tells you to work a CDD or central double decrease.

You may use it in:

Lace patterns
Shawl motifs
Leaf patterns
Chevron designs
Hat crown shaping
Decorative decreases
Centered shaping
Yoke designs
Pattern repeats

It is especially useful when you want the decrease to line up neatly along a center point.

Is CDD Hard For Beginners?

CDD may look complicated at first because it involves three stitches and a few separate movements.

However, once you break it down, it is very manageable.

If you can slip stitches, knit, and pass stitches over, you can learn this decrease.

The key is to move slowly and make sure the two slipped stitches pass over the knit stitch together.

Common CDD Mistakes

Slipping the stitches separately

For this version of CDD, the two stitches are slipped together knitwise.

Insert the right-hand needle into both stitches at the same time as if you were going to knit them together, then slip them to the right-hand needle.

Forgetting to knit the next stitch

After slipping the two stitches, you need to knit the next stitch before passing the slipped stitches over.

If you forget this step, the decrease will not be formed correctly.

Passing over only one slipped stitch

Make sure you pass both slipped stitches over the knit stitch.

This is what turns three stitches into one.

Not having three stitches available

CDD is worked over three stitches.

Before you begin, check that you have enough stitches in the row or round for the decrease.

Confusing CDD with a single decrease

CDD decreases by two stitches, not one.

If your stitch count seems off, check whether your pattern asked for a single decrease or a double decrease.

CDD Practice Swatch

If you are new to CDD, try practicing on a small swatch.

Cast on 21 stitches.

Row 1: Knit all stitches.
Row 2: Purl all stitches.
Row 3: Knit 9, CDD, knit 9.
Row 4: Purl all stitches.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 a few times.

Each time you work the CDD, your stitch count will decrease by two stitches.

This will help you practice the movement and see how the decrease sits in the center of your fabric.

Centered Double Decrease FAQs

What does CDD mean in knitting?

CDD means centered double decrease.

It is a knitting decrease that turns three stitches into one stitch.

How do you knit a CDD?

To knit a CDD, slip two stitches together knitwise, knit the next stitch, then pass the two slipped stitches over the knit stitch.

Is CDD a double decrease?

Yes, CDD is a double decrease because it decreases two stitches.

You start with three stitches and end with one stitch.

Does CDD lean left or right?

CDD is designed to be centered.

It does not lean strongly to the left or right like SSK or K2tog.

What is CDD used for in knitting?

CDD is often used in lace patterns, shawls, hats, decorative stitch patterns, centered shaping, and motifs where the decrease needs to sit neatly in the middle.

Is CDD the same as S2KP?

In many patterns, CDD and S2KP describe a similar decrease: slip two stitches, knit one, then pass the slipped stitches over.

Always check your pattern notes, as abbreviations can vary.

How many stitches does CDD decrease?

CDD decreases by two stitches.

Three stitches become one stitch.

Can beginners learn CDD?

Yes, beginners can learn CDD.

It has a few steps, but each step is simple when practiced slowly.