How To PSSO In Knitting (Pass Slipped Stitch Over)

In this blog post, learn how to PSSO in knitting (pass slipped stitch over).

Mastering the PSSO stitch in knitting opens up a world of intricate patterns and elegant designs. 

This versatile decrease technique is a favorite among knitters for its ability to create clean, defined lines in both simple and complex projects. 

Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your skills or an experienced knitter aiming to refine your techniques, learning how to PSSO is a valuable addition to your knitting repertoire.

What Is PSSO In Knitting?

PSSO stands for “pass slipped stitch over,” a common knitting technique used to decrease stitches and create intricate patterns.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Slip a Stitch: Slip one stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle.
2. Knit the Next Stitch: Knit the next stitch on the left needle.
3. Pass the Slipped Stitch Over: Use your left needle to lift the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch and off the right needle.

Result: You’ve decreased one stitch and added a beautiful, textured element to your project.

Uses: PSSO is often used in lace patterns, shaping garments, and adding decorative elements to your knitting.

Try it out to elevate your next project with this simple yet effective technique!

Why Do You PSSO In A Pattern?  

The “PSSO” technique is used in knitting patterns to decrease the number of stitches, enabling the shaping and contouring of the knitted fabric. 

This technique is crucial for creating tailored shapes in garments, such as armholes, necklines, and waistlines, providing a precise and clean-looking decrease. 

Additionally, it is often used in lace knitting to create intricate openwork patterns, adding texture and visual interest to the fabric. 

By incorporating PSSO, knitters can achieve both functional and decorative elements in their projects, enhancing the overall design and fit of the finished piece.

Different Variations Of The PSSO Technique

There are different variations of the PSSO (pass slipped stitch over) stitch in knitting. 

The basic PSSO decrease stitch involves slipping one stitch, knitting the next stitch, and then passing the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch. 

However, knitters use this technique in many different ways to create various textures and patterns in their knitting projects.

Some common variations include:

1. Double PSSO (dp2sso): This involves slipping two stitches, knitting one, and then passing the two slipped stitches over the knitted stitch. This creates a more double decrease.
2. Triple PSSO (tp3sso): Similar to the double PSSO, but you slip three stitches, knit one, and then pass the three slipped stitches over the knitted stitch.
3. PSSO in combination with other decreases: For example, a pattern might call for a PSSO after a K2tog (knit two together) or an SSK (slip, slip, knit) to create more complex decrease patterns.
4. PSSO with yarn overs: Combining a PSSO with a yarn over (YO) can create an interesting lace pattern, as the decrease from the PSSO can be balanced by the increase from the yarn over.

These variations allow knitters to create a wide range of textures, shapes, and designs in their knitting projects. 

Each variation offers a different look and can be used creatively to achieve specific effects in the finished piece. 

Knitting Lessons

If you are new to knitting and need help with the basics, check out these posts here: Knitting Lessons (With Video Tutorials).

There, you will find step-by-step tutorials for all the different knitting techniques a newbie needs to know.

This includes how to cast on, how to bind off, how to knit the basic stitches, how to knit the knit stitches, how to knit the purl stitches, and how to knit the rib stitch.  

Included is a list of knitting abbreviations (UK + US terms), instructions on knitting the linen stitch, and more.

And if you need more video tutorials to help you practice your basic knitting skills, check out my YouTube channel here – Handy Little Me – YouTube.  

Could you share your work with us…

I love seeing your finished projects on social media. 

If you enjoyed knitting the PSSO technique, I’d love to see yours on Instagram, be sure to tag me @handylittleme.

If you are on Facebook, stop over to the Handylittleme Facebook group and share a photo, I’d love to see your work!

You can also find us on Pinterest and Ravelry.

Happy Knitting!

Free Knitting Patterns

• Double Moss Stitch (Free Knitting Pattern For Beginners)
• How To Knit The Basket Weave Stitch – Easy Tutorial
• Broken Rib Stitch Knitting Pattern For Beginners 
• Slip Stitch Knitting (How To Slip Knit Stitches) 
• How To Knit A Mitered Square (Free Knitting Pattern) 
• How To Pick Up A Dropped Knit Stitch 
• How To Knit One Below (K1B Tutorial + Video)
• How To Knit A Yarn Over (YO) + A Video Tutorial 
• How To Decrease Knitting (6 Ways)
• How To Increase Stitches In Knitting (Tutorial) 
• Knitting Needle Sizes + Conversion Chart (Free Printable)