SSK Knitting Tutorial: How To Slip Slip Knit
THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS THAT SUPPORT HANDY LITTLE ME CONTENT AND FREE PATTERNS.Learn how to SSK in knitting with this easy step-by-step tutorial.
The SSK decrease, also known as slip slip knit, is a common left-leaning decrease used in many knitting patterns. It is often paired with K2tog to create neat, balanced shaping in garments, hats, shawls, socks, and other projects.
If you have seen SSK in a knitting pattern and wondered what it means, this guide will walk you through the technique step by step.
You’ll also find a video tutorial below so you can see exactly how to work the stitch.
Quick Answer: What Does SSK Mean In Knitting?
SSK stands for slip slip knit.
It is a knitting decrease where you slip two stitches one at a time, then knit them together through the back loops.
This turns two stitches into one stitch, decreasing your stitch count by one.
SSK creates a left-leaning decrease, which is often paired with K2tog, a right-leaning decrease, to create balanced shaping in socks, hats, sleeves, shawls, sweaters, and lace patterns.
SSK At A Glance
| Detail | SSK |
| Full name | Slip slip knit |
| Type | Decrease stitch |
| Direction | Left-leaning |
| Stitch count | Decreases by 1 stitch |
| Commonly paired with | K2tog |
| Used for | Socks, hats, sleeves, shawls, lace, garment shaping |
Before You Start
To practice SSK, cast on a small number of stitches and knit a few rows first.
Use smooth, light-colored yarn and medium-sized needles so you can clearly see how the stitches move.
SSK can feel a little fiddly at first because you slip two stitches before knitting them together, so work slowly and keep your tension relaxed.
What Is an SSK Decrease?
An SSK decrease is a left-leaning decrease worked over two stitches.
To make the decrease, you slip two stitches one at a time, then knit them together through the back loops.
This changes the direction of the stitches before they are knitted together, helping the finished decrease lean to the left.
SSK is often used as the matching decrease for K2tog, which leans to the right.
SSK Abbreviation
In knitting patterns, you may see this written as:
- SSK
- ssk
- Slip slip knit
- Slip 1, slip 1, knit together
- Left-leaning decrease
These usually refer to the same technique.
Always check the pattern notes if the designer gives a specific method, as some patterns may use a slightly different version of the SSK decrease.
How to SSK in Knitting
To work an SSK decrease:
- Knit to the place in your pattern where the decrease is needed.
- Slip the first stitch knitwise from the left needle to the right needle.
- Slip the second stitch knitwise from the left needle to the right needle.
- Insert the left needle into the front of both slipped stitches.
- Knit the two slipped stitches together through the back loops.
- You have now decreased one stitch.
The finished stitch will lean slightly to the left.
SSK Knitting Video Tutorial
SSK Video: How to SSK in Knitting – Slip Slip Knit Decrease Tutorial
Step-By-Step SSK Knitting Instructions
Here is the SSK decrease broken down more slowly.
Step 1: Slip the first stitch knitwise
Insert your right needle into the first stitch on the left needle as if you were going to knit it.
Instead of knitting it, slip the stitch from the left needle to the right needle.
Step 2: Slip the second stitch knitwise
Slip the next stitch in the same way.
Insert your right needle as if to knit, then move the stitch from the left needle to the right needle without working it.
Step 3: Insert the left needle into both slipped stitches
Place the left needle into the front of the two slipped stitches on the right needle.
This positions the stitches so they can be knitted together through the back loops.
Step 4: Knit the two stitches together
Wrap the yarn around the right needle and knit the two slipped stitches together.
You have now worked one SSK decrease.
Easy Way to Remember SSK
A simple way to remember SSK is:
Slip one, slip one, knit them together.
Both stitches are slipped knitwise before they are knitted together.
The movement may feel a little awkward at first, but after a few tries it becomes much easier.
SSK vs K2tog: What Is the Difference?
The main difference between SSK and K2tog is the direction of the decrease.
SSK is a left-leaning decrease.
K2tog is a right-leaning decrease.
They are often used together to create symmetrical shaping.
For example, in garment shaping, you may see SSK used on one side and K2tog used on the other side so the decreases lean neatly toward or away from each other.
When Should You Use SSK?
Use SSK when your knitting pattern asks for a left-leaning decrease.
You might use SSK for:
- Shaping armholes
- Shaping necklines
- Decreasing sleeves
- Decreasing hats
- Sock gussets
- Lace pattern
- Shawl shaping
- Decorative decreases
SSK is especially useful when you want the decrease to mirror a right-leaning decrease such as K2tog.
Does SSK Lean Left?
Yes, SSK leans to the left.
That is one of the main reasons this decrease is used in knitting patterns.
If you are shaping both sides of a project, SSK is often paired with K2tog because the two decreases lean in opposite directions.
Is SSK the Same as K2tog?
No, SSK and K2tog are not the same.
Both are decreases, and both turn two stitches into one stitch, but they lean in different directions.
SSK leans left.
K2tog leans right.
This difference matters when you are working shaping or decorative decreases.
Is SSK Hard for Beginners?
SSK can feel slightly tricky at first because you have to slip two stitches before knitting them together.
However, it is a beginner-friendly technique once you understand the steps.
If you are new to decreases, practice slowly on a small swatch before using SSK in a project.
Common SSK Mistakes
1. Slipping the stitches purlwise
For a standard SSK, the two stitches are slipped knitwise.
If you slip them purlwise, the decrease will look different and may not lean in the expected way.
2. Forgetting to slip both stitches
SSK stands for slip slip knit, so both stitches need to be slipped before they are knitted together.
3. Knitting the stitches together the wrong way
After slipping the two stitches, insert the left needle into the front of both slipped stitches and knit them together through the back loops.
4. Pulling too tightly
Try not to pull the yarn too tightly when working the decrease.
A little even tension will help the decrease sit neatly in your fabric.
SSK Practice Swatch
If you want to practice the SSK decrease, try this simple swatch.
Cast on 20 stitches.
Row 1: Knit all stitches.
Row 2: Purl all stitches.
Row 3: Knit 2, SSK, knit to end of row.
Row 4: Purl all stitches.
Repeat rows 3 and 4 a few times.
You will see the stitches decrease on one side of the swatch and lean to the left.
To practice matching decreases, you can also try this:
Row 1: Knit all stitches.
Row 2: Purl all stitches.
Row 3: Knit 2, SSK, knit to last 4 stitches, K2tog, knit 2.
Row 4: Purl all stitches.
This will help you see how SSK and K2tog work together.
SSK Knitting FAQs
What does SSK mean in knitting?
SSK means slip slip knit.
It is a left-leaning decrease that turns two stitches into one stitch.
How do I SSK in knitting?
To SSK, slip one stitch knitwise, slip the next stitch knitwise, then knit the two slipped stitches together through the back loops.
What is the opposite of SSK?
The opposite of SSK is usually K2tog, which means knit two together.
K2tog leans to the right.
Is SSK the same as slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over?
No, they are different techniques.
Both can create left-leaning decreases, but they are worked differently and may look slightly different in the finished fabric.
Do you slip stitches knitwise for SSK?
Yes, for a standard SSK, both stitches are slipped knitwise before being knitted together.
Can beginners learn SSK?
Yes, beginners can learn SSK.
It is a useful decrease to practice once you know how to knit, purl, and slip stitches.
Final Thoughts
The SSK knitting decrease is an essential technique to learn if you want to follow a wider range of knitting patterns.
It creates a neat left-leaning decrease and is often paired with K2tog for balanced shaping.
Once you understand the steps — slip, slip, knit — the technique becomes much easier to remember.
Watch the video tutorial above, practice slowly, and soon SSK will feel like a natural part of your knitting toolkit.
Happy knitting!
More Knitting Tutorials
If you are learning knitting techniques, you may also find these tutorials helpful:
- How To Knit For Beginners
- How To Cast On In Knitting
- How To Knit The Knit Stitch
- How To Purl
- Knit Vs Purl
- How To Cast Off Knitting
- How To Fix A Dropped Stitch
- How To Knit 2 Together (K2tog)
- Knitting Abbreviations
- How To Read Knitting Patterns
- Knitting Lessons For Beginners
- How To Knit A Hat On Straight Needles