92 http://www.knitnowmag.co.ukSKP or ssk?
There are lots of different ways to work a left-leaning decrease
but we like the ‘improved ssk’ method (shown opposite) best
because it gives a neat-looking decrease. However, you can
always change this for an ‘SKP’ or ‘sl1, k1, psso’ decrease if
you prefer and your pattern will still work1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
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If you’re a new knitter or returning after a break, here’s our guide to some
of the most common stitches used in this issue
Essential
KNITTING SKILLS
THE BASICS
Knit (k)
Purl (p)
Grafting Mattress st
Step 1: Insert RH needle from
left to right into front of next st.Divide sts equally between
two needles. Cut yarn, leaving
a long tail, and thread onto a
darning needle (DN). Insert
DN p-wise into 1st st on front
needle and pull yarn through.Step 2: Wrap yarn clockwise
around RH needle.Insert DN k-wise into 1st st
on back needle and pull yarn
through. *Insert DN k-wise
into 1st st on front needle and
slip the st off needle. Insert
DN p-wise into next st on
front needle and pull the yarn
through. Insert DN p-wise into
1st st on back needle and slip
this st off the needle. Insert
DN k-wise into next st on back
needle and pull yarn through.*
Rep from * to * until all sts
have been worked.Step 3: Holding working yarn
firmly, pull loop through.End to end: Lay pieces RS up
and together. Thread yarn onto
darning needle (DN). Secure
two corners at RH edge.
Working from right to left,
*insert DN under the ‘V’ of the
next st in top piece, pull gently,
insert DN under the ‘V’ of the
opposite st in bottom piece,
pull gently; rep from * until
seam is complete.Step 4: Drop old st off LH needle.
1 knit st has been made.Side to side: Lay pieces RS up
and together. Thread yarn onto
darning needle (DN). Secure two
corners at RH edge. Pull apart
slightly so you can see the
‘ladder’ of horizontal strands
between columns of sts. Working
from right to left, *with DN, catch
first ‘rung’ of ladder on RH piece.
Catch the opposite ‘rung’ on LH
piece and pull gently until the two
edges meet; rep from *
until seam is complete.Step 1: Insert RH needle from
right to left into front of next st.Step 2: Wrap yarn anti-
clockwise around RH needle.Step 3: Holding working yarn
firmly, pull loop through.Step 4: Drop old st off LH needle.
1 purl st has been made.