These stitch combinations are commonly found in lace knitting, where the yarnover and the decrease cancel each other out, meaning the overall stitch count is not affected.

  • Yo, k2tog - Creates a right leaning decrease
  • Yo, ssk - Creates a left leaning decrease
  • Yo, p2tog - Creates a right leaning decrease (when viewed from the right side)
  • Yo, p2tog-tbl - Creates a left leaning decrease (when viewed from the right side)

Yarnover, knit 2 together - Yo, k2tog

This is a common lace stitch technique, where the right leaning k2tog decrease is neutralised by a yo, meaning the overall stitch count is not affected. 

1. To work the yarnover bring the working yarn between the needles to the front of the work

2. Insert the right hand needle into the 2nd and 1st stitches on the left hand needle

3. Take the yarn over the top of the right hand needle and to the back before knitting the 2 stitches together

 

Yarnover, slip slip knit - yo, ssk

This is a common lace stitch technique, where the left leaning ssk decrease is neutralised by a yo, meaning the overall stitch count is not affected. 

1. To work the yarnover bring the working yarn between the needles to the front of the work

2. Slip the next 2 stitches, knitwise, to the right hand needle

3.Insert the left hand needle into the front of both slipped stitches

4. Take the yarn over the top of the right hand needle and to the back before knitting the 2 stitches together

 

Yarnover, Purl 2 together - yo, p2tog

Usually worked on the wrong side, the right leaning p2tog decrease (when viewed from the knit side) is cancelled out with a yarnover so the overall stitch count remains neutral.

1. Take the working yarn up and around the right hand needle, bringing it back to the front

2. Insert the right hand needle into the front of the next 2 stitches on the left hand needle

3. Wrap the yarn around the right hand needle and pull a stitch through the back of both stitches, dropping them off the needle

Yarnover, Purl 2 together through the back loops - Yo, P2tog-tbl

Usually worked on the wrong side, this left leaning decrease (when viewed from the knit side) is cancelled out with a yarnover so the overall stitch count remains neutral.

The p2tog-tbl stitch can be quite tricky to get the hang of but it helps to keep the stitches fairly loose on the previous row.

1. Take the working yarn up and over the right hand needle, bringing it back to the front

2. Insert the right hand needle from left to right, into the backs of the 2nd and 1st stitches on the left hand needle

3. Wrap the yarn around the back of the right hand needle and bring back to the front, pushing the new stitch through the back of both stitches

4. Drop the 2 stitches off the left hand needle