The k2tog decrease

Unlike some increases, decreases are always visible and have a “lean” to them, either to the right or to the left. Which specific decrease you use depends on the type of look you are going for in your project. There are multiple left and right leaning decreases and each of them gives a project a unique look.

The most common right leaning decrease is the k2tog because it is one of the simplest decreases to learn and memorize. It creates a very neat single stitch lean to the left that is very attractive in a leaning column of stitches, in say, a raglan sweater sleeve.

To perform the k2tog you simply knit the next two stithes on the left needle together as if they were one stitch. That's it. If you want more detailed instructions, keep reading.

Instructions:

• The decrease works over the next two stitches on the left needle. The very right most stitch on the left needle is stitch number one. The stitch next to stitch number one is stitch number two.
• The anatomy of a stitch: A stitch is comprised of two legs and a head. One leg is the part of the stitch that runs up from the row below it up the front of the needle, left or right; this is the front leg. The head is the small part of the stitch that runs across the top of the needle between the front and back legs. The back leg is the part of the stitch that runs down the needle, left or right, from the head into the row below it.
• Insert the right needle from left to right into the front leg of stitch two.
• Insert the right needle from left to right into the front leg of stitch one, keeping the needle inside stich one, and point the left needle out toward the back of the left needle pointing left as if to knit.
• Wrap the working yarn clockwise around the right needle and carry the working yarn and the right needle through both stitch one and stitch two, knitting them both together as one stitch.
• Slide stitches one and two off the left needle, and tighten the new stitch on the right needle gently.
• Continue knitting off the left needle as per pattern instructions.