Every time I get ready to do the decreases at my armholes I get confused (embarrassed to say after so many years as a knitter!). My current pattern used SKP and knit 2 together not many people use SKP and my confusion is always which decrease to use on which side! Anyone have an easy way to keep this straight and wondering which decrease method people use. Thank you!!!
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One of my favorite tips from Patty Lyons is “Whichever stitch your needle first enters will end up on top.” And then the stitch leans AWAY from that first stitch.
So for a K2tog, you enter the left stitch first, and it will lean to the right. For SKP, you enter the right stitch first (by slipping it), and it will lean to the left.
After that, it depends if you prefer the look of having the decreases align with the raglan lines (less noticeable), or want to have the decreases more noticeable. Some patterns use very noticeable decreases to make the raglan lines a design feature.
Roxanne Richardson has a good video explaining when to use which decrease:
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Thank you so much!!! For some reason I can never remember!!!
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Just watched the video. It was excellent! Thanks again.
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Rox is always good. Sometimes she give more info than you really want, but you can always skip ahead. I enjoy knowing WHY a thing happens, though, so usually watch the whole thing.
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I like my decreases on arm and neck shaping to disappear as though cut off which is the opposite to many patterns which have decreases which show off the shape made - personal preference for the look wanted. i used to write on my pattern which to do at each end so the remaining stitch ran with an uninterrupted column.
I would say it’s a different decision for raglan though as it’s a design feature having the raglan lines, and although i never make raglan i do admire the lovely lines some designs have.
I like Rox’s method of mirrored M1. I never used to remember how to lean these or make them until i saw Rox and i have never needed so look it up since.
I agŕee with others, sometimes a bit long winded, esp if you’re itching to knit, but i also think knowing why something is this way helps to remember it.
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I agree! Great videos and well explained.