When we need to decrease stitches in “knit 1 purl 1” ribbing, we have a few options- we can switch to stockinette stitch right after we make the first set of decreases, or, we can change the pattern to “knit 2 purl 1” ribbing to make sure the decreased stitches blend in nicely into the stitch pattern.
These are all good ways to shape projects worked in 1×1 ribbing, but, in both cases, we modify the texture of the fabric.
The only way to decrease stitches without losing the look of the “knit 1 purl 1” ribbing is to decrease two stitches at the same time. If we do it without forming a slant, the shaping will not just look nice – it will add a lovely design element to the garment.
It is a perfect solution for shaping hats and shawls and for making evenly distributed decreases on sweaters and cardigans.
Let’s see how we can do it step by step.
STEP 1
Work to a purl stitch.
STEP 2
Insert the tip of the right needle from left to right into the first two stitches on the left needle as if you plan to knit these stitches together.
STEP 3
Ease the left needle out leaving the stitches on the right needle.
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STEP 4
Purl the next stitch.
STEP 5
Pass the slipped stitches over the purled stitch and off the right needle. To do that, insert the left needle from left to right into the second and third stitches from the tip of the right needle.
Then pass these two stitches over the first stitch on the right needle and drop them off the left needle.
Knit the next stitch and follow the ribbing pattern to the end of the row or round.
In the next row or round, work all stitches (including the stitch formed by the decrease) in the “knit 1 purl 1” rib pattern.
That means that we should purl the stitch resulting from the decrease when we work in the round. And we should knit that stitch when we work back and forth.
This method makes a decrease that resembles a cul-de-sac next to highways formed by lines of knit stitches. It looks great on both sides of the work and adds a nice touch to any garment.
As you see, there is no reason to shy away from shaping projects worked in 1×1 ribbing. When you use this way of decreasing stitches, you can be confident that the ribbing pattern has minimal interruptions, and your project gets a neat well-finished look.
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This and 44 other in-depth tutorials are part of Knitting Collection #5.
