While knitting, you will come across projects and patterns that will instruct you to make three stitches together with your knitting needles. This is generally to reduce the stitch count for shape, lace, or other designs. Among the knitting decrease methods, the most common options are to make three stitches together with K3tog (knit three together) and P3tog (purl three together) depending on the row or round of knit or purl stitches. The steps to make three stitches together are rather simple but need a bit of practice. To help you master them, we’ll walk you through the K3tog and P3tog decreases.
What are K3tog and P3tog?
Knit three together (K3TOG) and Purl three together are double decreases techniques in knitting. You reduce three stitches to one. There are many more decrease methods but these are the most common ones. In a row or round of knit stitches, k3tog is the suitable decrease similarly for a row or round of purl stitches p3tog comes in handy. They are preferred over other decrease methods as they save time, reduce stitch count efficiently and create decorative details.
K3tog (knit three together) is a right-leaning decrease that is frequently used in lace knitting and garment shaping. If you knowhow to knit two together it becomes easy to follow an extra step.
P3tog (purl three together) is a similar method used on the purl side to decrease three stitches into one. It is often referred to as a left-slanting decrease when viewed on the right side of the fabric. This too is simple when you knowhow to purl two together.
Both techniques reduce stitch count for shapes such as socks and hats while adding a decorative element to projects such as lace patterns.
Materials You’ll Need
Both handy techniques to decrease stitches work with knitting needles, yarn and accessories along with a knitting pattern to instruct where to place the decreases.
Knitting Needles - For both K3tog and P3tog, you’ll use the same knitting needles as your project. If you are working on a lace pattern with single-pointed needles or Destiny circular needles, or a hat or socks with double-pointed needles, you can make decreases as instructed by the pattern. While DPNs are ideal for smaller circumferences, it is always suggested to place the decreases right in the middle and not the needle tips to avoid mistakes.
Yarn – Work with yarn as suggested in a pattern. You can knit decreases with any lace, Dk, worsted-weight, or even chunky yarn weights.
Accessories – For a decrease in knitting projects accessories come in handy. Stitch markers to mark the decrease points, finishing needles for weaving in loose ends, scissors to trim excess yarn along with measuring tapes.
How to Knit K3tog
Follow these steps to master the K3tog technique:
- Identify the three stitches that you need to knit together.
- Insert your right needle into all three stitches at once, just like a standard knit stitch.
- Wrap the yarn over the needle counterclockwise.
- Pull the yarn through all three stitches and slide them off the left needle.
A K3tog is made.
How to Purl P3tog
To P3tog, here are the steps:
- Find the three purl stitches on your left needle.
- Insert your right knitting needle tip through all three stitches from left to right, as in a standard purl stitch.
- Bring the yarn to the front and wrap it counterclockwise around the needle.
- Pull the wrapped yarn through all three stitches and slide them off the needle.
A P3tog is finished.
When to Use K3tog and P3tog
Whenever you need to decrease stitches in a row or round of knit or purl stitches, they are the most common techniques. If a pattern suggests making three stitches together follow the instructions carefully and if there are no instructions you can place the decreases in the middle of the row or round.
Here’s where you can use them:
- For hats and beanies, they are perfect for shaping the crown.
- For lace patterns create intricate textures and add elegance to shawls or scarves.
- In ribbing and cable patterns, use the decreases to maintain alignment and make neat stitches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While working on K3tog and P3tog, you might encounter some challenges:
- Extra stitches: Regularly count your stitches to avoid accidental holes.
- Tension issues: Relax your yarn to avoid tight stitches that are difficult to work with.
- Dropped stitches: If a stitch drops, use a repair hook to pick it back up and place it on the needle. Refer to our guide onfixing dropped stitches for detailed instructions.
Alternatives to K3TOG and P3TOG for Knitting Three Stitches Together
Knitting three stitches together (K3TOG or P3TOG) can be challenging, especially for knitters with tight tension or when using thicker yarns. These techniques, while effective, can create tight, difficult-to-work decreases that may distort your fabric.
1. Slip-Slip-Slip-Knit (SSK)/ Slip-Slip-Slip-Purl Variations
The technique creates a centered, less bulky decrease which works well in lace and textured patterns
2. Centered Triple Decrease Techniques
An alternative method for reducing three stitches symmetrically and it provides a cleaner, more refined appearance
3. Knit Centered Decreases
K2TOG or P2TOG, then decrease an additional stitch which helps create gradual reduction with less tension. This technique is more adaptable to different yarn weights
Mastering K3tog and P3tog opens up creative opportunities for knitters. These techniques add texture and depth to your fabric while helping shape your projects like a pro. Whether you’re working on a lace shawl, a cozy beanie, or a decorative blanket, K3tog and P3tog are techniques you’ll love using.
Grab your knitting needles, and start exploring these decreases today!