Are you facing problems with knitting left-leaning decreases in your project? Then it's time to explore other techniques. Just get your knitting needles and yarn. In knitting, there are many ways to neatly decrease stitches and the slip, knit, pass over (SKPO) is an advanced method for giving your design a refined touch. It is ideal for intermediate knitters with the experience of a few projects. To help you learn more about slip knit pass over (SKPO) also known as SKP we'll walk through the stitch technique in this blog.
What is Slip, Knit, and Pass Over?
A handy knitting decrease technique SKPO stands for slip, knit, and pass over and it's slightly similar to slip slip knit (SSK). Left-leaning decreases in knitting have a reputation for being challenging. However, this decrease technique is suitable for symmetrical designs or shapes. It is frequently used in lace knitting to produce exquisite, and detailed patterns. It is a simple method in which one stitch is slipped, the next is knitted, and the slipped stitch is passed over the knitted one. This technique is frequently applied to lace knitting or patterns for delicate shaping.
Materials Required for SKPO
Before you begin your process, gather all required materials.
- Yarn: You can use any yarn from lightweight fingering to chunky. For practice, any yarn from your stash will do. DK and worsted weight yarn are beginner-friendly and suitable for learning any new technique.
- Knitting needles: You can use any knitting needle type that matches the yarn weight. For beginners as well to try new skills, we recommend wooden knitting needles because these are warm, feel natural, and have a good grip. If you are giving lacework a try, work with single-pointed needles or circulars. If you are putting the knitting decrease to use on socks, work with double-pointed needles or circulars.
- Knitting accessories: For smooth knitting work, you must hold supporting tools such as scissors, a finishing needle, a measuring tape, and stitch markers.
Step-by-Step instructions
Here are some simple steps for you to follow for SKPO:
Step 1: Slip a Stitch
- Knit the first stitch on your left needle with your right needle, then slip it off without knitting it.
Step 2: Knit the Second Stitch
- Then, knitting the subsequent stitch on your left needle.
Step 3: Passed the Slip Stitch Over
- Finally, lift the slipped stitch off the right needle and over the knitted stitch using your left needle. Once the decrease is complete, don't stretch the stitches too much as you may pass over, otherwise, it looks faulty. Use a finishing needle to weave loose ends.
What is the difference between SKPO and SSK?
Sharing slip stitches in common both SKPO and SSK are neat left-leaning decrease techniques. It’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between the two. They both look slightly different but are used to create a left-leaning decrease. If the designer recommends one over the other then follow the designer's instructions. Otherwise, you can follow whichever technique you are comfortable with.
When to use the SKPO method?
If you want to add texture to your knitting project you can certainly use this simple and easy method. The technique is perfect when you are looking to decrease the number of stitches in your hats or sweaters. You can refer to our guide to knitting decrease in lace patterns.
Check out the Alternatives to SKPO Decrease Method
There are various methods available from which you can choose and see what works best for you:
- K2tog: In this simple method you knit two stitches together and make one.
- P2tog: Another method to reduce the number of stitches, the only difference is through purl stitch. In this, you purl two stitches together and make one.
- SSK: A left-leaning decrease to provide texture to your project.
- P2tog tbl: The method is similar to SSK but creates left-leaning in purl stitches. Read more about these techniques in our blog knitting lesson: 8 decrease technique.
Tips for Mastering SKPO
Follow these simple tips for neat and smooth working for SKPO:
- It is important that when to apply the decrease method, for this you can use the stitch markers that will ensure you are using the technique at the correct place.
- Keep the yarn tension uniform to prevent tight or loose decreases in your project.
Projects You Can Make With SKPO
SKPO can be used to provide exquisite detailing to a variety of projects. Here are some suggestions:
- Lace Shawls: Lightweight shawls with elaborate lace motifs can be worked beautifully with the SKPO stitch technique. The left-leaning decrease ensures the lace pattern looks neat and creates the best appearance.
- Hats: To add texture and visual appeal with neat decrease.
- Socks: For a more personalized fit, you can add SKPO to the toe or heel area.
The Slip, Knit, Pass Over method isn’t just a functional decrease technique; it’s a way to elevate your knitting projects with elegance and precision. Whether you’re creating lace shawls, textured hats, or perfectly fitted socks, this technique is a skill to polish your knitting skills.
Quality knitting needles translate into quality work, explore the Lantern Moon collection for premium ebony wood knitting needles. Handcrafted by skilled artisans, the warm and elegant wood makes beautiful needles that are comfortable in the hands of the maker to work stitches smoothly.