Knitting stitches together is a common method of decreasing stitches. K3TOG, or knitting three stitches together, is used in various knitting projects to provide shape and design. As the name of the stitch suggests, you knit three stitches together, reducing the stitch count by two. This is known as a right-leaning double decrease. This method involves one additional step compared to knit two together (k2tog). To learn more about techniques for reducing the stitch count in a row or round, refer to our previous blog on how to knit two stitches together.
You can perform the decrease while working back and forth with single pointed or circular knitting needles. Even when knitting seamless pieces in the round with double-pointed needles (DPNs) or circulars, both basic knitting techniques work for shaping. Though it can be a little confusing if you are a new knitter and have never done it before, it’s quick to master. In this blog, let’s walk you through the process of knitting three together, also known as K3TOG.
Abbreviations in Knitting Patterns
In knitting patterns, the instruction to “knit three together” is often abbreviated as k3tog and may also appear as capitalized K3TOG or written as “knit 3 together,” and even knit3tg. All of these refer to the same technique. Similarly, “purl three together” is often abbreviated as p3tog, also seen capitalized as P3TOG. However, it is always recommended to check the pattern’s notes or abbreviations to see how the pattern designer indicates this stitch technique. You can also find instructions to reduce the stitch count by two without actually mentioning any particular technique.
When to K3TOG
If you are working without a pattern and need to decrease, it is essential to know when to knit three together or purl three together. If you are working on a row or round of knit stitches, you will use k3tog. Conversely, if you are working on a row or round of purl stitches, you will use the p3tog technique.
K3TOG is commonly used in patterns that require shaping, such as:
Hats: For decreasing stitches at the crown. If you are working a hat on double-pointed needles or the magic loop with circulars, when you get to reduce the stitch count rapidly, k3tog decrease technique will come in handy. Refer to our previous blog on how to knit a hat.
Sweaters and cardigans: For shaping shoulders or necklines. Even sleeves may require rapid decreases that can be made neatly with k3tog.
Lacework: To create decorative elements with a clean, right-leaning decrease.
How to K3TOG
K3TOG is executed by working a regular knit stitch with three stitches together simultaneously.
Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Insert the right needle into the next three stitches on the left needle as if to knit.
Step 2: Wrap the yarn around the right needle from back to front.
Step 3: Pull the right needle through all three stitches on the left needle, bringing the right needle toward you as you go through the stitches.
Step 4: Slide the three stitches off the left needle.
You have now completed a k3tog decrease. This stitch creates a slanted decrease that leans to the right. It is often used in shaping patterns, such as decreasing for the crown of a hat or shaping the waist of a garment.
Note: It's important to pay attention to your knitting pattern's instructions on where to place your k3tog decreases. Some patterns may have you knit two stitches together in the middle of a row, while others may have you knit two stitches together at the beginning or end of a row.
Alternatives to K3TOG
If you find k3tog challenging because it's difficult to get the stitch through all three loops, consider using an alternative. The top loop is small and doesn't completely cover the other two loops, making the right-leaning double decrease a neater and easier option.
Sometimes, k3tog can feel difficult, especially when dealing with tight stitches or slippery yarns. Here are some alternatives:
1. Right-Leaning Double Decrease (Easier Execution)
Some yarns and even some needle tips make it harder to work K2Tog. The effect is a bunched fabric. So, here’s an easy alternative:
- Knit two stitches together.
- Slip the resulting stitch back to the left needle.
- Slip the next stitch on the left needle over the K2TOG stitch.
- Move the resulting decrease back to the right-hand needle.
2. SSSK (Slip Slip Slip Knit)
Quite a mouthy name however it is a very handy decrease technique. As the name suggests you slip slip slip and then knit the stitches together.
All you have to do is:
- Slip three stitches individually as if to knit.
- Insert the left needle into these three slipped stitches.
- Knit them together through the back loop.
3. Use a Crochet Hook
If the stitches are too tight or challenging, use a crochet hook to pull the yarn through the three stitches, then transfer the loop back onto the knitting needle.
Capture the stitches you need to knit together with a crochet hook and make a stitch on the knitting needle.
4. Work with Pointy Metal Needle Tips
Needles like those from the Mindful Collection or Nova are ideal for precision work. Their smooth surface and sharp tips make it easier to work through multiple stitches.
5. Central Double Decrease
A double decrease knitting technique like K3TOG but with a different result. With CDDs, one stitch remains visible while the other two stitches will be partially hidden behind the dominant stitch. It centralizes the remaining stitch, creating a triangular shape. The direction of the visible stitch determines whether the decrease is left- or right-slanting or vertical. Its applications are diverse, from creating sharp, defined decreases in the center of a lace motif, the top of a hat, or triangular shawls, to shaping garments like raglan sleeves or V-necks. Our previous blog on central double decrease will walk you through the steps in detail.
Whether you knit or purl, in the round or back and forth, explore knitting needles that enable fine-crafted knit work. Whether you prefer bamboo or warm wood from Dreamz or Ginger, or smooth stainless steel needles from the Mindful Collection, or the strength of Zing or carbon fiber Karbonz, choose tools that you are comfortable with.
Happy Knitting!
