Knit Decrease Calculator

Calculate Evenly Spaced Decreases

This calculator helps you determine how to space decreases evenly throughout your knitting project. Enter your starting and ending stitch counts, along with the number of rows you have to work the decreases.

The number of stitches you're starting with
The number of stitches you want to end with
The number of rows you have to work the decreases
The type of decrease you're using
How many stitches are removed with each decrease

Decrease Pattern

Row-by-Row Instructions

Common Decrease Techniques

  • k2tog (knit 2 together): Right-leaning decrease
  • ssk (slip, slip, knit): Left-leaning decrease
  • k3tog (knit 3 together): Double decrease, right-leaning
  • sssk (slip, slip, slip, knit): Double decrease, left-leaning
  • CDD (centered double decrease): Slip 2 together knitwise, k1, pass slipped stitches over

Tips for Even Decreases

  • For sleeve shaping, place decreases at the edges
  • For hat crowns, space decreases evenly around
  • Use matching decrease pairs (k2tog and ssk) for symmetry
  • Mark decrease rows with stitch markers or row counters
  • Consider blocking your work to even out the stitches

Common Decrease Patterns

  • Sleeve Shaping: Decrease at beginning and end of row
  • Hat Crown: Evenly spaced decreases around
  • Raglan Shaping: Decreases on either side of markers
  • V-Neck: Decreases at neck edge only
  • Toe Shaping: Decreases at beginning and end of alternate rows

Understanding Knitting Decreases

Types of Decreases

Decreases in knitting are techniques that reduce the number of stitches in your work. They're essential for shaping garments and creating various design elements. Here are the main types:

Single Decreases (Reduce by 1 stitch)

  • k2tog (knit 2 together): Insert needle through 2 stitches and knit them as one. Creates a right-leaning decrease.
  • ssk (slip, slip, knit): Slip 2 stitches knitwise, then knit them together through the back loops. Creates a left-leaning decrease.
  • p2tog (purl 2 together): Purl 2 stitches together as one. Creates a right-leaning decrease on the knit side.
  • ssp (slip, slip, purl): Slip 2 stitches knitwise, return to left needle, then purl together through back loops. Creates a left-leaning decrease on the knit side.

Double Decreases (Reduce by 2 stitches)

  • k3tog (knit 3 together): Knit 3 stitches together as one. Creates a right-leaning double decrease.
  • sssk (slip, slip, slip, knit): Slip 3 stitches knitwise, then knit them together through the back loops. Creates a left-leaning double decrease.
  • CDD (centered double decrease): Slip 2 stitches together knitwise, knit 1, then pass the slipped stitches over. Creates a centered decrease.

Calculating Decrease Spacing

When working decreases over multiple rows, it's important to space them evenly for a professional finish. The basic formula is:

Total Decreases Needed = Starting Stitches - Ending Stitches

Decreases Per Row = Total Decreases Needed ÷ Number of Decrease Rows

Rows Between Decreases = Total Rows ÷ Number of Decrease Rows

For example, if you're decreasing from 60 to 40 stitches over 30 rows using k2tog (single decrease):

  • Total decreases needed: 60 - 40 = 20 stitches
  • Since each k2tog removes 1 stitch, you need 20 decrease operations
  • If you decrease every 3rd row, you'll work 10 decrease rows (30 ÷ 3 = 10)
  • Each decrease row will need 2 decreases (20 ÷ 10 = 2)

Common Decrease Patterns

Sleeve Shaping

For sleeve shaping, decreases are typically worked at the beginning and end of the row. For example:

  • Row 1: K1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1
  • Row 2: Purl
  • Row 3: Knit
  • Row 4: Purl
  • Repeat rows 1-4 until desired stitch count is reached

Hat Crown Shaping

For hat crowns, decreases are evenly spaced around the circumference. For example, for a hat with 80 stitches:

  • Round 1: *K8, k2tog* repeat around (72 sts)
  • Round 2: Knit
  • Round 3: *K7, k2tog* repeat around (64 sts)
  • Round 4: Knit
  • Continue decreasing, working one less stitch between decreases each decrease round

Tips for Professional Results

  • Matching Decreases: Use matching pairs of decreases (k2tog and ssk) for symmetrical shaping
  • Stitch Markers: Place markers to indicate where decreases should occur
  • Row Counters: Use a row counter to keep track of decrease rows
  • Blocking: Block your finished piece to even out the stitches and improve the appearance of the decreases
  • Tension: Maintain even tension when working decreases to avoid holes or tight spots