When learning to knit, there are many techniques and terms that can seem overwhelming to beginners. One common knitting decrease that you may come across is SKPO, which stands for “Slip, Knit, Pass Over.” This decrease is used to shape your knitting by decreasing the number of stitches in a row or round.
In the SKPO decrease, you start by slipping one stitch from the left needle to the right needle without knitting it. Then, you knit the next stitch on the left needle. After knitting the second stitch, you pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch and off the right needle. This leaves you with one stitch decreased on your right needle.
SKPO is often used in lace patterns or other stitch patterns where a decrease is needed to shape the knitting without leaving a visible hole. It is also commonly used in shaping garments, such as decreasing stitches to shape the armholes or neckline.
It’s important to note that SKPO is just one of many knitting decreases you may come across in your knitting journey. Other common decreases include knit two together (K2tog) and slip, slip, knit (SSK). Each decrease has its own unique qualities and may be used in different situations depending on the pattern and desired effect.
Understanding SKPO in Knitting
In knitting, SKPO is a common decrease technique used to decrease stitches and shape the fabric. SKPO stands for “Slip, Knit, Pass Over.” It is similar to the more commonly known knit-two-together decrease (K2tog), but with a slight variation.
To execute the SKPO decrease, follow these steps:
- Slip one stitch as if to knit.
- Knit the next stitch.
- Using the left-hand needle, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch and off the right-hand needle.
The SKPO decrease creates a left-slanting decrease, which makes it useful for shaping the fabric or creating decorative patterns. It is frequently used in lace knitting and can be seen in patterns such as feather and fan, leaf motifs, or various types of decreases.
One important thing to note about the SKPO decrease is that it twists the stitch that is passed over. This twist can add texture and interest to the fabric, but it also means that the stitch cannot be easily undone if a mistake is made. Therefore, it is a good idea to practice the SKPO decrease on a swatch or scrap piece of knitting before using it in a project.
Here is an example of how the SKPO decrease would be written in a knitting pattern:
| Row | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | K1, SKPO, knit to end of row |
| 2 | Purl all stitches |
| 3 | K1, SKPO, knit to end of row |
| 4 | Purl all stitches |
By practicing and becoming familiar with the SKPO decrease, you’ll be able to add it to your knitting repertoire and create beautifully shaped garments and accessories.
Remember to always read the specific pattern instructions carefully, as different patterns may use variations or different decreases depending on the desired outcome.
What does SKPO Mean?
SKPO stands for “slip, knit, pass over” and is a common knitting decrease technique. It is often used to reduce the number of stitches on a needle and shape the fabric. SKPO is also known as “slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over,” and it is similar to the more common “knit two stitches together” decrease (K2tog).
To execute SKPO, follow these steps:
- Slip one stitch knitwise from the left needle to the right needle without knitting it.
- Knit the next stitch on the left needle as usual.
- Using the left needle, lift the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch and off the right needle.
When performing SKPO, the slipped stitch is passed over the knitted stitch, resulting in a decrease of one stitch. The decrease created by SKPO leans subtly to the left and is commonly used in various knitting patterns, such as lace, decorative stitch patterns, and even shaping garment pieces.
SKPO decreases are often used in combination with other types of decreases to achieve specific shaping effects, such as decreasing along the edges of a garment or in intricate stitch patterns. By mastering the SKPO technique, you can expand your knitting skills and tackle a wider range of knitting projects.
Practice SKPO on a swatch or small project to become comfortable with the technique. As with any new knitting technique, it may take some practice to execute SKPO smoothly and consistently. However, with patience and practice, you’ll soon be incorporating SKPO decreases into your knitting projects with confidence.
The Purpose of SKPO
The SKPO (slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over) is a common knitting decrease that is often used to shape garment pieces or create decorative patterns. The purpose of the SKPO decrease is to reduce the number of stitches in a row while also creating a decorative left-leaning decrease. It is commonly used in lace knitting, along with other decreases such as K2tog (knit 2 together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit).
When working an SKPO decrease, you slip one stitch knitwise from the left needle to the right needle without knitting it. Then, you knit the next stitch from the left needle as usual. Finally, you pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch and off the right needle.
This decrease creates a left-leaning decrease because the slipped stitch is passed over the knitted stitch from left to right. This is in contrast to a right-leaning decrease like K2tog, where the knitted stitch is passed over the slipped stitch from right to left.
By using SKPO decreases strategically in your knitting, you can create shaping in your garment pieces. For example, you can use SKPO decreases to shape the waist of a sweater by decreasing on either side of a marker. This creates a tapered effect, making the sweater narrower at the waist.
In addition to its shaping abilities, the SKPO decrease can also be used in decorative patterns. When combined with other decreases and yarn overs, it can create intricate lace patterns that add visual interest to your knitting.
Overall, the SKPO decrease is a versatile and commonly used technique in knitting. Whether you’re shaping a garment or adding decorative touches to your knitting, knowing how to execute an SKPO decrease is a valuable skill for any knitter to have.
How to Perform SKPO?
Performing SKPO, or slip, knit, pass over, is a common knitting decrease technique. This decrease is used to decrease the total number of stitches in a row, creating shaping in your knitting project.
Follow these simple steps to perform SKPO:
- Slip the next stitch knitwise: Insert the right needle into the next stitch on the left needle as if to knit, but instead of knitting the stitch, simply slip it onto the right needle.
- Knit the following stitch: With the slipped stitch on the right needle, insert the right needle into the next stitch on the left needle as if to knit.
- Pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch: Using the left needle, lift the slipped stitch over the knit stitch and off the right needle. This completes the SKPO decrease.
It’s important to note that SKPO is a left-slanting decrease, meaning it leans to the left when viewed from the right side of the work. This can be used to create shaping such as decreasing stitches for a neckline or shaping the crown of a hat.
Practice this decrease technique on a small swatch before incorporating it into your actual knitting project. With a bit of practice, you’ll be performing SKPO like a pro.
Differences Between SKPO and Other Decreases
When it comes to knitting, there are several different ways to decrease stitches. One of the most common decreases is SKPO, which stands for “slip one, knit one, pass slipped stitch over.” While SKPO is similar to other decreases like K2tog (knit two together) and SSK (slip, slip, knit), there are some important differences to keep in mind.
- Direction: SKPO is typically worked to the left, meaning that the stitch being decreased is slipped from the left needle to the right needle. This creates a left-leaning decrease. On the other hand, K2tog is worked to the right and creates a right-leaning decrease.
- Slip Stitch: In SKPO, the slip stitch is slipped knitwise from the left needle to the right needle. This means that the stitch is slipped with the needle going through the front part of the stitch. Conversely, in SSK, the slip stitch is slipped purlwise, with the needle going through the back part of the stitch.
- Pass Slipped Stitch Over: The last step in SKPO is to pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch. This creates a tidy decrease. In contrast, with K2tog, the knit stitches are simply knitted together, without passing any stitches over.
These differences may seem minor, but they can have a significant impact on the appearance and structure of your knitted fabric. Experiment with different decreases to find the one that works best for your project and desired effect.
Tips for Perfecting SKPO
- Practice the stitch: To perfect the SKPO decrease, it’s important to practice the stitch regularly. Knit swatches using the SKPO decrease to get comfortable with the technique before using it in a project.
- Pay attention to tension: It’s essential to maintain even tension throughout the SKPO decrease. Tension that is too loose or too tight can affect the appearance and stability of the decrease. Make sure to adjust your tension as necessary while working the SKPO decrease.
- Use the right needle: The right needle size can make a difference in how your SKPO decrease turns out. Experiment with different needle sizes to find the one that works best for you and produces a decrease that matches the gauge of your project.
- Watch your stitches: When working the SKPO decrease, pay attention to how your stitches are aligned. The slipped stitch should sit in front of the knit stitch, and the knit stitch should pass over the slipped stitch. Keeping an eye on your stitches will help you create a clean and tidy decrease.
- Block your finished project: After completing your knitting project with SKPO decreases, it’s important to block your finished piece. Blocking helps even out stitches and gives your project a polished appearance. Follow the blocking instructions for your specific yarn type and garment to ensure optimal results.
- Practice with different yarns: Different yarns can affect the way the SKPO decrease looks and behaves. Try practicing the SKPO decrease with different types of yarns, such as smooth or textured yarns, to see how the decrease appears in various materials.
- Consult knitting resources: If you’re having difficulty perfecting the SKPO decrease, consult knitting resources such as books, tutorials, or online forums. These resources often offer helpful tips and troubleshooting advice to overcome any challenges you may encounter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in SKPO
- Not working the decrease correctly: One common mistake in SKPO is not working the decrease correctly. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and ensure that the slip stitch is slipped knitwise, that the next stitch is knit, and that the slipped stitch is passed over the knit stitch.
- Twisting the stitches: Another common mistake is twisting the stitches when working the decrease. To avoid this, make sure that the stitches are oriented correctly on the needle before working the decrease.
- Counting the stitches incorrectly: It is important to count the stitches correctly when working SKPO. Failing to do so can result in uneven decreases or incorrect stitch placement.
- Not using the correct tension: Tension is important in knitting, and it is especially important when working decreases like SKPO. Make sure to maintain a consistent tension throughout the decrease to ensure an even and professional-looking result.
- Skipping the decrease: It can be easy to accidentally skip a decrease when working a pattern. Always double-check the instructions and make sure to work all decreases as specified.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your SKPO decreases are clean, neat, and professional-looking. Practice makes perfect, so take your time and don’t be afraid to rip out and retry if necessary. Happy knitting!
FAQ:
What is SKPO?
SKPO stands for “Slip, Knit, Pass Over” and it is a common knitting decrease. It is used to decrease stitches and create a slanted decrease on the right side of the work.
When should I use SKPO in my knitting projects?
SKPO is commonly used when you want to decrease stitches and create a slanted decrease that leans to the left on the right side of the work. It can be used in various projects such as shaping raglan sleeves, creating decorative decreases, or shaping lace patterns.
Are there any alternative decreases to SKPO?
Yes, there are alternative decreases to SKPO such as K2tog (knit 2 stitches together) or SSK (slip, slip, knit). These decreases create a similar slanted decrease effect. It is a matter of personal preference and the requirements of your knitting pattern.