Purl 2 Together (p2tog) + Slip Slip Purl (ssp)
Every now and then a pattern will require you to decrease on the purl side of the work. Just like knit-side decreases, some purl-side ones lean right and some lean left. This Purl 2 Together + Slip Slip Purl Tutorial shows you both. The purl 2 together (p2tog) decrease leans left, and if you’re working in stockinette stitch, you’ll see that it leans right on the knit side of the fabric, like a knit 2 together (k2tog). The slip slip purl (ssp) decrease leans right, and in stockinette stitch, it leans left on the knit side, like a slip slip knit (ssk). All of these decrease are worked over two stitches and decrease your stitch count by 1 stitch.
Note that an ssp is interchangeable with a p2tog tbl, although they are not exactly the same. The p2tog tbl twists the stitches, while an ssp maintains their orientation. The ssp more closely mimics the ssk that we like to use!
Let’s see this all in action!
Video Tutorial
Written Instructions
How To Purl 2 Together (p2tog)
Bring the yarn to the front of the work and insert the right needle into the first stitch on the left needle purlwise (as if it purl), then insert it into the second stitch on the left needle, also purlwise. Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the front needle, and pushing your needle back, pull the yarn through the two stitches and allow those stitches to fall off the left needle. Just like purling, but working through two stitches instead of one!
P2TOG CHEAT SHEET
Purl side: Leans left
Knit side: Leans right
Mimics: K2tog
How to Slip, Slip, Purl (ssp)
Bring the yarn to the front of the work and slip the next stitch purlwise (as if to purl). Slip the next stitch knitwise (as if to knit). Insert left needle through front legs of both slipped stitches and slip them back to left needle. Now, insert right needle into back legs of next two stitches, starting with the second stitch and bringing right needle to front. Wrap the yarn counterclockwise around the front needle, and pushing your needle back, pull the yarn through the two stitches and allow those stitches to fall off the left needle.
SSP (AND P2TOG TBL) CHEAT SHEET
Purl side: Leans right
Knit side: Leans left
Mimics: Ssk
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you made that so simple and workable! thank you. I'd never done that stitch before. watched 3 different youtube videos, each more confusing than the next.
got it the first time with your directions!
many thanx!
I tried this stitch with videos unsuccessfully. Got it the first time with your clear instructions and explanations. Thank you!
This is such a better way to do this stitch than the videos I watched. Thanks so much. You removed all the frustration.
Why do you twist the stitches before purling them together? Some of the videos I found on youtube don’t do that step first. Thanks for clarifying!!
Hi Anne!
This is a decrease that leans the other way from a normal P2tog. If you simply purled both together through the back loop, the stitches would come out twisted. The twisting step corrects this, and gives regular untwisted stitches when the decrease is finished!
Happy Knitting!
Thomas
I would love to see a video of this. Your tutorials are really clear and helpful visually and information-wise. With other video tutorials, I want to fast forward because they are offering a lot of extraneous information, but you get right to the point. Thank you so much for that!
Do you slip the stitches individually or together from the left to the right needle?
Hi Andi-
You pull the 2 stitches (which have just been purled together) off of the left needle together. They will both drop off of the end of the left needle leaving you with one stitch (the purl stitch you just did) on your right needle.
I hope this makes sense! If it doesn’t please let us know!
Best-
Molly
going to try it now, your site seems so specific and easy to comprehend. I will try this method and get back to you . how do i access your site without going through knitpickypatterns?
Hi Linda-
Thanks for getting in touch. Here is our site’s address: http://www.purlsoho.com/create
Thank you!
Molly
Been struggling with this stitch, if only I had come to this site sooner, all would have been clearer. Thank you for your help!
I agree w all the positive comments. This site is my new first place to go when trying to learn a new stitch. Thank you
Thank you, thank you, Purl Bee! I watched 3 or 4 videos that just didn’t click – your very nicely display tutorial made it so easy. Much appreciated!
Not so easy for me. My pattern has this stitch toward the end of a knit row. Your instructions show doing it in a purl row. The first time didn’t go well for me. Any suggestions?
I think I’ve finally got it! Thank you so much.
When beginning this stitch, are the two stitches slipped knit-wise individually or together: “Slip the first 2 stitches knitwise from the left needle to the right needle.”
Thanks for a clarification.
Hi Angela,
Thanks for writing in! I am happy to clarify! You will slip these stitches individually!
Beat,
Cassy
In your SSP directions for the helmet hat, you say to purl the first stick and knit the second. Does it matter??
Hello Lida,
Thank you for reaching out! I just want to clarify your question before answering. Do you mean slip one knit-wise and then knit one purl-wise? If so That is fine it will just slightly tighten the stitch, but this stitch can be done either way. It is usually best to do what your pattern suggests. Please let me know if this did not answer your question!
Happy Knitting,
Marilla
Thank you for such easy to follow instructions. I was a little confused when I first read them over but when I actually tried it, it was a piece of cake! Thanks again!
Wow 😯 70 years old and you taught this old dog a new trick. Thank yo so much I would never have understood that by reading 📖. I am a visual learner and a retired teacher. Francien from Eltham Victoria Australia 🇦🇺
Take Care and Stay Safe please.