Slip Slip Purl Pass (s2pp)
A Slip Slip Purl Pass (s2pp) creates a centered double decrease, which means that it decreases your stitch count by two stitches and that it leans neither right nor left, but rather stands straight up and down. A common use of the s2pp is to align them over subsequent rows to create a neatly pronounced ridge of knit stitches on right side of the fabric. You work this decrease with the purl-side of the fabric facing you, and although there are a handful of steps for this technique, they’re all super easy! Here’s our Slip Slip Purl Pass Tutorial, where we show you how we do it…
S2pp: Video Tutorial
S2pp: Step-By-Step Instructions
With the purl side of your work facing you…
Slip 1 stitch purlwise (as if to purl) from the left needle to the right needle.
Slip 1 knitwise (as if to knit) from the left needle to the right needle.
Insert the left needle into the front legs of the stitches you just slipped and bring them back over to the left needle. This keeps those 2 slipped stitches in their new orientation.
Now, insert the right needle through the back legs of the 2 slipped stitches (first through the second stitch, then through the first), and slip them from the left needle to the right needle.
Next, purl the next stitch on the left needle, as usual.
Finally, insert the left needle into the back legs of the 2 slipped stitches (first through the first stitch, then through the second) and pass them over the purl stitch, like you’re binding off.
Put Your New Skills To Use!
If you want to put this double decrease to use after studying our Slip Slip Purl Pass Tutorial, you’ll find it adds a lovely detail to our Lap Shoulder Pullover Pattern. Knit in our extraordinarily beautiful Season Alpaca, 100% super baby alpaca yarn, you’re sure to have a wonderful time s2pp-ing!
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
I’m knitting a sweater in reverse stockingette, but doing so inside out so I can knit rather than purl. Is there a way to do this backwards from the knit side, so this effect appears on the “back” purl side?
Hi Jen,
I am so sorry for our slow response to this inquiry!
The answer is yes! The knit version of s2pp is the knit three together, k3tog. It’s worked just like a k2tog you just make sure to grab an extra stitch. I hope this helps!
Happy knitting,
Oscar