ForsakenDAemon.net

Slip stitch patterns create a lot of visual intrigue, because stitch lengths are not all the same. They also have the added bonus (or curse, depending on what you’re looking for) of pulling the fabric together, resulting in a heavier, thicker fabric.

My favourite slip stitch pattern goes something like this:
CO 2n+1 st
*p1*
*k1 s1* k1
*k1 ybf s1 yfb* k1
*k1*

This pattern is half stockingette stitch, with slipped stitches spanning three rows and a great square pattern on the back.

As you may know, if you’ve been keeping up with my hundreds of Tweets, I’ve been finishing off my Mark Sweater. In the process, I’m currently doing the raglan decreases on the yoke, which requires both left- and right-leaning decreases.

Now, as far as right-leaning decreases go, you can’t go past k2tog, so I’m using that, but I’ve had some trouble finding a left-leaning one that I like. I was using plain ssk, but have found this new method that I like much better.

The Improved ssk
Slip 1 stitch knitwise
Insert left needle into front loop of stitch on right needle
Insert right needle into back loop of stitch on left needle
Knit them together!

This is essentially the same process as a classic ssk, but the second stitch is slipped purlwise as you insert the other needle. Because there’s less mucking around, the stitch is tighter, neater, and lies a little flatter than ssk as well!