P2Tog Knitting • Purl Two Together Decrease

The P2Tog Knitting technique creates an easy single decrease of two purl stitches together into one when shaping your work. This technique is left-slanting for right-handed knitters. Conversely, left-handed knitters will decrease right-slanted stitches.

Below, my written and photographic demonstrations will help you easily accomplish this knitting tip for your upcoming project. I’ve also included video tutorials for both right and left-handed knitters.

How to Purl Two Together

Right-Handed P2Tog Knitting Technique

Purl Two Together Abbreviation: P2Tog

STEP 1 INSERT NEEDLE (right-handed): With the yarn in the front of your work, insert the right needle tip into both the first and second stitches purlwise simultaneously. Your right knitting needle will be resting atop your left needle.

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STEP 2 WRAP YARN (right-handed): Starting with your yarn in the front, wrap your yarn around the right side of your right needle counter-clockwise direction, finishing with your yarn in the front of your needles again.

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STEP 3 PURL THROUGH (right-handed): Slide the right needle down and bring the point from front to back of the stitch, bringing the yarn with it. You are bringing your new stitch through and your old two stitches off.

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STEP 4 FINISH DECREASE (right-handed): Slip the old stitch off the left needle. You have decreased two stitches into one with the new purl stitch on your right needle.

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Left-Handed P2Tog Knitting Technique

STEP 1 INSERT NEEDLE (left-handed): With the yarn in the front of your work, insert the left needle tip into both the first and second stitches purlwise simultaneously. Your left knitting needle will be resting atop your right needle.

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STEP 2 WRAP YARN (left-handed): Starting with your yarn in the front, wrap your yarn around the left side of your left needle in a clockwise direction, finishing with your yarn in the front of your needles again.

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STEP 3 PURL THROUGH (left-handed): Slide the left needle down and bring the point from front to back of the stitch, bringing the yarn with it. You are bringing your new stitch through and your old two stitches off.

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STEP 4 FINISH DECREASE (left-handed): Slip the old stitch off the right needle. You have decreased two stitches into one with the new purl stitch on your left needle.