To decrease a stitch at each end of a purl row, you will perform a decrease stitch at the very beginning and again at the very end of the row. The standard method for decreasing on a purl row involves working two stitches together as one.
The Purl Decrease Technique
As illustrated in knitting guides, the fundamental way to decrease one stitch on a purl row is to purl two stitches together (p2tog). This means you insert your right needle into the first two stitches on your left needle simultaneously and purl them as if they were a single stitch.
Decreasing at Each End: Step-by-Step
To successfully decrease one stitch at the start and one stitch at the end of a purl row, you will apply the "purl two together" technique at specific points:
- Beginning Decrease: At the start of the row, insert your right needle into the first two stitches on the left needle and purl two together (p2tog). This decreases the first stitch.
- Purl all the stitches that remain on your left needle until you reach the last two stitches of the row.
- End Decrease: With two stitches left on your left needle, insert your right needle into these last two stitches and purl two together (p2tog). This decreases the last stitch.
By following these steps, you reduce the total stitch count by two stitches in that row – one at the beginning and one at the end. This creates a symmetrical decrease, often used for shaping projects like sleeves or shaping shoulders on a garment.
Summary of Actions
| Action | Location | Technique | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Decrease | Start of row | Purl two together | -1 stitch |
| Work middle stitches | Middle of row | Purl | No change |
| Second Decrease | End of row | Purl two together | -1 stitch |
Utilizing the simple "purl two stitches together" method, applied at the beginning and end, is an effective way to decrease stitches symmetrically on your purl rows.
