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.

Demonstration of purl two together knitting technique with yarn, needles, and hands.

HOW TO PURL TWO TOGETHER

Purl Two Together Abbreviation: P2Tog

Right-Handed P2Tog Knitting Technique

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.

Purl two together step one insert needle for right-handed knitters.

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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.

Watch Right-Handed Knitting Video Tutorial

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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.

P2Tog step one insert needle for left-handed knitters.

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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.

P2Tog step two wrap yarn for left-handed knitters.

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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.

P2Tog step thrre purl through for left-handed knitters.

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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.

P2Tog step four finish decrease for left-handed knitters.

Watch Left-Handed Knitting Video Tutorial


Printable Knitting Instructions

Demonstration of purl two together knitting technique with yarn, needles, and hands.

Printable Knitting Instructions

Learn how to Purl Two Together (P2Tog) in 4 easy steps.

Makes: Purl Two Together Knitting Technique (P2Tog)
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 14 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate

Materials

  • Yarn - Any Gauge

Tools

  • Knitting Needles - Appropriate Size for Yarn

Instructions

4 STEPS TO PURL TWO TOGETHER FOR RIGHT-HANDED KNITTERS

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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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4 STEPS TO PURL TWO TOGETHER FOR LEFT-HANDED KNITTERS

  1. 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.
  2. Starting with your yarn in the front, wrap your yarn around the left side of your left needle counter-clockwise direction, finishing with your yarn in the front of your needles again.
  3. 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.
  4. Slip the old stitch off the right needle. You have decreased two stitches into one with the new purl stitch on your left needle.

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THANK YOU FOR VISITING STUDIO KNIT

I hope you are inspired to decrease your purl stitches with confidence in your next knitting project!

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