How to Decrease Stitches Over a Number of Rows

Used when tapering a sleeve knit from the top down.

From The Knitting Fiend. Your source for free custom generated knitting patterns, tips, calculating tools and mindless knitting chatter on the web.

This page applies the magic formula, aka Diophatine Equation, aka 6th grade math, to create directions to shape a knitted sleeve knit from the top down.  I explained "the theory" of sleeve shaping at my blog. 

Design considerations involved in using the magic formulas to shape things like necks, armholes and sleeve caps are explained wonderfully by Sandee Cherry/Sandee’s Kwik Knit on her   CD,  Designing 101 Using the Magic Formula.

I have other conversion calculators; visit my conversion index.

Enter number of rows to be worked:
 rows.
Enter number of stitches in bottom row (smaller number):
 stitches.
Enter number of stitches in top row (larger number).
stitches.
Result: Number of stitches to decrease: stitches

sleeveNote: SSK stands for "slip, slip, knit", it is the mirror image of "k2 tog" (knit 2 stitches together.)  You can decide for yourself whether you prefer the ssk and k2 tog where I suggest you work them.  You'd get the same shaping with a different decorative effect if you switched the two operations suggested below.
  1. Hand Knitting in Rows:
    • Begin right side facing. (There are stitches on the needle.)
    • Knit rows.
    • Do the following times: ** Knit 1, ssk, knit until 1 stitch remains on left needle in row,  k2 tog , k1 Knit rows even.**  (When you finish, there are stitches on the needle. )
    • Do the following  times: **Knit 1, ssk knit until 1 stitch remains on left needle k2 tog, k1. Knit  rows even. **  (When you finish, there are stitches on the needle. )

  2. Hand Knitting in Rounds: (I assume you have a central under arm stitch to begin the round.)
    • There are stitches on the needle.
    • Knit rows but stop knitting last round when there are two stitches left before the underarm stitch.
    • Do the following times: ** SSK , knit under arm stitch, k2 tog, knit this round.  (You've knit an increase round.  ) Knit rows even.**  (When you finish, there are stitches on the needle. )
    • Do the following  times: **SSK , knit under arm stitch, k2 tog, knit this round.  (You've knit an increase round. Knit  rows even. **  (When you finish, there are stitches on the needle. )
    • Tip for hand knitters. Now that you've read the directions, but your thinking cap on and consider entering new values above.  If you aren't certain about the sleeve length you like, or were sloppy about determining your row gauge, add two stitches to the number you entered in the the bottom row.   If you were correct about your sleeve length or row gauge, eliminate these extra stitches by decreasing before knitting the ribbing.  If you were a bit off, you'll be able to knit a few more rows to get the  length you want.

  3. Machine Knitting Wording:
    • Begin carriage on right. (There are needles in work on the needle bed.)
    • Knit rows, end carriage on right.  
    • Do the following  times: ** Raise 1 needle on both sides of  needle bed. Use transfer tool to shift stitches on edge needles in one needle.  Take the  empty needle on each edge of the bed out of work; knit  rows.**  (When you finish, there are needles in work on the needle bed and carriage is on right. )
    • Do the following  times: ** Use transfer tool to shift stitches on edge needles on both sides of bed in one needle. Lower empty needles; knit rows **  (When you finish, there are stitches on the needle. and carriage is on right.)

Have fun knitting!
Lucia

Copyright, Lucia Liljegren 2005, all rights reserved.