Master how to do the SSP stitch with my step-by-step tutorial! Check out all of our other free tutorials here.
What is the SSP Stitch and Why Should You Learn It?
If you’ve been following my Beginner Knitting Series, you’ve probably already mastered knit stitches, purls, and decreases like K2TOG and SSK. But now, it’s time to add another skill to your knitting toolbox: learning how to do the SSP stitch!
SSP stands for slip, slip, purl, and it’s a left-leaning decrease used in purl rows. It creates a smooth, tidy look on the right side of your fabric, making it an essential technique for lace knitting, shaping sweaters, and adding polish to your work.
When I first learned how to do the SSP stitch, I’ll admit, it felt a little tricky. Slipping stitches? Twisting them? Purling through the back loop? But trust me—once you get the hang of it, it’s just another tool that makes your knitting look professional and beautiful.
When Is the SSP Stitch Used?
The SSP stitch is used when you need a left-leaning decrease on the purl side. It’s commonly found in:
- Lace patterns – especially when shaping symmetrical decreases
- Shaping garments – for even decreases on both sides of a piece
- Sock heels and toe shaping – to maintain the stitch alignment
- Any pattern that calls for a purl decrease
If you’ve used SSK (slip, slip, knit) on the knit side, think of SSP as its purl-side twin.
How to Do the SSP Stitch Step-by-Step
Before jumping in, gather your materials. For this tutorial, I’m using:
- Cascade 220 Superwash yarn (affiliate link) – a smooth, versatile worsted weight yarn
- Knit Picks Needles (affiliate link) – my go-to for their sharp tips and smooth glide
Step 1: Slip the First Stitch Knitwise
With your working yarn in front, slip the first stitch as if to knit from the left needle to the right needle. This helps position the stitch correctly for twisting.
Step 2: Slip the Second Stitch Knitwise
Slip the next stitch as if to knit as well. Now, you have two stitches sitting on the right needle, both twisted in the correct direction.
Step 3: Insert the Left Needle Through the Front Loops
Now comes the tricky part! Take your left needle and insert it through the front loops of both slipped stitches and place them back on the right needle. This sets you up for a decrease through the back loop.
Step 4: Purl Through the Back Loops
With your yarn still in front, insert the right needle through the back loop of booth slipped stitches together, wrap it around the right needle and purl both stitches together through the back loops. This twists the stitches and makes them slant neatly to the left when viewed from the right side.
And just like that, you’ve learned how to do the SSP stitch!
Common Mistakes When Learning How to Do the SSP Stitch
1. Twisting the Stitches Incorrectly
One of the biggest challenges when learning how to do the SSP stitch is making sure the stitches are twisted in the correct direction before purling them together. If the decrease looks uneven, double-check that you’re slipping knitwise.
2. Not Keeping the Yarn in Front
Since SSP is a purl-side decrease, always make sure your yarn is in the front before purling. If it’s in the back, your stitch will turn into an accidental twisted knit!
3. Struggling with Tension
The motion of purling two stitches through the back loops can feel tight. If needed, loosen up your stitches before executing the decrease to make it easier.
Left-Handed SSP Stitch Tutorial on YouTube
If you’re a left-handed knitter, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! I’ve filmed a detailed left-handed knitting tutorial showing exactly how to do the SSP stitch step by step. You can watch it on my YouTube channel, where I walk through the process at a slow, beginner-friendly pace.
[Insert link to YouTube tutorial]
If you’ve ever struggled with video tutorials that don’t mirror your knitting style, this one is specifically made for left-handed knitters.
SSP vs. SSK: What’s the Difference?
Since SSP and SSK sound so similar, it’s easy to get them confused. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | SSP (Slip, Slip, Purl) | SSK (Slip, Slip, Knit) |
|---|---|---|
| Side Used | Purl Side | Knit Side |
| Lean Direction | Left | Left |
| Common Uses | Lace, shaping on purl rows | Lace, garment shaping on knit rows |
When you need a purl-side decrease, SSP is your go-to technique. If you’re working on the knit side, then SSK is what you’ll use instead. You can find a tutorial for SSK here.
Final Thoughts on How to Do the SSP Stitch
Learning how to do the SSP stitch might feel a little awkward at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. It’s one of those knitting techniques that instantly elevates your projects, creating neater decreases and professional-looking stitchwork.
If you’re following along with my Beginner Knitting Series, keep practicing! You’re building an amazing skill set that will serve you well in future projects.
And if you’re feeling stuck, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below—I’d love to help!
Leave a Comment!
Have you tried how to do the SSP stitch yet? Do you have any tips or struggles with this decrease? Let me know in the comments! I love hearing from you and helping you on your knitting journey.
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