Learn how to do the PSSO stitch with this easy-to-follow tutorial! This simple decrease technique is a must-know for lace knitting and shaping. Check out my full knitting tutorial page for more beginner-friendly techniques..
What is the PSSO Stitch?
If you’ve been following along with my Beginner Knitting Series, you’ve probably seen a few different ways to decrease stitches. Today, we’re diving into a classic technique that appears in lace patterns, shaping, and even some textured designs: the PSSO stitch, or Pass Slipped Stitch Over.
But what exactly is the PSSO stitch? It’s a decrease that reduces your stitch count by one and creates a left-leaning decrease. Unlike the standard knit-two-together (K2TOG), the PSSO gives a slightly more decorative look, which makes it a popular choice for lace knitting.
In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through exactly how to do the PSSO stitch, show you when to use it, and even link to my left-handed video tutorial for those of you who knit the way I do! Plus, I’ll share my favorite yarn for practicing this technique—KnitPicks Heatherly Sport (affiliate link)—because it’s soft, easy to work with, and perfect for stitch definition.
Materials You’ll Need
Before we jump into the step-by-step guide on how to do the PSSO stitch, let’s go over what you need:
- Yarn: KnitPicks Heatherly Sport (affiliate link)
- Knitting Needles: The size recommended for your yarn (for Heatherly Sport, I use US 5 or 6)
- Tapestry Needle: For weaving in ends
- Scissors: To cut your yarn
Got your materials ready? Great! Let’s dive into the technique.
How to Do the PSSO Stitch
If you’re learning how to do the PSSO stitch for the first time, take it slow and practice a few times until it feels natural. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Slip One Stitch Knitwise
Start by slipping the next stitch from the left needle to the right needle as if to knit. This means inserting your right-hand needle into the stitch as if you were going to knit it but just transferring it over instead.
Step 2: Knit the Next Stitch(es)
Now, knit the following stitch (or stitches depending on your pattern) on your left needle as you normally would.
Step 3: Pass the Slipped Stitch Over
Using your left-hand needle, lift the slipped stitch over the newly knit stitch and completely off the right needle. You’ll see that the stitch count has decreased by one and that you’ve created a left-leaning decrease.
That’s it! You’ve successfully learned how to do the PSSO stitch.
When Do You Use the PSSO Stitch?
Now that you know how to do the PSSO stitch, let’s talk about when you might use it. This decrease is commonly found in:
- Lace patterns – It creates an elegant, slanted look that pairs beautifully with yarn overs.
- Shaping in garments – Sweaters, cardigans, and even some hats use PSSO for structured decreases.
- Textured designs – Some stitch patterns use PSSO in combination with knits and purls to create unique effects.
If you’re following a pattern and see “PSSO” written in the instructions, now you know exactly what to do!
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Even though how to do the PSSO stitch is pretty straightforward, mistakes can happen. Here are a few common ones and how to fix them:
1. Slipping the Stitch Purlwise Instead of Knitwise
If you slip the stitch purlwise instead of knitwise, the decrease won’t sit correctly on the fabric. Always double-check that you’re slipping it knitwise.
2. Dropping the Stitch While Passing Over
It’s easy to drop the stitch when lifting it over. If this happens, use a crochet hook to pick it back up before it unravels further.
3. Forgetting to Knit the Next Stitch Before Passing Over
If you accidentally try to pass the slipped stitch over without knitting the next stitch, you’ll end up with an extra decrease. Make sure to follow all the steps in order.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll quickly master how to do the PSSO stitch with confidence!
Video Tutorial: Left-Handed Knitting Guide to PSSO
Since I know many of my readers are left-handed knitters like me, I created a special left-handed knitting tutorial for how to do the PSSO stitch on my YouTube channel. In the video, I demonstrate the technique from a left-handed perspective so you can follow along easily. If you’re a visual learner, be sure to check it out!
PSSO vs. Other Decrease Stitches
So, how does how to do the PSSO stitch compare to other decrease techniques? Let’s take a look at a few common ones:
- PSSO vs. K2TOG: PSSO leans left, while K2TOG leans right.
- PSSO vs. SSK: Both lean left, but PSSO is slightly more decorative, while SSK tends to blend in more.
- PSSO vs. SKP: SKP (slip, knit, pass) is essentially the same as PSSO, just written differently.
If your pattern specifies how to do the PSSO stitch, you’ll want to follow it exactly to maintain the intended look.
Practicing the PSSO Stitch
To truly get comfortable with how to do the PSSO stitch, try practicing on a swatch. Here’s a simple practice pattern to help you get the hang of it:
Practice Swatch Instructions:
- Cast on 20 stitches.
- Knit 2 rows in stockinette stitch.
- Row 3: K5, slip 1, K1, PSSO, K5, slip 1, K1, PSSO, K5.
- Row 4: Purl across.
- Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until you feel comfortable with the technique.
This is a great way to refine your tension and ensure your decreases are even.
Final Thoughts on How to Do the PSSO Stitch
Mastering how to do the PSSO stitch is an essential skill for beginner knitters looking to advance their techniques. Whether you’re tackling lace, shaping a garment, or working on a textured design, PSSO is a valuable stitch to have in your knitting toolkit.
If you have any questions about how to do the PSSO stitch, drop a comment below! I’d love to hear about your experience with this decrease and what projects you’re working on.
Happy knitting!
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