SSK...I'm confused

[Rennagayle]

The Beanie (http://ooobabyknits.typepad.com/photos/2006_fos/4hats.html) I'm knitting says to:

Begin decreases.
Row1: *SSK, k1 p1 k1 p1* around

I'm a little confused by the SSK. I looked at the Knitting Help Glossary (http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/abbreviations_explained/). There are two different ways to do it, and I'm not sure which to use, and I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be slipping purlwise each time or knitwise. Help?
:??

[Sknitter56]

Renna,

Unless the pattern specifically tells you which way to slip the two stitches, I'd slip them purlwise. But, if you decide to slip them knitwise, be consistent and slip all the SSK's knitwise (or purlwise), whichever way you decide.

Hope this helps.

Mary

[Rennagayle]

Okay, Mary, I'm going to go for it. I'm anxious to finish this beanie. Thank you! :D

[suzeeq]

Actually, for SSK you slip knitwise, because they come out twisted if you do it purlwise. It's pretty much the same as sl 1, k 1, psso.

sue

[Rennagayle]

It's pretty much the same as sl 1, k 1, psso

Now I'm confused again. I thought that SSK was to slip 1, slip 1, then knit those two together off the right hand needle. :help:

[Ingrid]

They're both left-leaning decreases, and some people prefer one over the other.

[Rennagayle]

Okay, so then it doesn't really matter much one way or the other, I guess. Thanks, Ingrid.

I wish I were a bolder knitter. I always freeze up when facing something new, so afraid I'll royally mess it up. Thank God for this website, and you helpful people. :hug:

[MaryS]

Hi Renna, :waving:

Don't be afraid to try new things with your knitting. The worst that can happen is you decide to frog a little. :frog:

You never know, you may invent :shrug: (or "unvent" to quote EZ) something new and wonderful. :cheering:

We'll always be around to help if you need it. :happydance:

There's NO wrong way to knit! :hug:

Mary

[Rennagayle]

Thanks for the encouragement, Mary. :mrgreen:

[Rennagayle]

Yea! I finished the hat and it looks great. One down, and many more to go, of my Christmas gift list. :happydance:

[Yarnlady]

I K2tog through back loop instead of SSK. Both lean the same way, and I find it easier especially with fiddly sock yarn. :teehee:

[Rennagayle]

I may try that with the next one. :thumbsup: