Difficulty beginner Skill decrease 2 min read

What it is

P2tog decreases one stitch by purling two stitches together.

How Ruke patterns use it

Ruke pattern rows use purl decreases in wrong-side shaping, rib structures and texture. The instruction changes both stitch count and the way the decrease sits on the purl-facing fabric.

Pattern notation examples

  • Row 2 (WS) Sl1, p3 (7) 9, p2tog, p1, turn. [Decreased: 1 st]
  • Row 4 (WS) Sl1, p5 (9) 11, p2tog, p1, turn. [Decreased: 1 st]

When to use it

Use it whenever the pattern writes P2tog.

What to check

Check that both stitches are caught together and confirm the new stitch count at the end of the row.

Common mistakes

Purling the stitches separately, missing one loop, or confusing P2tog with a knit-side decrease.