zaro

What Does SS Mean in Knitting?

Published in Knitting Abbreviations 3 mins read

In knitting, SS primarily stands for slip stitch or slip stitches. It refers to the action of moving a stitch from one knitting needle to the other without working it, unlike a knit or purl stitch.

Understanding Slip Stitch (SS)

A slip stitch is a fundamental technique in knitting where you transfer a stitch from the left needle to the right needle without creating a new loop. This action can be done either knitwise (as if to knit) or purlwise (as if to purl), and the specific method often impacts the resulting fabric's appearance.

Slip stitches are incredibly versatile and are used for various purposes:

  • Creating Neat Edges (Selvedge): Slipping the first or last stitch of a row can create a clean, non-rolling edge, ideal for seams or scarf edges.
  • Adding Texture: Slipping stitches over multiple rows can create interesting raised textures or ribbing.
  • Colorwork: In mosaic knitting or slipped stitch colorwork, slipping stitches allows you to create patterns using only one color per row, by carrying colors over from previous rows.
  • Shaping: Slip stitches are often the first step in creating various decreases, where multiple stitches are brought together to reduce the stitch count.
  • Strengthening Fabric: Slipping stitches can make a fabric denser and less prone to stretching in certain areas.

For more information on the slip stitch and other knitting fundamentals, you can explore resources on general knitting techniques.

"SS" as Part of Decrease Abbreviations

While "SS" directly means slip stitch, the "S" component is also a common building block for more complex knitting abbreviations, particularly those involving decreases. These abbreviations indicate that a stitch is first slipped before being worked with other stitches to reduce the total stitch count.

Common Decrease Abbreviations Involving "SS"

The table below outlines common abbreviations where "SS" plays a key role, often representing various methods of decreasing stitches:

Abbreviation Meaning Type of Decrease Purpose
ss Slip stitch(es) Basic Technique Moving a stitch without working it for various effects (edges, texture, preparation)
ssk Slip a stitch, slip the next stitch, knit the slipped stitches together Left-leaning Creates a decrease that slants to the left, commonly used for shaping necklines or armholes.
ssk (improved) Slip one stitch, slip the next stitch purl-wise, knit slipped stitches together Left-leaning (Neater) A variation of ssk designed to create an even neater, less visible left-leaning decrease.
ssp Slip a stitch, slip the next stitch, purl Left-leaning A left-leaning decrease worked on the purl side of the fabric.

These decreases are essential for shaping knitted items, allowing you to create curves, angles, and define garment pieces. Understanding these abbreviations helps knitters follow patterns accurately and achieve their desired results. For a comprehensive list of knitting terms, refer to Knitting abbreviations - Wikipedia.