Home › Knitting abbreviations › dec: Decrease
dec: Decrease
Remove one stitch using the method your pattern names (k2tog, ssk, p2tog or ssp). A decrease removes stitches, so the stitch count at the end of the row is lower than at the start. Patterns usually state the new total in brackets.
How to work dec
Remove one stitch using the method your pattern names (k2tog, ssk, p2tog or ssp). If the pattern only says dec, k2tog is the usual default on the right side.
Common mistake
Using only k2tog on both edges so the shaping leans one way.
Effect on your stitch count
It removes 1 stitch.
How it looks in a pattern
A typical line (an invented example for illustration):
Row 5 (RS): K1, dec, knit to last 3 sts, dec, k1.Spacing it evenly
Need to spread dec evenly across a row? Use the increase and decrease calculator.
Related abbreviations
All terms are in the knitting abbreviations list, and in the app's Glossary, which works offline.
Frequently asked questions
What does dec stand for?
dec stands for decrease.
Does dec change the number of stitches?
It removes 1 stitch.