I was just wondering....... Why do we decrease like we do; for example decreasing for a raglan jumper, why do we k1, s1 k1 psso then when we get to the last three stitches, k2 tog, k1? Why don't we k1, s1 k1 psso at both ends or k2 tog k1 at both ends? (reversing of course!) :confused: Am I talking nonsense and what is the colour of the sky on my planet??!!:help: Just wondered anyway!!:suspect:

It's because different decreases end up angling the stitches in different directions. K2tog is a right-slanting decrease, while SSK is a left slanting decrease. Using one at one end and the other at the other end means that the piece ends up the appropriate shape (think of the toe bit of a knitted sock).

Also, working decreases one or two stitches in from the edge make seaming a great deal easier

I agree - I used to decrease right at the beginning or end of a row until I came to sew it up and realised how much harder it makes it. So now I decrease one stitch in and it leaves the edge stitches nice and neat so you can see what you are doing more when sewing up.

It's all good stuff isn't it??!!

Instead on slip, knit psso, you can just knit 2 together through the back loop, I find it quicker and less fussy, and you end up with the same result. It's also easier for me to remember! :)