Category Archives: Tutorial Series

Tutorial Series: K2tog vs K2tog tbl

Posted in K2tog vs K2tog tbl, Tutorial Series by

Knit 2 together (K2tog) and Knit 2 together through the back loop (K2tog tbl) are knitting techniques used for decreasing one stitch. Decreasing stitches are used for garment shaping and in lace knitting patterns. How to K2tog is shown below for right handed knitting.

K2tog (Tutorial Series: K2tog and P2tog):

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K2tog tbl:

Knit 2 together in the back loop (K2tog tbl) is also used for stitch decrease and but differs from K2tog. It is also used for garment shaping and in lace patterns. There is, however, a visual and directional difference between the two techniques. K2tog is a right leaning decrease while K2tog tbl is a left leaning decrease. K2tog tbl adds more texture to the knitted piece and is commonly used in twisted stockinette or twisted rib stitch patterns. Sometimes it may be used as an alternative to the SSK technique (Tutorial Series: Slip Slip Knit SSK) Shown below in stockinette stitch pattern K2tog vs K2tog tbl

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K2tog vs K2tog tbl:

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Knit 2 together in the back loop (K2tog tbl) for right handed knitting:

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Written Steps for K2togt tbl:

  • Turn the left knitting needle to the back of the work
  • Insert right needle into the back loops of the first stitch and then the second stitch on the left knitting needle
  • Wrap the working yarn around the inserted right needle
  • Pull the right knitting needle and working yarn loop into and through the 2 stitches on the left needle
  • Keep the working yarn loop (the new stitch) on the right needle and slide the 2 stitches off the left needle

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© Coffee Tea Knits. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: The Crochet Zig Zag Braid Edging

Posted in The Crochet Zig Zag Braid Edging, Tutorial Series by

A crochet border edging on crochet or knit blankets, dishcloths, and various other projects is frequently employed to enhance their aesthetic appeal, providing a more finished or decorative look that transforms simple items into something more. There are numerous crochet border edgings available, each offering a unique texture and style. For instance, a single crochet border adds a subtle, clean finish, whereas a crochet moss stitch border introduces a more textured feel. Another edging is the crochet zig zag braid edging, which is accomplished by alternating between slip stitches and chain stitches, creating a braid-like pattern that adds both texture and visual interest. Incorporating the various border edging adds more visual interest and elevates the overall design of a knitted or crocheted item.

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I have used the crochet zig zag braid edging in several dishcloth patterns, including the Dotted Dishcloth, With a Twist Dishcloth, and a few other dishcloths that I have created over time. This straightforward edging technique gives the finished product a textured and decorative look.

The Dotted Dishcloth
With a Twist Dishcloth


The video and written instructions below show how to crochet zig zag braid edging for right-handed crochet

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The Crochet Zig Zag Braid Edging:

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Written steps to crochet the Zig Zag Edging:

  • Insert crochet hook under both strands of the edge stitch or a crochet stitch
  • Yarn over and pull the yarn loop under and through both stands of the edge stitch.
  • Slip stitch (Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Slip Stitch) the loop with the loop on the crochet hook
  • Chain one
  • Repeat the steps above for the crochet zig zag edging
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© Coffee Tea Knits. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Zig Zag Join

Posted in How to Crochet Zig Zag Join, Tutorial Series by

Crocheted or knitted pieces can be joined together in several ways, each offering unique benefits and aesthetic qualities. They can be seamed together with a mattress stitch, which provides a nearly invisible join, or joined with the three-needle bind-off technique used in joining knitted pieces together. Alternatively, certain crochet slip-stitch techniques, such as the crochet zig zag join is used not only to secure the pieces (knitted or crocheted) firmly but to also give the seam a decorative zig zag look. The join in this technique is created by a repetition of alternating crochet slip stitches from one piece to the other, resulting in a visually appealing texture that enhances the overall design.

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The crochet zig zag join technique is one of my favorite join methods and I’ve included it in many of my patterns. The Comfy Poncho, Winterland Cowl, The Waiting Season Cowl, The Patchwork Petal Scarf, The Four Section Blanket, and Goes with Everything Cowl are some patterns that use the crochet zig zag method.

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The written instructions and video below show how to use the Crochet Zig Zag join for right-handed crochet.

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Written Instructions on how to Crochet Zig Zag Join:

  1. Insert the crochet hook from front to back under both the strands of the edge stitch in the first knitted or crocheted piece
  2. Yarn over with working yarn and pull the loop on the crochet hook under and through both the strands of the edge stitch in the first piece
  3. Slip stitch the loop to the loop on the hook (Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Slip Stitch)
  4. Insert the crochet hook from back to front under both the strands of the edge stitch in the second knitted or crocheted piece
  5. Yarn over with working yarn and pull the loop on the crochet hook under and through both the strands of the edge stitch in the second piece
  6. Slip stitch the loop to the loop on the hook (Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Slip Stitch)
  7. Repeat Steps 1 to 6 for the Crochet Zig Zag Join
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© Coffee Tea Knits. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: How to Crochet Slip Stitch

Posted in How To Crochet Slip Stitch, Tutorial Series by

Slip stitches in crochet serve to join rounds, connect pieces, create texture, and form edges, making them an essential technique for any crocheter. The crochet slip stitches are tighter stitches that create a dense fabric, providing not only durability but also a polished finish to your projects. In the crochet slip stitch technique, there is no row height increase, allowing for a seamless transition between different sections of your work. In the single crochet slip stitch, a new loop is created with the working yarn that is then slipped through the loop on the crochet hook, effectively allowing you to move through your pattern without adding bulk. The slip stitch technique is useful in enhancing the overall structure and aesthetics of the crocheted item.

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I have used crochet slip stitches as a decorative edging in “The With a Twist Dishcloth“, “The Speckles Dishcloth“, and “The Dotted Dishcloth“. The crochet zigzag slip stitch has been used to join together the “Winterland Cowl“, the “Four Seasons Blanket“, and the “Waiting Season Cowl“.

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The video and written steps below on how to use the Crochet Slip Stitch technique in a single crochet stitch pattern are shown below for right-handed crocheters.

How to Crochet Slip Stitch:

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Written Steps on How to Crochet Slip Stitch:

  1. Insert crochet hook under both strands into the next stitch as if to single crochet (Tutorial Series: How to Single Crochet)
  2. Catch the working yarn with the hook and pull the loop under and through both the strands of the next stitch
  3. Pull the same loop through the loop on the crochet hook
  4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 until the end of the row for the crochet slip stitch
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© Coffee Tea Knits. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: Increase and Decrease in Single Crochet

Posted in 2026, Increase and Decrease in Single Crochet, Tutorial Series by

As in knitting, shaping in crochet also includes increasing or decreasing of stitches in a pattern. For a stitch increase in single crochet, another single crochet is made in the same stitch. For a stitch decrease, the crochet hook is inserted into two single crochet stitches and then the yarn over loop is pulled through all the loops on the crochet hook. The image below shows one stitch increase and one stitch decrease in single crochet.


The written instructions and video below show how to increase and decrease a stitch in single crochet for right-handed crocheting.

Stitch Increase in Single Crochet:


Written Instructions for Stitch Increase in Single Crochet:

  1. Single crochet (Tutorial Series: How to Single Crochet)
  2. Insert the crochet hook under both the strands of a stitch
  3. Wrap working yarn counterclockwise around hook (yarn over), catch and pull the loop through both the strands of that stitch
  4. There are two loops on the crochet hook
  5. Wrap the working yarn counterclockwise around hook (yarn over), catch and pull loop through the two loops on the crochet hook (one single crochet stitch made)
  6. Repeat Steps 2 to 5 in the same stitch again for one single crochet stitch increase (two single crochet stitches made in the same stitch)

Stitch Decrease in Single Crochet:


Written Instructions for Stitch Decrease in Single Crochet:

  1. Insert the crochet hook under both the strands of a stitch as if to single crochet
  2. Wrap working yarn counterclockwise around hook (yarn over), catch and pull the loop through both the strands of that stitch (2 loops on the hook)
  3. Insert crochet hook under both strands of the next stitch
  4. Wrap working yarn counterclockwise around hook (yarn over), catch and pull the loop through both the strands of that stitch (3 loops on the hook)
  5. Wrap working yarn counterclockwise around hook (yarn over), catch and pull loop through all three loops on the crochet hook
  6. One single crochet stitch decreased
  7. Repeat Steps 1 to 5 to decrease one single crochet stitch

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© Coffee Tea Knits. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: Knit One Below (K1b)

Posted in Knit One Below (K1b), Tutorial Series by

Knit one below (K1b) is a technique where the stitch on the knitting needle is not worked or knit. Instead the knit stitch right below is worked or knit. Examples of stitch patterns where K1b is used include the twisted seed stitch pattern, fisherman’s rib stitch pattern, some half brioche stitch patterns, honeycomb and textured rib patterns. Knit one below forms a fluffy and textured fabric. I have used K1b technique in the twisted seed stitch pattern for the Summertime Dishcloths and The Comfy Hat 1 patterns.

The twisted seed stitch pattern looks similar to the half brioche stitch pattern but differs in the techniques used to create the textured fabric (see image below)


The video and written instructions below show how to use the K1b technique for right-hand knitting

Knit One Below (K1b):

Written instructions for Knit one Below (K1b):

  • Insert the right knitting needle from front to back into the center of the stitch below the first stitch on the left knitting needle
  • Wrap the working yarn around the top of the right knitting needle to form a new loop (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink)
  • Pull the loop through the center of the stitch below the stitch on the left knitting needle
  • The new knitted stitch is now on the right knitting needle
  • Slip the un-worked first stitch off the left knitting needle

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© Coffee Tea Knits. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: Make One (M1R and M1L)

Posted in Make One (M1R and M1L), Tutorial Series by

Another way to increase one stitch in knitting is to make one right (M1R) or make one left (M1L). M1L is a left-leaning increase while M1R is a right-leaning increase.

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The horizontal strand between the stitch just worked on the right knitting needle and the stitch on the left knitting needle is lifted and placed on the left knitting needle. The loop made by the horizontal strand on the left knitting needle is then knit to create an extra stitch.

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The make one (M1R or M1L) increase technique is used in the shaping of knitted items such as shawls, sweaters etc.

The video clip and the written instructions below show how to make one right (M1R) and then how to make one left (M1L) for right hand knitting.

Make One (M1R and M1L):

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Written Instructions for M1R and M1L:

Make One Right (M1R):

  • To M1R increase, insert left knitting needle from back to front under the horizontal strand between the stitch on the right and the left knitting needle
  • Slip the horizontal strand loop on the left knitting needle
  • Insert the right knitting needle in the front leg of the loop on the left knitting needle (Tip: Loosen the front leg of the loop by tugging and pulling it with the right knitting needle as shown in the video clip above)
  • Knit (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink) the front leg of the horizontal strand loop to increase one stitch

Make One Left (M1L):

  • To M1L increase, insert left knitting needle front to back under the horizontal strand between the stitch on the right and the left knitting needle
  • Slip the horizontal strand loop on the left knitting needle
  • Insert the right knitting needle in the back leg of the loop on the left knitting needle
  • Knit (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink) the back leg of the horizontal strand loop to increase one stitch
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© Coffee Tea Knits. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: Slip, Knit, Pass (Skp)

Posted in 2025, Slip, Knit, Pass (Skp), Tutorial Series by

The Skp is a method used to decrease one stitch in knitting. Skp means to slip 1 stitch, either knitwise or purlwise. Then, knit 1 stitch. Finally, pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch. Unlike K2tog (Tutorial Series: K2tog and P2tog) which is a right slanting decrease, Skp is a left slanting decrease. When you slip the stitch knitwise or purlwise, the knitting looks different. This topic is covered in the Tutorial Series: Slipping Stitches (knitwise and purlwise). A knitting pattern usually will specify how to slip a stitch. Below are samples of Skp knitwise and Skp purlwise.

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The video and written instructions below show how to slip stitches knitwise and purlwise for right-hand knitting.

Slip, Knit, Pass (Skp): Video below shows how to Skp knitwise and then purlwise

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Written Instructions for Skp (knitwise and then purlwise):

  • Slip the next stitch (knitwise or purlwise) on the left knitting needle onto the right knitting needle
  • Knit (Tutorial Series: Knit and Tink) the next stitch on the left knitting needle
  • Insert the left knitting needle into the front loop of the slipped stitch on the right knitting needle
  • Pull and lift the slipped stitch with the left knitting needle and pass it over the knitted stitch on the right knitting needle
  • Slide the slipped stitch off the right knitting needle
  • Repeat as specified in a knitting pattern to make one stitch decrease

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© Coffee Tea Knits. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: Slipping Stitches (Knitwise versus Purlwise)

Posted in October 2025, Slipping Stitches (Knitwise versus Purlwise), Tutorial Series by

Slipped Stitches are stitches that have not been worked (knitted or purled) with the working yarn. These stitches are just transferred from the left knitting needle to the right knitting needle. The stitches can be slipped to the right knitting needle either knitwise or purlwise. A knit pattern will usually specify how the stitches are to be slipped. Otherwise the default is to slip stitches purlwise. Below is a garter stitch sample with stitches slipped either knitwise or purlwise on the right side. These slipped stitches are then purled on the wrong side of the work. There is some difference in how the stitches look when slipped knitwise versus when they are slipped purlwise.

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Slipped stitches can be used at the end of the row to create a neat border edge. The Hydrangea Dishcloth is one example where I’ve used slipped stitches at the end of the rows. The Knotted Dishcloth also uses slipped stitches for a neat border edge. Slipped stitches are used to create textured patterns in knitting. The Dotted Dishcloth is an example where slipped stitches create a textured knit stitch pattern. The Light Unexpected Find Wrap as well as The Unexpected Find Wrap also uses the same technique. Slipped stitches are also used in colorwork knitting such as mosaic knitting. An example of slipped stitches in colorwork knitting is The Brick and Mortar Dishcloth.

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The video and written instructions below show how to slip stitches knitwise and purlwise for right-hand knitting.

Slipping Stitches (Knitwise):


Slipping Stitches (Knitwise) written instructions:

  • Insert the right knitting needle from back to front in the front loop of the first stitch on the left knitting needle
  • Holding the stitch with the right needle, slip the first stitch off the left knitting needle and onto the right knitting needle
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Slipping Stitches (Purlwise):


Slipping Stitches (Purlwise) written instructions:

  • Insert the right knitting needle from front to back in the front loop of the first stitch on the left knitting needle
  • Holding the stitch with the right knitting needle, slip the stitch off the left knitting needle and onto the right knitting needle
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Leave a comment below on how you use slipped stitches in your knitting

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© Coffee Tea Knits. All text and images for personal use only. All Rights Reserved.

Tutorial Series: Double Vertical Decrease (S2kp)

Posted in Double Vertical Decrease (S2kp), Tutorial Series by

In the double vertical decrease (S2kp), two stitches are decreased by slipping 2 stitches knitwise. Then, the next stitch is knit. Finally, the 2 slipped stitches are passed over the knitted stitch. This double vertical decrease is used for shaping in knitting. I used this technique in the Hydrangea Dishcloth and in the With a Twist Dishcloth. I like this method for the mitered square shaped dishcloths. The double decrease creates a straight vertical knit stitch when used in the center of the work. The video and written instructions below show how to do a double vertical decrease (s2kp) for right-hand knitting.

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The Double Vertical Decrease (S2kp):

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Steps to make a Double Vertical Decrease (S2kp):

1. Insert the right knitting needle into the front of second and then the first stitch as if to knit 2 together
2. Slip the 2 stitches off the left knitting needle and onto the right knitting needle

3. The 2 slipped stitches are now on the right knitting needle
4. Knit the next stitch from the left knitting needle onto the right knitting needle
5. Insert the the left knitting needle into the front loop on the 2 slipped stitches
6. Catch and hold the 2 slipped stitches onto the left knitting needle
7. Pass the 2 held slipped stitches on the left knitting needle over the knitted stitch on the right knitting needle
8. The double vertical decrease (slip 2 stitches, knit 2, pass the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch) is now on the right knitting needle
9. Tug the working yarn to tighten the double vertical decrease stitch


Repeat Steps 1 through 9 for the double vertical decrease (s2kp)

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