Quick answer: CDD removes 2 stitches at once with the centre stitch on top. Slip 2 stitches together knitwise, k1, then pass the 2 slipped stitches over the knitted stitch.
What it means
CDD is a symmetrical double decrease — the centre stitch sits on top, leaning neither left nor right. Used at lace motif points, mitre corners, and symmetrical shawl shaping.
When you see it
- Centre of lace leaf motifs
- Mitre square corners
- Symmetrical shawl shaping
How to do it
- Insert right needle into next 2 stitches together as if to knit — slip both knitwise as a pair.
- Knit the next stitch normally.
- Use left needle to lift both slipped stitches over the knitted stitch and off the needle.
- 2 stitches decreased — centre stitch sits on top, perfectly vertical.
Common mistakes
- Slipping the 2 stitches separately instead of together — changes the visual result
- Confusing CDD with k3tog — k3tog leans right and looks different
- Working too tightly — decrease should lie flat, not pucker