Quick answer: k3tog means knit 3 stitches together as if they were 1. Insert needle into the next 3 stitches from left to right, wrap and pull through. This removes 2 stitches and leans to the right.
What it means
k3tog is a double decrease removing 2 stitches in one operation. The result leans to the right and is often paired with a left-leaning double decrease for symmetrical shaping.
When you see it
- Lace patterns paired with sl2-k1-p2sso
- Sharp shaping in lace and decorative patterns
- Mitre square corners
How to do it
- Insert right needle through the next 3 stitches from left to right — just like a normal knit stitch, but through 3 at once.
- Wrap the yarn and pull through all 3 stitches.
- Slip all 3 original stitches off the left needle.
- 2 stitches decreased, result leans to the right.
Common mistakes
- Inserting into only 2 stitches by mistake — check 3 loops are on the right needle before pulling through
- Working too tightly — hard to insert through 3 stitches in fine yarn; use a smaller needle tip to enter
- Confusing with k2tog — k3tog reduces by 2, k2tog reduces by 1