How to purl two together (p2tog)

Published on September 8, 2026 by Yazmin

Purl two together, abbreviated as p2tog, is for when you want to reduce the number of stitches on a purl row. Insert your needle into two stitches purl-wise and purl them together to make one stitch. Like its knitting counterpart knit two together (k2tog), p2tog is a decrease method, reducing the amount of stitches in your row to give shape and dimension to your knitting project.

Like the slip slip knit (ssk), p2tog is a primary and basic decreasing skill, perfect for beginners, as it allows you to begin shaping your work and prepares you for more ambitious projects in the future, such as jumpers, angular shawls, toys and accessories!

Before you learn your p2tog, make sure you've mastered these basic stitches...

Learn How To Knit

Skills to master before you p2tog

How to knit a row

Purl a row

How to knit two together (k2tog)

Now you've got the hang of the basics, let's get started with the p2tog. You can use this decrease method at the beginning or in the middle of your row.

Learn how to p2tog

Insert your needle. On your purl row, take your right hand needle and insert into the next two stitches purl-wise.

how to p2tog: inset needle as a purl stitch for two stitches

Yarn over. Wrap the yarn around the right-hand needle.

Pull the loop through. Use your right needle to pull the yarn through the two stitches and drop from your left hand needle.

how to p2tog: pull loop through two stitches

Finished! You should now have one loop on your right needle.

how to pt2og: decreases from two stitches to one

Using p2tog in your next project

Whether it's creating an angle in your fabric, shaping a heel or shaping a collar, with the p2tog you'll be able to get more adventurous with your knitting projects. Get ready for more complex shapes and beautiful texture!

Free knitting projects which include p2tog

Knit Wavy Chevron Lace Shawl

The Essential Socks - Free Knitting Pattern in Paintbox Yarns Socks

Master these fantastic knitting skills next!

How to knit socks

Guide to all knitting stitches

Knitting in the round

Discover More Intermediate Projects

Check Out This Month's Hottest Blog Posts!

category:christmas

15 free Christmas crochet patterns to make this year

15 free Christmas crochet patterns to download today: ornaments, wreaths, amigurumi toy...

category:guide

How to knit a hat: two methods, one evening

Learn to knit a hat from scratch — flat on straight needles or in the round. Cast-on nu...

category:christmas 15 free Christmas crochet patterns to make this year

15 free Christmas crochet patterns to download today: ornaments, wreaths, amigurumi toy...

category:guide How to knit a hat: two methods, one evening

Learn to knit a hat from scratch — flat on straight needles or in the round. Cast-on nu...

category:roundup The 10 best mohair jumpers & cardis to make this year

Mohair knits are having a moment. Here are 10 of the best mohair knitting patterns to i...

category:guide Delightful spring crafts to brighten your day!

All things floral and fabulous, discover spring crafts guaranteed to brighten anyone's ...

category:tutorial Crochet a colourful Moroccan-inspired floor cushion with our fab FREE pattern

Learn how to crochet a Moroccan inspired floor cushion with our easy step-by-step guide...

LoveCrafts Acquired and Joins Missouri Star Quilt Family

category:guide Knitting in red and pink, from scarlet to cherry blossom

Somewhere between orange and purple sit red and pink, the colours of love, passion and...

Sustainable yarns + ideas

Whether you're planning your next yarn haul or starting a new WIP, every eco-conscious ...

category:guide Discover the best yarn for summer clothes: the ultimate guide

Explore the top five best yarns for a variety of summer projects - from cute lightweigh...

category:roundup Don’t walk, run! Debbie Bliss introduces new yarn, Super Chunky Merino + a free scarf pattern just for you!

Don't walk, run! Discover the latest yarn to be added to Debbie Bliss' range of sumptou...

category:roundup Debbie Bliss shares the story behind her new yarn, British Wool Aran + free hat pattern!

The latest yarn from Debbie Bliss goes on a fantastic, short journey from fleece to yar...

category:tutorial Learn how to crochet the sweetest giant candy cane!

Crochet the sweetest giant candy cane! This oversized Christmas decoration is the perfe...

category:roundup 11 devilishly delicious Halloween cupcakes!

Searching for Halloween cupcake decorating inspiration? We’ve got a roundup of 11 total...

category:gift-guide The Handmade Gift Guide for your Little One: The one with the sweetest smile; the mini explorer with a curious mind

Find the perfect present for the little person in your life with our roundup of homemad...

category:roundup 22 totally tasty bake sale recipes

Get inspired for an upcoming bake sale with our roundup of totally tasty bake sale idea...

category:roundup 10 happy anniversary card ideas

Handmade anniversary card ideas for every year, from simple stamped designs to pop-up h...

category:tutorial How to make stickers with Cricut

Looking to make your creative mark or say something sweet? No doubt about it, stickers ...

category:tutorial How to create a zesty citrus embroidery

Learn how to create a zesty citrus embroidery packed with lemons, limes and grapefruits...

category:roundup Sew your way through spring and summer with our stunning new Spring Garden fabrics

Introducing the new LoveCrafts Spring Garden fabric collection, featuring birds, bees, ...

category:tutorial The best ever Victoria sponge cake recipe

Learn how to make the best ever Victoria sponge cake! With this simple Victoria sponge ...

category:guide The ultimate beginners guide to découpage

Master découpage with our beginner's guide: what it is, how to do it, plus paper choice...

category:roundup 11 brilliant DIY baby shower decorations

Planning a baby shower? Put a personal stamp on it with our round-up of DIY baby shower...

category:roundup 7 utterly amazing cake pop decorating ideas!

Looking for cake pop decorating ideas? We've got all the inspiration you need! From eas...

category:roundup 11 of the best ever baby shower and gender reveal cake ideas!

If you’re planning a party for a mum-to-be, we’ve got all the baby shower cake ideas yo...

category:tutorial How to make an egg-cellent Easter card

Make a whole stack of cards for your loved ones this Easter! This Easter card tutorial ...

4 easy crochet gifts for Mother's Day

These four crochet projects are beginner-friendly, use small amounts of yarn, and work ...

collection Introducing 6 NEW shades of Paintbox Yarns Cotton 4 Ply + patterns you'll love!

There’s something extra special about starting a new project with a fresh ball of yarn ...

category:tutorial Meet Emily the Dachshund! Crochet the sweetest spring toy with our tutorial

Follow along with our free tutorial to crochet Emily the Dachshund, the sweet amigurumi...

category:guide Easter crafts and project ideas

Hop into Easter with the perfect project! Discover loads of Easter craft ideas for the ...

category:roundup The birthday cake trends to look out for in 2022!

Find out what’s going on in the baking world in 2022 with our top birthday cake trends ...

category:guide Join our Patch for Pride project!

Join LoveCrafts and WEBS to create something truly spectacular! In the run-up to Pride ...

category:guide Hurray for Pancake Day! Recipes, inspiration and all the tools to create the perfect stack

Hurrary for Pancake Day! Discover pancake recipes, inspiration and all the baking tools...

category:guide How to read crochet charts

Read our guide to crochet symbols, and you'll know how to read a crochet chart in no ti...

category:guide LoveCrafts, the home of Makefulness

We all know that feeling you get when making - that sense of calm, that feeling of acco...

collection Your next project is here! Discover Paintbox Yarns collection of coastal patterns + NEW Cotton Mix DK

For cool patterns that have you dreaming of warmer days by the coast, taking in the sum...

category:roundup Top 7 chunky yarns to knit and crochet

Our 7 favourite chunky and super chunky yarns for fast, cosy makes - how each one feels...

craft:crochet 15 amazing makers to celebrate this International Women's Day

Join us at LoveCrafts as we celebrate some truly amazing women who are shaping the worl...

category:tutorial How to crochet a flat circle

If you're a newbie to crochet, a good place to start is learning how to crochet a circl...

category:roundup 14 totally awesome projects to make with t-shirt yarn

Got T-shirt yarn in your stash? Try these 14 projects, from crochet baskets and rag rug...

category:gift-guide 10 fun projects for under £5

Looking for a make idea that doesn't break the bank, or sweet Secret Santa homemade gif...

category:tutorial How to make an awesome pop-up birthday photo card

Want to learn how to make a pop up birthday card? You're in the right place! Our pop up...

category:tutorial How to sew a simple wall organiser

Learn how to sew a simple wall organiser with Anna Alicia. This is the perfect sewing p...

category:roundup 12 A+ teacher thank you card ideas

Show appreciation for your teacher with a homemade teacher thank you card. We’ve rounde...

category:tutorial Stitch the sweetest citrus embroidery for Christmas!

Get set for Christmas with this free festive embroidery pattern by Hope and Hart. Featu...

category:roundup 12 incredible bullet journal ideas to inspire you!

Discover a whole host of bullet journal ideas to fuel your inspiration! There’s somethi...

category:tutorial How to make Cricut cake toppers

Make the cherry on top of your next bake using Cricut and our how to make cake toppers ...

category:tutorial How to make super sensational cocktail cupcakes

Make it a happy hour in the kitchen and cele-bake with cocktail cupcakes! Check out thi...

category:tutorial Brighten your day with this FREE sunflower embroidery tutorial!

Stitch a sunflower with our free embroidery tutorial - the stitches, threads and hoop y...

category:tutorial Learn how to sew a fabulous detachable frilly collar

Ever wanted to learn how to sew a collar? You're in luck! Here we teach you how to make...

category:tutorial Learn how to make a cushion cover without a zip

Learn how to to make a cushion cover without a zip! This super easy step by step tutori...

View All Posts