The February Mitten features an all over leaf lace pattern worked in the round. In order to work the pattern seamlessly, there are centered double decreases that utilize stitches at the beginning and end of the round. This tutorial shows how to process the central double decrease (CDD) while still maintaining proper stitch count and maintaining a seamless pattern.
Two items of note:
1 / There are 3 grey “no-stitch” squares at the left edge of the charts. These spaces represent the stitches that will be used by the CDD, which is why they are not worked at the end of the round. The spaces are essentially place holders, and if you see a no stitch box, you should interpret them as “do nothing”.
2 / Normally the locking stitch marker is placed before the first stitch of the round. However, since we’re using DPNs for this tutorial, the stitch marker is placed after the first stitch so it doesn’t fall off during knitting.
SET UP / Work the round before the double decrease to the end. Two stitches remain unworked at the end of the round (these are the two stitches represented by the “no stitch” boxes).
STEP 1 / Insert the RH needle into the first 2 stitches on LH needle as if to knit, slip the 2 stitches onto the RH needle. If you are using DPNs and your LH working needle is now empty, set it aside until the decrease has been processed.
STEP 2 / Insert the RH needle into next stitch on LH needle, just before the stitch marker, and knit the stitch.
STEP 3a / Insert the LH needle into the two slipped stitches on the RH needle.
STEP 3b / Pass the 2 stitches over the recently knitted stitch on the RH needle. One centered double decrease has been completed.
STEP 4 / If you put down the spare DPN, pick it back up and transfer the completed decrease onto it. The decrease is the first stitch of the round.
That’s it! You’re ready to continue on with the round.
