When asked to design a project that highlighted the Showy Decrease we went all in with 4 versions of this new, fun and decorative decrease. This simple modification to your traditional decrease creates stitches that rise up off the face of stockinette adding a design element that pops off the fabric without needing to use reverse stockinette as a contrast.

It’s used here in both functional and decorative ways; as part of a stitch pattern, to shape armholes and to create a v-neck with pretty detail. The Showy Decreases include modifications the k2tog, ssk, s1k2tog psso double decrease and a vertical decrease without eyelets. The diamonds also include our Subtle Decrease so you can see the contrast and the impact on height and texture the Showy Decreases have.

All of the designs at Knitting Nuances are about introducing new knitting techniques, many of which are simple tweaks. This pattern includes two more favorites - the Resilient Cast On with an optional contrasting color cast on edge, and a Hatch Edge a non-rolling alternative to the garter edge.

If this all sounds like a lot to understand, don’t worry there’s lots of help available.

• More information Online: detailed photos, links to blog posts with added technique descriptions.
• Free tutorial downloads for each new skill can be found at KnittingNuances.com/Techniques
• There’s a free Ravelry eBook with 3 simple patterns that introduce these same skills in our Ravelry store. The Manchester Scarf has many of the same skills.

I’m so excited Knitty gave me the opportunity to share these new techniques with you!