Introduction

Are you reading a knitting pattern and come across the abbreviation GGT? Or perhaps SSK in an English pattern?

Don't panic 😊

The GGT knitting (for Slip Slip Knit) is one of the most common decreases in knitting. It creates a decrease that slants to the left, perfectly symmetrical to the knit 2 together (k2tog), which slants to the right.

At Knit-sis, we use this technique in many sweater and cardigan patterns, especially for raglans, necklines, armholes, and lace.

In this guide, discover:

• what GGT is;
• how to do a GGT in knitting step by step;
• why it is essential;
• in which projects to use it;
• the different translations according to the language of foreign patterns.

GGT knitting: definition

The GGT (Slip Slip Knit) is a decrease that reduces two stitches to one while creating a left-leaning slant.

GGT in knitting is a left-leaning decrease achieved by slipping two stitches before knitting them together. It is the equivalent of SSK (Slip Slip Knit) in English patterns.

This decrease is used for:

• raglan sleeves;
• necklines;
• armholes;
• openwork patterns;
• decorative decreases.

How to do a GGT in knitting?

Here is the classic method.

Step 1

Slip the first stitch as if to knit it.

Step 2

Slip the next stitch in the same way.

Step 3

Transfer the 2 slipped stitches back to your left needle.

Step 4

Knit the two stitches together.

✨ You have just made a Slip Slip Knit.

GGT knit stitch: what is this decrease used for?

The GGT knit stitch creates a clean decrease that naturally slants to the left.

It is almost always paired with the knit 2 together (k2tog), which slants to the right.

By using them in pairs, you get perfectly symmetrical decreases.

This combination creates beautiful lines on:

• raglans;
• shoulders;
• sleeves;
• shawls;
• lace.

What's the difference between GGT and knit 2 together?

GGT	Knit 2 Together
Left slant	Right slant
Also called SSK	Also called K2tog
Used for symmetry	Used as a mirror to GGT
Subtle appearance	Slightly more pronounced appearance

The two techniques are complementary.

When to use a Slip Slip Knit?

The Slip Slip Knit appears in many patterns.

You will encounter it particularly for:

• raglan increases and decreases;
• V-necklines;
• armholes;
• sleeves;
• lace;
• shawls.

At Knit-sis, we regularly use it to achieve clean and elegant lines.

Our patterns using GGT

☀️ Sunrise Sweater

A raglan sweater where the GGT accompanies the construction lines to create beautiful symmetry.

🎨 Vasarely Cardigan

The decreases help structure the armholes and highlight the graphic patterns.

🌷 Tulip Cardigan

The GGT delicately accompanies the lace patterns while shaping the silhouette.

GGT, SSK and translations in foreign patterns

When knitting from an international pattern, you will find the exact same technique under different names.

Language	Name used
🇬🇧 English	SSK (Slip Slip Knit)
🇪🇸 Spanish	Deslizar, deslizar, tejer juntos
🇸🇪 Swedish	Lyft, lyft, sticka tillsammans
🇳🇴 Norwegian	Løft, løft, strikk sammen
🇩🇰 Danish	Løft, løft, strik sammen
🇳🇱 Dutch	Afhalen, afhalen, samen breien

💡 If you knit patterns from Scandinavian or Dutch designers, it is very useful to know these equivalences. They all refer to a left-leaning decrease, identical to the French GGT and the English SSK.

GGT knitting FAQ

What does GGT mean in knitting?

GGT means Glisse Glisse Tricote (Slip Slip Knit). It is a left-leaning decrease.

Is GGT the same as SSK?

Yes. SSK (Slip Slip Knit) is the English name for GGT.

When is a GGT used?

GGT is used for raglans, sleeves, armholes, necklines, and openwork patterns.

What is the difference between GGT and K2tog?

GGT slants to the left while K2tog (knit 2 together) slants to the right.

Video tutorials to learn GGT

If you prefer to learn visually, we recommend watching several demonstrations to observe the needle movements carefully.

You will quickly memorize the technique and be able to make regular decreases on all your projects.

Conclusion

The GGT knitting is an essential technique for achieving elegant and perfectly symmetrical decreases.

Once mastered, the Slip Slip Knit will become second nature for most of your sweaters, cardigans, and shawls.

At Knit-sis, it's one of the techniques we use most in our patterns because it offers clean finishes and a professional result, even for beginner knitters.

To remember

🧶 GGT = Glisse Glisse Tricote (Slip Slip Knit)

🧶 SSK = English equivalent

🧶 Left-leaning decrease

🧶 Used for raglans, armholes, necklines, and lace

🧶 Complementary to knit 2 together