Knitting question-decreasing stitches and stitch markers

[sweetfeet]

Ok I bought the LTK apron top pattern today and I have no idea of how to decrease stitches or how to use stitch markers. Im not really even sure how of what to ask. I can and do knit..scarves and pot holders. I can knit and purl and so on and my stitches are fine. I really want to make this top for the labor day weekend. So how does one place the markers on? What does it mean to stitch up to the marker? How does one decrease? Do you just drop the stitch?

[pinky]

I'm no expert, but..

the markers are easy. They're just little round rings that slip on the needle. If it says to place a marker after, say, 20 stitches, then after the 20th stitch but before the 21st., you just place the little ring on your right-hand needle. Knitting up to the marker means that you knit to that place where the ring is. Hope that makes a little sense.

As for decreasing, it would be hard to explain without a picture. Definitely don't just drop a stitch! I just bought the pattern myself, and I know there are knit2 together decreases, which basically just means knitting two stitches as if they were one. But I'd be hard-pressed to explain ssk (slip, slip, knit)--maybe you could find a basic knitting book at your library, or ask for help at a local yarn shop? That's where I've gotten help!

Good luck!

[sweetfeet]

Hey Pinky thanks for replying OK now that I know what ssk means I think I can look it up online and maybe find streaming video. Oh knit 2together..AHHH makes perfect sense now I tried to do this at an untimely hour last night and everything was jibberish:LOL