Crochet is a fantastic craft that allows you to create stunning handmade items. When learning how to crochet, a couple of essential skills you must learn are how to increase and decrease stitches.
Knowing how to work a crochet increase and crochet decrease is crucial in shaping your work. In this article, I have broken down several different techniques for increasing and decreasing in crochet. I have also included some tips and tricks to help you master these skills.
What is a Crochet Increase?
A crochet increase is a technique used to add stitches to a row or round. Adding stitches will create a wider piece of fabric.
There are several ways to create a crochet increase, each with its own unique look and purpose. Learning how to make different crochet increases will give you the ability to work on a variety of projects.
The most common types of crochet increases you will come across are:
- Single Crochet Increase (sc inc)
- Half Double Crochet Increase (hdc inc)
- Double Crochet Increase (dc inc)
- Treble Crochet Increase (tr inc)
What is a Crochet Decrease?
A crochet decrease is a technique used to eliminate a stitch from your work. Removing a stitch will create a narrower piece of fabric.
The most common types of crochet decreases you will come across are:
- Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog)
- Half Double Crochet Decrease (hdc2tog)
- Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog)
- Treble Crochet Decrease (tr2tog)
What are the Benefits of Knowing Crochet Decrease and Increase?
Knowing how to make crochet decreases and increases will provide you with the following benefits:
- Ability to Shape Crochet Projects.
By knowing how to make crochet decreases and increases, you can shape your crochet projects into different forms.
- Make Garments that Fit.
When making garments, increases and decreases are often used to adjust the size and create a better fitting garment.
- Improved Aesthetics
Crochet increases and decreases can add texture and visual interest to your crochet projects.
- Greater Versatility
Knowing how to create increases and decreases gives you the ability to work on a wide range of patterns.
How to Increase and Decrease in Crochet
Crochet Increases
How to Make the Single Crochet Increase (sc inc)
Here is how to make the single crochet increase:
1. Begin by working a single crochet stitch into the stitch where the increase needs to be placed. To do this, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Then, yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook.
2. Instead of moving on to the next stitch, work another single crochet stitch into the same stitch. You have now created two single crochet stitches in the same stitch.
How to Make the Half Double Crochet Increase (hdc inc)
Here is how to make the double crochet increase:
1. Begin by working a half double crochet stitch into the stitch where the increase needs to be placed. To do this, yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. You should now have 3 loops on your hook. Yarn over once more and pull through all three loops on the hook.
2. Instead of moving on to the next stitch, work another half double crochet stitch into the same stitch.
How to Make the Double Crochet Increase (dc inc)
Here is how to make the double crochet increase:
1. Begin by working a double crochet stitch into the stitch where the increase needs to be placed. To do this, yarn over, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. Yarn over again and pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook. Yarn over once more and pull through the last two loops on the hook.
2. Instead of moving on to the next stitch, work another double crochet stitch into the same stitch.
How to Make the Treble Crochet Increase (tc inc)
Here is how to make the treble crochet increase:
1. Begin by working a treble crochet stitch into the first stitch of the row or round. To do this, yarn over twice, insert your hook into the stitch, yarn over again, and pull up a loop. Then, yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook.
Yarn over again and pull through the next two loops on the hook. Yarn over one more time and pull through the last two loops on the hook.
2. Instead of moving on to the next stitch, work another treble crochet stitch into the same stitch.
Crochet Decreases
How to Make the Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog)
Here is how to make the single crochet decrease:
1. Begin by inserting your hook into the first stitch.
2. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should have two loops on your hook.
3. Insert your hook into the next stitch.
4. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should now have three loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook. You have now decreased one stitch.
How to Make the Half Double Crochet Decrease (hdc2tog)
Here is how to make the half double crochet decrease:
1. Begin by yarn over and insert your hook into the first stitch.
2. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on your hook.
3. Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch.
4. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should have five loops on your hook.
5. Yarn over and pull through all five loops on your hook.
How to Make the Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog)
Here is how to make the double crochet decrease:
1. Begin by yarn over and insert your hook into the first stitch.
2. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on your hook.
3. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. You should have two loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch.
5. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should have four loops on your hook.
6. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. You should have three loops on your hook.
7. Yarn over and pull through the last three loops on your hook.
How to Make the Treble Crochet Decrease (tr2tog)
Here is how to make the treble crochet decrease:
1. Begin by yarn over twice and insert your hook into the first stitch.
2. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should have four loops on your hook.
3. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. You should have three loops on your hook.
4. Yarn over and pull through two. You should now have 2 loops left on your hook.
5. Yarn over twice and insert your hook into the next stitch.
6. Yarn over again and pull up a loop. You should have five loops on your hook.
7. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook. You should have four loops on your hook.
8. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook again. You should have three loops on your hook.
9. Yarn over and pull through the last three loops on your hook.
Tips for Mastering the Crochet Decreases and Increases
Here are some tips for making the perfect increases and decreases in crochet:
- Read the pattern carefully
Make sure you understand the pattern instructions before starting to crochet. The pattern will tell you how many stitches to increase or decrease, and when to do it.
- Count your stitches
Always count your stitches after each row. This will help to ensure you have not missed any stitches or added any extra.
- Use stitch markers
Use stitch markers to mark your rows, especially in amigurumi or complex patterns. Knowing exactly where you are in a pattern can help you keep track of where you need to increase or decrease.
- Practice making the stitch
Before you start your project, practice making the increase and decrease stitches on a small swatch of fabric. This will help you get comfortable with the techniques before you start your project.
- Take your time
Crocheting takes patience and practice. Do not rush through making your increases and decreases. Be patient and take your time.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Crochet Decreases and Increases
Can I use different types of crochet decreases and increases in the same project?
Yes, you can use different types of crochet decreases and increases in the same project. Using different types can add texture and visual interest to your completed project. However, if you are following a pattern, make sure to use the appropriate stitches.
How do I know when to use a crochet decrease or increase stitch?
Decrease stitches are used when you need to remove stitches. Increase stitches are used when you want to add stitches. The pattern you are following will indicate when you need to use either a crochet decrease or increase stitch.
Can I use increases and decreases in amigurumi?
Yes, crochet increases and decreases are essential techniques used in amigurumi patterns. They are necessary to help shape the fabric into various shapes.
Proper placement of the stitches is crucial to achieving the correct shape. So, be sure to carefully follow the pattern instructions.
How do I know which type of increase or decrease to use for my project?
The type of crochet increase or decrease stitches used will depend on the pattern. The pattern should indicate which type of stitch to use and when to use it.
Using a different stitch than recommended can change the outcome of the project.
What should I do if I make a mistake in my decreases or increases?
If you make a mistake in your crochet decreases or increases, you can correct it by unravelling the stitches back to the mistake and redoing them. In some cases, if the mistake does not affect the overall look of the project, you may choose to leave it as is.
However, one little mistake can affect the outcome of the entire project. So, it is always best to fix them as soon as possible.
Can I modify existing patterns by changing the type of crochet decreases or increases used?
Yes, you can modify existing patterns by changing the type of crochet decreases or increases used. However, it is important to note that changing the stitch can affect the outcome of the project. Changing the stitch can affect the size, shape, and texture.
What is the difference between a crochet decrease and an increase?
The difference between a decrease and an increase is the way they affect the number of stitches in a row. A decrease stitch reduces the number of stitches.
While an increase stitch adds stitches to a row or round. By strategically placing the stitches in certain areas, you can create shapes in your fabric.
Hope you enjoyed learning how to crochet decrease and increase
Knowing how to create crochet decrease and increase stitches is vital for every crocheter. These stitches are essential for shaping fabric and creating three-dimensional objects. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, mastering crochet decrease and increase stitches is a necessity.
