Understanding Increases and Decreases in Crochet Techniques

Crochet projects often require shaping to create garments, toys, or home decor that fit well and look polished. Two essential techniques for shaping are increases and decreases. Mastering these allows you to add or remove stitches in a controlled way, giving your work curves, angles, and structure. This post breaks down how to use increases and decreases effectively, with clear examples and tips to help you improve your crochet skills.

Detailed crochet stitches demonstrating increases and decreases

What Are Increases and Decreases in Crochet?

Increases add stitches to your work, making it wider or larger. Decreases remove stitches, making the piece narrower or shaping it inward. Both techniques are crucial for creating three-dimensional shapes or fitting pieces like sleeves, hats, or amigurumi.

• Increase: Add one or more stitches in the same row or round.

• Decrease: Combine two or more stitches into one to reduce stitch count.

  
  

Without these, your crochet would be flat and rectangular, limiting what you can create.

Why Use Increases and Decreases?

Using increases and decreases lets you:

• Shape garments to fit curves like shoulders or waistlines.

• Create rounded or tapered edges.

• Form complex shapes like spheres or cones.

• Add texture and design elements.

  
  

For example, a hat starts flat but needs increases to form a circle, then decreases to shape the crown. A sweater sleeve uses decreases to taper toward the wrist.

Basic Increase Techniques

Single Crochet Increase

To increase in single crochet, work two single crochet stitches into one stitch from the previous row or round. This adds one stitch.

How to do it:

1. Insert hook into the stitch.

2. Yarn over and pull up a loop.

3. Yarn over and pull through two loops (complete one single crochet).

4. Insert hook into the same stitch again.

5. Repeat steps 2 and 3.

   
   

This method creates a small bump but is subtle and works well in most projects.

Double Crochet Increase

For double crochet, work two double crochet stitches into one stitch.

Steps:

1. Yarn over, insert hook into stitch.

2. Yarn over, pull up a loop.

3. Yarn over, pull through two loops.

4. Yarn over, pull through remaining two loops.

5. Repeat in the same stitch.

   
   

Double crochet increases add height and volume quickly.

Other Increase Methods

• Front Loop Only Increase: Work increases only in the front loop of the stitch for a ribbed effect.

• Back Loop Only Increase: Adds texture by working increases in the back loop.

• Invisible Increase: Insert hook under the horizontal bar between stitches to make the increase less noticeable.

  
  

Basic Decrease Techniques

Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog)

This combines two single crochet stitches into one.

How to do it:

1. Insert hook into the first stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop.

2. Insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop.

3. Yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.

   
   

This pulls two stitches together, reducing stitch count by one.

Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog)

Similar to single crochet decrease but with double crochet stitches.

Steps:

1. Yarn over, insert hook into first stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop.

2. Yarn over, pull through two loops.

3. Yarn over, insert hook into next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop.

4. Yarn over, pull through two loops.

5. Yarn over, pull through all three loops on hook.

   
   

This creates a neat decrease with a slight slant.

Other Decrease Methods

• Invisible Decrease: Work decreases through the front loops only for a smooth look.

• Slip Stitch Decrease: Slip two stitches together for a very subtle decrease.

  
  

When to Use Increases and Decreases

Shaping Garments

• Use increases to widen areas like bust or hips.

• Use decreases to taper sleeves or waistlines.

  
  

Creating Circles and Rounds

• Start with a small number of stitches.

• Increase evenly in each round to keep the circle flat.

• Decrease to close shapes like hats or amigurumi heads.

  
  

Adding Texture and Design

• Use increases and decreases to create ruffles or waves.

• Combine with stitch patterns for decorative effects.

  
  

Tips for Smooth Shaping

• Count stitches regularly to avoid mistakes.

• Space increases and decreases evenly for balanced shaping.

• Use stitch markers to mark increase or decrease points.

• Practice different methods to find what works best for your project.

• Adjust tension to keep fabric even.

  
  

Examples of Increase and Decrease Patterns

Example 1: Flat Circle

• Round 1: 6 single crochet in magic ring.

• Round 2: Increase in every stitch (12 stitches).

• Round 3: 1 sc, increase repeat around (18 stitches).

• Continue increasing evenly to keep circle flat.

  
  

Example 2: Tapered Sleeve

• Work straight for cuff width.

• Decrease 1 stitch every 4 rows to taper.

• Stop decreasing when sleeve reaches desired width.

  
  

Example 3: Amigurumi Head

• Start with increases to form sphere.

• Work even rounds.

• Use decreases to close top.

  
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping stitch counts leads to uneven shaping.

• Placing increases or decreases too close causes puckering.

• Using inconsistent tension makes shaping obvious.

• Ignoring stitch markers can cause confusion.

  
  

Practice Exercises

• Make a small swatch with increases every 4 stitches.

• Create a flat circle using single crochet increases.

• Crochet a tapered strip using decreases.

• Try invisible increases and decreases for smooth shaping.

  
  

Mastering increases and decreases opens up many creative possibilities. With practice, you can shape your crochet projects confidently and add professional touches to your work. Start experimenting today and watch your skills grow.