How to Increase and Decrease in Crochet
Creating shapes and curves in crochet is a fundamental skill that adds depth and dimension to your projects. By increasing or decreasing stitches, you can manipulate the fabric and achieve various shapes and designs. Whether you want to add handles to a basket, shape armholes and necklines in garments, or create unique appliques or wall decor, understanding the techniques for increasing and decreasing is essential.
In crochet, increasing refers to adding stitches to expand the width or circumference of your work. Typically, a crochet pattern will specify the preferred method for increasing. When working in rows, you would usually place one stitch in each stitch from the previous row to maintain the stitch count and shape of your project. However, to increase, you'll place two or more stitches in a single stitch from the previous row.
You have flexibility in deciding where to make your increases within the row. They can be placed at the beginning, end, or anywhere in between. When increases are made at the beginning or end, the fabric will widen in those areas. On the other hand, placing increases in the middle of the row will cause the fabric to bow or curve outward at those points.
The technique for increasing differs slightly depending on the type of stitch you're using. For example, in double crochet, you would work two double crochet stitches into the stitch below. However, the same principle applies to single crochet, half double crochet, or any stitch that is worked by inserting a stitch into the stitch below.
On the other hand, crochet decreases involve working two stitches together to create a single stitch. Each basic stitch has its own specific technique for decreasing, but the goal remains the same - combining two stitches into one. With practice, you'll become comfortable with the decrease technique for each stitch.
In this article, we will focus on the techniques for decreasing stitches in three common crochet stitches: single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet.
Crochet Increase:
- 1: One double crochet stitch worked into the stitch below.
- 2: Two double crochet stitches worked into the stitch below (+1 increase made).
Crochet decreases typically involve working two stitches together. The technique is different for each of the basic stitches but accomplishes the same thing – turning 2 stitches into 1 stitch.
Double Crochet Decrease:
Identify the two stitches you want to decrease over.
Yarn over and insert your hook into the first stitch, then pull up a loop (three loops on your hook).
Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook (two loops remaining on the hook).
Yarn over and insert your hook into the second stitch, then pull up a loop (four loops on your hook).
Yarn over and pull through two loops on the hook (three loops remaining on the hook).
Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook. This completes the double crochet decrease.
By mastering these decrease techniques, you can shape your crochet projects, create curves, and achieve intricate stitch patterns. Practice these decreases on small swatches before incorporating them into your larger projects. Understanding how to increase and decrease stitches will enhance your crochet skills and open up a world of design possibilities. Happy crocheting!
Single Crochet Decrease:
Identify the two stitches you want to decrease over.
Insert your hook into the first stitch and pull up a loop (you will have two loops on your hook).
Insert your hook into the second stitch and pull up a loop (you will have three loops on your hook).
Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook. This completes the single crochet decrease.