Crochet 101: What Is an Increase vs. a Decrease?

 

Whether you're brand new to crochet or just brushing up on the basics, understanding increases and decreases is essential. These two little techniques are what give crochet its shape and dimension — they’re the magic behind everything from soft amigurumi animals to cozy sweaters.

So, what exactly are increases and decreases? Let’s break it down.

Stuff I use in my craft room 

4 tier organizer-  https://amzn.to/4jzfYOb

Crochet hook case - https://amzn.to/4lKAyN9

44drawer plastic storage cabinet - https://amzn.to/3S4NXSp

Over door storage - https://amzn.to/4lMAdcO

Small Mixed storage containers with lids - https://amzn.to/4lGZXr7

16 drawer acrylic storage drawer - https://amzn.to/3YhXs4q

Furniture - mobile storage cabinet - https://amzn.to/4lI7i9A

Storage utility cart - https://amzn.to/3GrrPPS

🧶 What Is an Increase in Crochet?

An increase simply means you're adding stitches. This is how you make your project grow wider or rounder. For example, if you’re crocheting a circle or shaping the shoulders of a garment, you’ll be increasing.

How to Increase:
To increase, you typically work two stitches into one stitch from the previous row or round. The most common way is:

• Single crochet increase (sc inc): Work 2 single crochets into the same stitch.
• Double crochet increase (dc inc): Work 2 double crochets into the same stitch.

In a pattern, you might see it written as:

• “2 sc in next st” or
• “Inc in next st”

💡 Tip: Increases are often evenly spaced to keep the shape symmetrical — especially in things like hats or granny squares.

Free 30 day amazon prime - https://amzn.to/4k79ZQB

Support me on kofi - https://ko-fi.com/crochettbycj/tip

Shop my tiktok showcase for crochet supplies & crocet kits! - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjrxPT5S/

My pattern shop - https://ko-fi.com/crochettbycj

✂️ What Is a Decrease in Crochet?

A decrease is the opposite — you’re combining two stitches into one, which makes your work narrower. Decreasing helps shape areas like the crown of a hat, the waist of a sweater, or the legs of a stuffed toy.

How to Decrease:
To decrease, you crochet two stitches together. For example:

• Single crochet decrease (sc2tog): Insert your hook into one stitch, pull up a loop, insert into the next stitch, pull up another loop, yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook.
• Double crochet decrease (dc2tog): Similar idea, but with double crochets.

In a pattern, you’ll see it as:

• “sc2tog” or “dc2tog”
• “Dec over next 2 sts”

🧵 Tip: Keep your tension even when decreasing so the stitch stays neat and doesn't pucker.

Need crochet materials? Here’s a few things I use

Crochet hooks - https://amzn.to/42kaD7o

Stuffing - https://amzn.to/43SKn58

Tapestry needles - https://amzn.to/44saHmL

Saftey eyes - https://amzn.to/3Ggymww

Crochet travel bag - https://amzn.to/4cMghm3

Why Do Increases and Decreases Matter?

Without them, everything you make would be a rectangle! Increases and decreases are what let you shape your project and turn a flat piece of fabric into something three-dimensional or fitted. They’re essential for making garments, toys, hats, bags — pretty much anything that’s not a square.

Final Thoughts

Think of increases and decreases as the sculptor’s tools of the crochet world. They may seem small, but they play a huge role in creating beautiful, functional pieces. Don’t be afraid to practice them a few times — once you get the hang of it, you’ll be shaping your crochet like a pro.

Have any questions about increasing or decreasing? Or want a visual tutorial? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to help you out! 💬

Happy stitching! 🧵✨

Disclaimer:

This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon Associate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting CrochetbyCJ!