How to decrease in crocheting
Learning how to decrease in crocheting is an essential skill that allows you to create a wider variety of projects and shapes. Decreasing stitches are commonly used in patterns to shape garments, stuffed animals, amigurumi, and many other crochet items. Understanding the different methods of decreasing stitches will give you the freedom to create more intricate designs.
Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog): This method is used to decrease one stitch and involves working two single crochet stitches together into one. To do this, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. Keep the loop on your hook. Then, insert your hook through the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. You should have three loops on your hook. Yarn over again and pull through all three loops to complete the decrease.
Tip: Placing a stitch marker in the first stitch of each round can help you keep track of your decreases, especially in amigurumi or circular projects.
Invisible Decrease: The invisible decrease is a technique that gives a neater and more seamless appearance compared to the traditional single crochet decrease. To make an invisible decrease, insert your hook into the front loop only of the next stitch, then insert your hook into the front loop only of the following stitch. Yarn over and pull through the front loops of both stitches. Yarn over again and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook.
By mastering these simple techniques for decreasing in crocheting, you’ll be able to create intricate designs and shapes in your projects. Whether you’re making a hat, a toy, or a blanket, these techniques will help you achieve professional-looking results. Happy crocheting!
Single Crochet Decrease
A single crochet decrease, also known as sc decrease, is a commonly used technique in crochet to decrease the number of stitches in a row or round. It is often used to shape the fabric or create specific stitch patterns.
To work a single crochet decrease, follow these steps:
- Insert the hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop through the stitch.
- Insert the hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop through the stitch.
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.
By working these steps, you have just completed a single crochet decrease and decreased the number of stitches by one. This decrease creates a closer fabric and stitches that slant to the right.
Single crochet decreases can be used in various patterns such as decreasing the width of a hat or creating shaping in garments. They can also be combined with other stitches to create different stitch patterns.
Practice single crochet decreases on a test swatch to become comfortable with the technique. With some practice, you will be able to confidently incorporate single crochet decreases into your crochet projects.
Half Double Crochet Decrease
What is a Half Double Crochet Decrease?
A half double crochet decrease (hdc dec) is a technique used in crocheting to reduce the number of stitches in a row or round.
How to Make a Half Double Crochet Decrease:
To make a half double crochet decrease, follow these steps:
- Yarn over.
- Insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- Yarn over again.
- Insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Yarn over and pull up a loop.
- You should now have five loops on your hook.
- Yarn over and pull through all five loops.
- One half double crochet decrease is now complete.
When and Where to Use a Half Double Crochet Decrease:
A half double crochet decrease is commonly used in patterns where you need to decrease the number of stitches in a row or round. It is often used to shape the fabric or create intricate stitch patterns.
Note: Always refer to your pattern’s instructions for the specific placement and stitch count for making half double crochet decreases.
By learning the half double crochet decrease technique, you’ll be able to create more advanced crochet projects with unique shaping and designs. Practice the steps mentioned above to master this essential crochet technique.
Double Crochet Decrease
The double crochet decrease stitch is a simple technique to decrease the number of stitches in your crochet project. It is commonly used to shape the fabric or create decorative elements in a crochet pattern. This stitch is often abbreviated as dc dec.
Step 1: Insert your hook
To start the double crochet decrease, begin by inserting your hook into the next stitch.`,
Move the hook under the top two loops of the next stitch.
Step 2: Yarn over and pull through
Yarn over your hook by wrapping the yarn from back to front over the hook. Then, pull the yarn through the stitch, leaving three loops on your hook.
Step 3: Yarn over and pull through two loops
Next, yarn over again and pull the yarn through the first two loops on your hook, leaving two loops remaining.
Step 4: Insert your hook in the next stitch
Now, insert your hook into the next stitch and repeat steps 2 and 3 to make another double crochet stitch.
Step 5: Yarn over and pull through all loops
Yarn over one more time and pull the yarn through all three loops on your hook. This completes the double crochet decrease stitch.
Continue crocheting the next stitches as indicated in your pattern.
Triple Crochet Decrease
In crocheting, there are various techniques to decrease stitches and create unique designs. One commonly used decrease stitch is the triple crochet decrease. This stitch is often abbreviated as tr dec in crochet patterns.
To create a triple crochet decrease, you will need three stitches: a double crochet (dc), a yarn over (yo), and two chain stitches (ch2).
Step 1:
Start by yarni