Crochet Increases and Decreases Explained
If you've ever wondered how crochet toys become round, how hats get wider, or how amigurumi heads are shaped, the answer is simple: increases and decreases.
These two techniques are some of the most important skills every crocheter should learn. They allow you to shape your projects, create curves, and transform a flat piece of crochet into something three-dimensional.
In this beginner-friendly guide, we'll explain what increases and decreases are, when to use them, and how to create smooth, professional-looking invisible decreases.
What Is a Crochet Increase?
A crochet increase adds stitches to your work.
The most common increase is created by placing two stitches into the same stitch.
Example
If your pattern says:
Inc
You will:
- Insert your hook into the next stitch.
- Complete a single crochet.
- Insert your hook back into the same stitch.
- Complete another single crochet.
You have now turned one stitch into two.
Why Use Increases?
Increases make your project grow larger.
They are commonly used in:
- Amigurumi toys
- Hats
- Coasters
- Granny squares
- Circular blankets
Without increases, a crochet circle would curl into a tube instead of expanding outward.
What Is a Crochet Decrease?
A crochet decrease reduces the number of stitches.
Instead of turning one stitch into two, a decrease combines two stitches into one.
Example
If your pattern says:
Dec
You will work two stitches together to create one stitch.
This gradually reduces the size of your project.
Why Use Decreases?
Decreases help shape crochet projects.
They're commonly used for:
- Closing amigurumi heads
- Shaping animal bodies
- Creating curves
- Narrowing sleeves
- Forming rounded shapes
Without decreases, it would be difficult to create smooth three-dimensional projects.
How Increases and Decreases Shape Amigurumi
Most amigurumi projects follow a simple pattern:
Increase Section
The project begins with regular increases to create a larger shape.
Example:
- Round 1: 6 sc in magic ring
- Round 2: Inc around (12)
- Round 3: (sc, inc) x 6 (18)
- Round 4: (sc 2, inc) x 6 (24)
The project grows larger with each round.
Straight Section
Once the desired size is reached, the pattern usually works several rounds without increases.
Example:
Sc around
This maintains the shape.
Decrease Section
Finally, decreases are used to close and shape the piece.
Example:
- Round 20: (sc 2, dec) x 6
- Round 21: (sc, dec) x 6
- Round 22: Dec around
The opening gradually becomes smaller until it closes completely.
Common Increase Abbreviations
You may see:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| inc | Increase |
| 2 sc in next st | Two single crochets in one stitch |
| increase | Same as inc |
Most modern amigurumi patterns use simply:
inc
Common Decrease Abbreviations
You may see:
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| dec | Decrease |
| sc2tog | Single Crochet Two Together |
| inv dec | Invisible Decrease |
For amigurumi, invisible decreases are usually preferred because they create a cleaner finish.
How to Make Perfect Invisible Decreases
Invisible decreases are one of the best techniques you can learn for crochet toys.
Unlike standard decreases, they leave almost no visible gap in your work.
Why Use Invisible Decreases?
Standard decreases often create:
- Visible holes
- Bulky stitches
- Uneven shaping
Invisible decreases produce:
- Smoother fabric
- Cleaner shaping
- Professional-looking results
That's why most modern amigurumi patterns use them.
Step-by-Step Invisible Decrease
Step 1
Insert your hook into the front loop only of the next stitch.
Do not complete the stitch.
Step 2
Insert your hook into the front loop only of the following stitch.
You should now have two front loops on your hook.
Step 3
Yarn over and pull through both front loops.
Step 4
Yarn over again and complete a normal single crochet.
You have now turned two stitches into one nearly invisible stitch.
Standard Decrease vs Invisible Decrease
Standard Decrease
Works through both loops of two stitches.
Pros:
- Easy to learn
Cons:
- More noticeable
- Can create gaps
Invisible Decrease
Works through front loops only.
Pros:
- Neater appearance
- Better for amigurumi
- Creates smoother shaping
Cons:
- Requires a little practice
For crochet toys, invisible decreases are usually the better choice.
Common Beginner Mistakes
Increasing in the Wrong Stitch
Always place both stitches into the same stitch when making an increase.
Missing Decreases
It's easy to accidentally crochet two normal stitches instead of decreasing.
Count your stitches regularly.
Pulling Too Tight
Many beginners tighten invisible decreases too much.
Try to keep your tension relaxed and consistent.
Not Using Stitch Markers
Stitch markers help track rounds and reduce counting mistakes.
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
Increase
One stitch becomes two.
Example:
Inc
Result:
1 stitch → 2 stitches
Decrease
Two stitches become one.
Example:
Inv Dec
Result:
2 stitches → 1 stitch
Purpose
- Increase = make project larger
- Decrease = make project smaller
- Invisible decrease = decrease with a cleaner finish
Final Thoughts
Increases and decreases are the building blocks of crochet shaping. Once you understand how they work, you'll be able to create everything from simple hats to adorable amigurumi animals.
If you're making crochet toys, learning the invisible decrease is especially worthwhile. It creates smoother shaping, reduces visible gaps, and gives your finished projects a more polished, professional appearance.
With a little practice, increases and decreases will become second nature—and you'll be amazed at the shapes you can create with just a hook and some yarn.
Happy crocheting!