How to Crochet Increases and Decreases: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

As you begin crocheting more than simple squares and scarves, you'll quickly come across two essential techniques: increases and decreases.

These stitches are what allow you to shape your crochet projects. They're used to make hats wider, sleeves narrower, and, most importantly for amigurumi, to create beautifully rounded heads, bodies, arms, and legs.

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to make regular crochet increases and decreases, when to use them, and how they help transform flat crochet into three-dimensional creations.

What Is a Crochet Increase?

An increase simply means adding one extra stitch.

The most common increase in crochet is made by working two stitches into the same stitch.

Instead of turning one stitch into one new stitch, you turn it into two.

Why Use Increases?

Increases allow your crochet to expand.

You'll use them when making:

• Amigurumi toys
• Hats
• Circular coasters
• Granny squares
• Blankets
• Baskets

Without increases, your work would stay the same width and wouldn't be able to form circles or rounded shapes.

How to Make a Regular Single Crochet Increase

Most beginner patterns use single crochet increases.

Step 1

Insert your hook into the next stitch.

Step 2

Complete one normal single crochet stitch.

Step 3

Without moving to the next stitch, insert your hook back into the same stitch.

Step 4

Complete another single crochet.

You have now crocheted two single crochet stitches into one stitch.

Congratulations—you've completed a regular increase!

What Does an Increase Look Like in a Pattern?

Designers may write increases in different ways.

Common examples include:

• inc
• 2 sc in next st
• 2 sc in same stitch
• Increase

All of these mean the same thing.

What Happens to Your Stitch Count?

Every increase adds one stitch.

For example:

If you begin a round with 18 stitches and make 6 increases, you'll finish with:

24 stitches

Always check the stitch count at the end of the round to make sure you're on track.

What Is a Crochet Decrease?

A decrease does the opposite of an increase.

Instead of adding stitches, it reduces your stitch count.

A regular decrease joins two stitches together to create one new stitch.

This gradually narrows your crochet and creates shaping.

Why Use Decreases?

Decreases help create curves and rounded shapes.

They're commonly used for:

• Closing amigurumi heads
• Shaping animal bodies
• Narrowing sleeves
• Creating stuffed toys
• Finishing hats

Without decreases, many crochet projects would never close or achieve their intended shape.

How to Make a Regular Single Crochet Decrease

A regular decrease is often written as sc2tog, which stands for single crochet two together.

Here's how to make one.

Step 1

Insert your hook into the next stitch.

Yarn over and pull up a loop.

You should now have two loops on your hook.

Step 2

Insert your hook into the following stitch.

Yarn over and pull up another loop.

You should now have three loops on your hook.

Step 3

Yarn over once more.

Pull through all three loops on the hook.

You have now combined two stitches into one.

That's a regular single crochet decrease.

What Does a Decrease Look Like in a Pattern?

Common abbreviations include:

• dec
• sc2tog
• decrease

Some amigurumi patterns use inv dec, which stands for invisible decrease. Invisible decreases create a smoother finish and are commonly used for crochet toys.

If your pattern doesn't specifically say "invisible decrease," you can usually assume it means a regular decrease.

How Decreases Affect Stitch Count

Every decrease removes one stitch.

For example:

If you begin a round with 30 stitches and work 6 decreases, you'll finish with:

24 stitches

Checking your stitch count after every decrease round helps prevent mistakes.

Understanding Shaping

Increases and decreases work together to shape your crochet.

Imagine making a simple crochet ball.

The pattern might begin like this:

• 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 increases make the ball larger.

Once the widest point is reached, the pattern may work several rounds without changing the stitch count.

Finally, the decreases begin:

• Round 18: (sc 2, dec) x 6
• Round 19: (sc, dec) x 6
• Round 20: Dec around

The opening gradually becomes smaller until the piece can be closed.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Increasing in Different Stitches

Remember that both stitches of an increase must be worked into the same stitch.

Working them into separate stitches won't increase your stitch count.

Forgetting a Decrease

Missing even one decrease can change the shape of your project.

Count your stitches at the end of every round.

Crocheting Too Tightly

Both increases and decreases can feel awkward when you're first learning.

If the stitches become difficult to work into, try relaxing your tension slightly.

Not Using Stitch Markers

When working in continuous rounds, a stitch marker helps you keep track of where each round begins.

This makes increase and decrease rounds much easier to follow.

Tips for Success

Count Frequently

Most crochet mistakes happen during shaping rounds.

Take a moment to count your stitches before moving on.

Read the Pattern First

Many rounds combine increases or decreases with regular stitches.

Reading the entire instruction before you begin makes it easier to follow.

Practice on Small Swatches

Before starting a larger project, practice increases and decreases on a small square.

This helps build confidence before using them in amigurumi or garments.

Increase vs Decrease

Increase	Decrease
Adds one stitch	Removes one stitch
Two stitches worked into one stitch	Two stitches joined into one
Makes the project wider	Makes the project narrower
Used to expand shapes	Used to close or shape projects

Quick Reference Guide

Increase (Inc)

1. Insert hook into stitch.
2. Complete one single crochet.
3. Insert hook into the same stitch.
4. Complete another single crochet.

Result:

1 stitch becomes 2 stitches.

Decrease (Sc2tog)

1. Insert hook into the next stitch and pull up a loop.
2. Insert hook into the following stitch and pull up another loop.
3. Yarn over and pull through all three loops.

Result:

2 stitches become 1 stitch.

Final Thoughts

Regular increases and decreases are essential crochet techniques that every beginner should master. They're simple to learn and open the door to creating beautifully shaped projects, from hats and baskets to adorable amigurumi toys.

As you gain experience, you'll also come across invisible increases and invisible decreases, which create even smoother shaping. But mastering the regular versions first will give you a strong foundation for more advanced crochet techniques.

With a little practice, increases and decreases will soon become second nature—and you'll be amazed at the variety of projects you can create.

Happy crocheting!