Crochet Increase Stitch Tutorial to Learn Basics on How to Crochet
Learning how to increase in crochet is essential for creating various projects. One way to master this technique is by following a detailed video tutorial that demonstrates the step-by-step process of increasing in crocheting. By practicing different types of increases, such as single crochet increase, half double crochet increase, double crochet increase, and treble crochet increase, you can expand your crochet skills and tackle more intricate patterns.
Increase stitches are fundamental in crochet as they help expand your work’s width or height. Whether you are making a scarf, a blanket, or a garment, knowing how to execute increases correctly is key to achieving your project’s desired shape and size.
How to Increase in Crochet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Comprehensive Video Tutorial on How to Increase in Crochet
For a visual guide, check out the video tutorial by YourCrochet.com and learn how to increase in crochet. This tutorial offers step-by-step instructions perfect for beginners and advanced crocheters looking to refine their skills.
How to Make a Single Crochet Increase (sc inc)
To increase in single crochet (sc inc), simply crochet two single crochet (sc) stitches into the same stitch. This technique adds an extra stitch, expanding your project. It’s often used in patterns to shape or expand the piece.
How to Execute a Half Double Crochet Increase
For a half double crochet (hdc) increase, crochet two half double crochet stitches into the same stitch. This method is ideal for projects where you need a moderate increase in size without adding too much height.
Mastering the Double Crochet Increase
To perform a double crochet (dc) increase, work two double crochet stitches into the same stitch. This increase is commonly used in patterns that require a more significant expansion, such as hats and blankets.
Treble Crochet Increase
A treble crochet (tr) increase is done by crocheting two treble crochet stitches into the same stitch. You will use this method when need a more dramatic increase in height and width in your project.
Magic Ring Increase Crochet Technique
The magic ring technique often involves using increase crochet techniques. When you start a project with a magic ring, you create an adjustable loop to work your initial stitches into. For many circular projects, after forming the magic ring and securing the initial loop, you’ll typically need to crochet multiple stitches into this loop to expand the circle.
Here’s how the process typically works if you want to increase in round:
1. Forming the magic ring
Wrap the yarn around your fingers to create a loop, insert the crochet hook into the loop, and pull up a loop of yarn.
2. Securing the ring
Chain one (or more, depending on your stitch) to secure the loop.
3. Increasing in the magic ring
Crochet the required number of stitches into the loop. For instance, if the pattern calls for six single crochets (sc) to start, you will crochet six single crochets into the magic ring.
4. Closing the ring
Pull the yarn tail to tighten the loop, closing the center hole.
After this initial setup, the first round often involves increasing the number of stitches to continue building the circular shape. This is typically done by working two stitches into each stitch from the previous round, effectively doubling the number of stitches. For example:
– If you start with six single crochets in the magic ring, the next round might involve making two single crochets in each of the six stitches, resulting in twelve stitches.
This increase process continues in subsequent rounds, spaced out according to the pattern, to maintain a flat, expanding circle. Thus, the magic ring is not just a starting technique but often the first step in a series of increases that build the foundation of circular crochet projects like amigurumi, hats, and coasters.
Practicing Basic Crochet Stitches
Working on the Single Crochet Stitch (sc)
The single crochet stitch is a fundamental technique. Practice this stitch by working back and forth in rows to build a strong foundation for your projects. I have comprehensive video tutorials on all basic crochet stitches with many tips and suggestions for you. Click to learn how to single crochet.
Exploring the Versatility of Half Double Crochet (hdc)
The half double crochet stitch (hdc) combines the compactness of a single crochet with the height of a double crochet. It’s versatile and perfect for adding texture to your work.
Learning the Double Crochet Stitch (dc)
Double crochet is a staple in many crochet patterns. Mastering this stitch will allow you to create various items, from garments to home decor.
The double crochet stitch tutorial is here.
Mastering the Treble Crochet Stitch (tr)
The treble crochet stitch is taller than the single and double crochet stitches, providing height and making it ideal for lacy patterns and projects requiring a lot of drape. Learn how to crochet treble stitches with our step-by-step tutorial.
Incorporating Increase Stitches in Crochet Pattern
Utilizing Increases in Crochet Patterns
Increases are essential for shaping your crochet projects. They allow you to expand your work and create various shapes, such as circles, squares, and more intricate designs. When following a pattern, look for instructions that say “increase” or “inc” to know where to add stitches. Increases can be used to create flared skirts, ruffled edges, and other decorative elements.
Creating Amigurumi with Increase Stitches
Increases are crucial in amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. They help shape the forms and ensure your creations have a smooth, round appearance. Typically, amigurumi patterns use increases to gradually widen the pieces, like the body or head. To make an increase, you’ll often crochet two single crochets into the same stitch to keep the fabric tight and prevent gaps.
Learning to Work Two Stitches Together
Working two stitches together is another way to increase in crochet. This technique, also known as an increase cluster, is often used to create a subtle change in the pattern without making the increase too obvious. You might work two double crochets together to form a wider stitch cluster, perfect for textured patterns and lacework.
Abbreviation for Single Crochet Increase and Half Double Crochet Stitch
The abbreviation for increase in crochet is “inc.” This abbreviation is commonly used in crochet patterns to indicate where you need to add stitches. When you see “inc” in a pattern, it typically means to crochet in the same stitch two or more stitches from the previous row or round.
For example, it may appear in the pattern as the instruction “sc inc in next stitch,” which means “make two single crochet stitches in the next stitch.” The same is fo hdc inc.
Crochet Decrease Technique Tutorial
As far as this tutorial relates to the increase technique, I invite you to learn how to decrease in crochet in a new post.
FAQ
What is an increase in crochet?
An increase in crochet involves adding one or more stitches to a single stitch from the previous row. This technique expands the width of your crochet project. Increases can be used in various places in a pattern to shape the piece, such as in the middle of a row to create a wider section or at the edges to gradually make the project larger.
What is the invisible increase crochet?
The invisible increase crochet is a method of adding stitches without creating a noticeable bump or bulge. This technique is especially useful in amigurumi and other projects where a smooth, seamless finish is desired. To make an invisible increase, you work into the front loop of the stitch first, then into both loops, creating an almost unnoticeable increase.
What does increase mean in crochet?
In crochet, an increase means adding additional stitches to expand the width or shape of the project. This is typically done by crocheting multiple stitches into one stitch from the previous row. Increases are used in various parts of a pattern to shape the item, whether it’s to create curves, widen a section, or add volume.
What is a crochet increase calculator?
A crochet increase calculator is a tool for determining how many increases you need to add evenly across your work to achieve a specific size or shape. By inputting the number of stitches you have and the number you need, the calculator provides a plan for spacing out your increases. This tool is beneficial for customizing patterns or making alterations to fit specific dimensions.
Why do you need a crochet increase chart?
A crochet increase chart provides a visual guide to help you understand where and how to add increases in your project. It’s a valuable resource for maintaining consistency and achieving the desired shape. Increase charts can help you visualize the placement of your increases, ensuring you are evenly distribute them and your work remains symmetrical.
How to increase in crochet in the round?
To increase in crochet in the round, you add stitches evenly spaced within each round. Crocheters commonly use this technique in projects like hats, baskets, and amigurumi to maintain a circular shape. For example, if you start with six single crochets in a magic ring, you might increase by adding two single crochets into each stitch in the next round, doubling the stitch count to twelve.
What is the difference between an increase and a decrease in crochet?
Increases and decreases give the opposite result. An increase adds stitches to expand your project, while a decrease in crochet reduces stitches to create a taper or shape. Both techniques are essential for shaping and designing crochet projects. You will use increases to widen sections of your work, while crochet decrease decreases when you need to narrow sections, create curves, or add dimension.
Is it possible to increase in the middle of the row?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to increase in the middle of the row in crochet. You will often use this technique to add width or create shaping in specific areas of your project, such as forming sleeves in garments, adding fullness to skirts, or creating shaping in amigurumi.
For example, if you need to increase, in pattern instructions, it may be mentioned as “2 sc, inc, 2 sc”, which means:
- Start by single crocheting in the first two stitches.
- In the third stitch, make two single crochets.
- Continue regular single crochet in the next 2 stitches.
This would look like this in notation:
Row 1: [sc, sc, inc, sc, sc]
Do I need to increase one time or more?
Whether to increase one time or more depends on the pattern you’re following and the shape you’re trying to achieve. You will need multiple increases for circular projects and shaping. A single increase is rarely used alone unless specified for a particular shaping requirement. Always follow the specific instructions provided in your pattern for the correct number of increases and placement.
What is a crochet increase stitch?
A crochet increase stitch is a technique for adding more stitches to a row, typically by working two stitches into one.
How do I increase in single crochet?
To increase in single crochet, simply work two stitches into one stitch from the previous row.
What is a sc increase?
An sc increase refers to increasing one stitch in single crochet by working two stitches in the next stitch.
Can you explain how to work 2 stitches in the next stitch?
To work 2 stitches into one stitch, simply place 2 single crochet stitches in the same stitch.
When should I work a sc2tog?
You should work a sc2tog when you need to decrease stitches by working two stitches together in single crochet.
What is the purpose of a crochet decrease stitch?
Crafters use a crochet decrease stitch to narrow the work or create different shapes in the project.
How do I create a flat circle in crochet?
To create a flat circle, you can use increases and decreases strategically to maintain an even shape.
By mastering these crochet increase techniques and understanding how to incorporate them into your projects, you’ll be able to create beautifully shaped and well-structured pieces. Happy crocheting!
