Crochet Decrease Stitch Tutorial to Learn How to Crochet Basic

Decreasing in crochet refers to a technique where you work stitches together to reduce the number of stitches in a row or round. This creates shaping in your project by making it narrower or forming angles. When you crochet decrease stitch, you are essentially combining two or more stitches into one, helping to create a smooth and seamless appearance in your work.

Understanding how to decrease correctly ensures that your projects have the desired fit and shape. By mastering decrease stitches, you gain the ability to sculpt your crochet pieces into various designs. In crochet, the decrease stitch is essential for creating shapes like hats, amigurumi, garments, and more. It can be used to shape sleeves, necklines, and other features of your creations, enhancing their overall aesthetic appeal. Mastering decreasing techniques broadens your crochet skills and opens up a world of creative possibilities.

Step-by-step tutorial on how to decrease in crochet

Learning how to decrease in crochet is a fundamental skill that opens up endless design possibilities for your projects. Mastering various decrease techniques allows you to shape your creations with precision and attention to detail. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to execute basic decrease stitches in crochet.

Video tutorial on how to do decrease in crochet

For visual learners, watching a video tutorial by YourCrochet on decreasing in crochet can be incredibly helpful. Seeing the technique in action allows you to observe the hand movements and hook placements required to execute the decrease stitch correctly. You’ll learn many ways to decrease with all basic crochet stitches: 

Materials needed

To practice decreasing in crochet, you’ll need basic materials such as yarn in the color of your choice, an appropriate crochet hook, and a pair of scissors for cutting the yarn. Select a yarn weight and hook size that complement each other for optimal results. Having the right materials ensures that your decrease stitches are consistent and uniform throughout your project.

Starting a project and reaching the point where decreases are necessary

Begin your crochet project following the pattern instructions until you reach a point where decreases are required. This could be indicated by the pattern or when shaping a specific section, such as the crown of a hat or the waist of a garment. Understanding the pattern and recognizing where to implement decrease stitches are crucial steps in achieving the desired shape and fit of your project.

Abbreviation for crochet decrease in patterns and crochet stitch tutorials

The abbreviation for a regular decrease in crochet is “dec.” And here are the abbreviations for various stitches:

• sc2tog — Single Crochet 2 Together or Single Crochet Two Together
• hdc2tog — Half Double Crochet 2 Together
• dc2tog — Double Crochet 2 Together
• tr2tog — Treble Crochet 2 Together
• sc3tog — Single Crochet 3 Together
• hdc3tog — Half Double Crochet 3 Together
• dc3tog — Double Crochet 3 Together
• tr3tog — Treble Crochet 3 Together

Methods of decrease in all types of basic stitches

There are several methods of decreasing in crochet that you can utilize depending on the stitch pattern and project requirements. Each decrease technique creates a slightly different effect, so it’s essential to choose the appropriate method for your specific design. Some common decrease stitches in crochet include:

Single crochet decrease (sc2tog, sc dec)

The decrease in single crochet, often abbreviated as sc2tog or sc dec, involves combining two single crochet stitches into 1 stitch.

1. Insert Hook
   Insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. You now have 2 loops on the hook.
   
2. Insert Hook Again
   Insert the hook into the next stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop. You now have three loops on the hook.
   
3. Yarn Over and Pull Through
   Yarn over again and pull the yarn through all 3 loops on the hook.

This process reduces two stitches into one single crochet, creating a decrease. Single crochet decrease works for shaping amigurumi projects, decreasing in garment construction, and creating intricate patterns in crochet work.

If you’d like to learn how to crochet all types of crochet stitches, check out our crochet stitch tutorials here.

Half double crochet decrease (hdc2tog)

The decrease in half double crochet is a method of reducing stitches in half double crochet fabric. Crochet 2 stitches together so that they become one stitch, and you create a decrease that maintains the stitch height while reducing the stitch count. This decrease is ideal for projects that require a bit more height than a sc dec.

Double crochet decrease

In the dc2tog, you combine two double crochet stitches to create a decrease. This technique is commonly used to create lacy patterns, shape larger projects like blankets, and add texture to crochet work. Understanding how to double crochet decrease expands your repertoire of stitch combinations and design possibilities.

Treble crochet decrease

The tr2tog involves working two or more treble crochet stitches together to decrease stitches in your project. This technique is useful for creating elongated stitches, intricate lace designs, and textured fabric. Mastering the treble crochet decrease allows you to explore advanced crochet patterns and techniques.

Invisible single crochet decrease

The invisible single crochet decrease is a method of reducing stitches without creating a visible seam or bump in your work. By carefully manipulating the loops on your hook, you create a seamless decrease that blends seamlessly into your crochet fabric.

1. Insert Hook
   Insert your hook into the front loop only of the next stitch. Do not yarn over yet.
   
2. Insert Hook Again
   Insert your hook into the front loop only of the following stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook: one from the working yarn and two from the front loops of the two stitches.
   
3. Yarn Over
   Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on your hook (the front loops of the two stitches). You now have two loops on your hook.
   
4. Yarn Over Again
   Yarn over once more and pull through the two remaining loops on your hook.

You’ve now completed an invisible sc dec. This method creates a much neater and less noticeable decrease in your work.

Tips and tricks for successful crochet decreases

Achieving clean and precise decrease stitches in crochet requires attention to detail and practice. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master the art of decreasing and enhance the quality of your crochet projects.

Maintaining tension

Consistent tension is key to creating uniform decrease stitches in crochet. To achieve a professional-looking finish, ensure that you maintain a steady tension throughout your work, neither too tight nor too loose. Practice controlling your yarn tension to ensure that your decrease stitches blend seamlessly with the rest of your project.

Counting stitches correctly

Accurate stitch counting is essential when working decrease stitches in crochet. Miscounting stitches can lead to irregular shaping and affect the overall appearance of your project. Take your time to count stitches carefully, especially when executing multiple decreases in a row, to ensure that your project maintains its intended shape and size.

Using stitch markers to keep track of decreases

Using stitch markers can help you keep track of your decrease points and ensure that you execute the decreases in the correct locations. Place stitch markers before and after the stitches where decreases are required to guide your hook placement and maintain accuracy in your work. Stitch markers serve as visual cues that help you follow the pattern instructions and create a smooth decrease line.

Common mistakes to avoid when decreasing in crochet

While mastering decrease stitches is essential for successful projects, avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve cleaner and more professional results. Here are some errors to watch out for when decreasing in crochet:

Not counting stitches accurately

Miscounting stitches can lead to misshapen projects and affect the overall symmetry of your work. Make sure to double-check your stitch count before and after executing decrease stitches to prevent errors and maintain the integrity of your design.

Skipping stitches by accident

Accidentally skipping stitches when decreasing can result in gaps or uneven decreases in your crochet fabric. Pay close attention to the pattern instructions and ensure that you work all the necessary stitches to maintain the desired shaping and structure of your project.

Incorrectly placing decreases

Misplacing decrease stitches can alter the intended shape and silhouette of your project. Follow the pattern guidelines carefully and place your decreases in the specified locations to achieve the desired result. Pay attention to the order and placement of decrease stitches to maintain the symmetry and balance of your crochet work.

Practice project ideas for mastering decreasing in crochet

To enhance your skills in decreasing in crochet, consider practicing with the following project ideas that incorporate various decrease techniques:

Simple amigurumi pattern

Create a small amigurumi creature such as a teddy bear, bunny, or unicorn using this method to shape the body parts. Amigurumi projects are perfect for practicing decrease stitches in a fun and creative way while creating adorable crochet characters.

Washcloth or dishcloth pattern

Work on a washcloth or dishcloth pattern that features decrease stitches to create interesting textures and patterns. Practice different decrease methods such as regular single, half double, or double crochet decrease to enhance your skills and produce functional household items.

Small accessory pattern

Crochet a small accessory like a headband, keychain, or coaster using this technique to shape the design. Experiment with invisible decreases and traditional decrease methods to create stylish and practical accessories that showcase your decreasing expertise.

Summary

Decreasing in crochet is a fundamental technique that allows you to shape your projects with precision and creativity. Understanding different decrease methods and practicing with various project ideas enriches your crochet skills and expands your design possibilities. By mastering decrease stitches and avoiding common mistakes, you can elevate the quality of your crochet work and achieve professional-looking results.

Decreasing in crochet is essential for creating shaping, curves, and intricate designs in your projects. Knowing how to decrease effectively adds dimension and detail to your crochet work, enhancing its visual appeal and fit. Incorporating decrease stitches in your projects allows you to customize the shape and style of your creations, making them unique and personalized.

Practice is key to mastering decrease stitches in crochet. Take the time to experiment with various decrease techniques and project ideas to refine your skills and expand your creative horizons. Embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and explore the versatility of decrease stitches to enhance your crochet craftsmanship and achieve beautiful results.

As you continue your crochet journey, incorporating decreasing techniques into your future projects opens up a world of design possibilities and creative expression. Whether you’re working on garments, accessories, or decorative items, mastering decrease stitches allows you to shape and sculpt your crochet pieces with precision and artistry. Embrace the art of decreasing in crochet as a valuable skill that enriches your craft and elevates the beauty of your handmade creations.

FAQ

What is a sc2tog in crochet?

A sc2tog is a decrease stitch in crochet where you single crochet two stitches together to decrease the total number of stitches.

How do I dc2tog in crochet?

To dc2tog in crochet, you double crochet two stitches together to create a decrease stitch. Watch the video tutorial above to see every step.

What is the purpose of a crochet increase stitch?

A crochet increase stitch is used to add stitches and expand the width of your crochet work. If you’d like to learn it, check out our comprehensive tutorial on how to crochet increase.

Can you explain how to make a regular single crochet in crochet?

To make a regular single crochet, insert your hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over again, and pull through both loops on the hook.

Check out our beginner-friendly tutorial on how to single crochet.

When should I use hdc2tog in crochet?

An hdc2tog is used to decrease the number of stitches in half double crochet, creating a neater decrease in your work.

Why is it important to understand increasing and decreasing in crochet?

Understanding increasing and decreasing in crochet helps you create various shapes and textures in your projects by adding or removing stitches.

How are increases and decreases used in crochet patterns?

Crochet patterns use increases and decreases to shape the piece, create symmetry, and achieve the desired dimensions indicated in the pattern.

What does it mean for stitches to be joined at the top in crochet?

Stitches that are joined at the top refer to completing a round or row by connecting the last stitch to the first stitch to form a continuous piece of crochet work.