What is a Decrease in Crochet? Key Crochet Techniques Explained

In the vast world of crochet, there are numerous stitches and techniques at your disposal to create beautiful and intricate designs. One aspect that plays a significant role in shaping projects is the decrease. A crochet decrease is simply a method of reducing the number of stitches in a row or round, which enables crocheters to create pieces of various shapes and sizes.

Understanding how to decrease in crochet can help you in a multitude of ways, from adding dimension to your projects to ensuring a proper fit for garments and accessories. With various types of decrease stitches and techniques available, it’s essential to learn how to choose the best one for your particular pattern or project. With practice, you’ll find that decreasing not only enhances your crochet skills but also brings a whole new level of creativity to your work.

Decrease Basics

In crochet, a decrease refers to taking two or more stitches and combining them into one stitch. This technique helps to shape the fabric, narrow down the rows, and create intricate patterns in your project.

Let’s explore some common crochet decreases and the process involved in each one.

Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog)

A single crochet decrease is also referred to as “single crochet two stitches together” or sc2tog in written patterns. Follow these steps to perform this stitch:

• Insert the hook into the first stitch, yarn over, and pull up a loop (two loops on hook).
• Insert the hook into the second stitch, yarn over, and pull up another loop (three loops on hook).
• Finally, yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook. This combines the two stitches into one single crochet stitch.

Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog)

A double crochet decrease is also known as “double crochet two stitches together” or dc2tog .

To perform a double crochet decrease, follow these steps:

• Yarn over and insert the hook into the first stitch.
• Yarn over again and pull up a loop (three loops on hook).
• Yarn over once more and pull through the first two loops on the hook (two loops on hook).
• Yarn over and insert the hook into the second stitch.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on hook).
• Yarn over, and pull through two loops (three loops on hook).
• Finally, yarn over and pull through the remaining three loops on the hook, completing the decrease.

Half Double Crochet Decrease (hdc2tog)

A half double crochet decrease is the same as “half double crochet two stitches together” or hdc2tog .

To create a half double crochet decrease, follow these steps:

• Yarn over and insert the hook into the first stitch.
• Yarn over again and pull up a loop (three loops on hook).
• Yarn over and insert the hook into the second stitch.
• Yarn over, and pull up another loop (five loops on hook).
• Yarn over one more time and pull through all the five loops on your hook. This finishes the half double crochet decrease.

Treble Crochet Decrease (tr2tog)

A treble crochet decrease is also referred to as “treble crochet two stitches together” or tr2tog .

Execute a treble crochet decrease by following these steps:

• Yarn over twice and insert the hook into the first stitch.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on hook).
• Yarn over and pull through the first two loops (three loops on hook).
• Yarn over and pull through the next two loops (two loops on hook).
• Yarn over twice and insert the hook into the second stitch.
• Yarn over and pull up a loop (five loops on hook).
• Yarn over and pull through two loops (four loops on hook).
• Yarn over and pull through two more loops (three loops on hook).
• Yarn over and pull through the remaining three loops on the hook, finalizing the treble crochet decrease.

Decreasing by More than One Stitch at a Time

It is most common to decrease by one stitch at a time by combining two stitches into one, as set out in the stitches above. However, in some cases you may wish to decrease more quickly, for example by combining three or even more stitches into one. To do this, simply apply the above principle of performing a partial stitch (i.e. all of it except the final yarn over and pull through) in each of the stitches to be decreased, and then do one final yarn over and pull through all of the remaining loops on your hook.

Using Decreases in Crochet Patterns

Decrease stitches are an essential part of many crochet patterns. When a crafter wants to shape their work, such as for clothing, accessories, or amigurumi, they need to use decreases. These stitches are used to remove one or more stitches from a piece, resulting in a smaller width in that section of the work.

Typically, the decrease stitch you will use will correspond to the stitch used for the rest of that row or round. For example, to decrease stitches in a row or round of single crochet stitches, use a single crochet decrease (sc2tog); to decrease stitches in a row or round of double crochet stitches, use a double crochet decrease (dc2tog); and so on.

Conclusion: What is a Decrease in Crochet?

In summary, a decrease in crochet refers to the technique of reducing the number of stitches, thereby shaping the fabric of a crochet piece. It is essential for creating various patterns, designs, and forms in crochet projects.

Decreases in crochet are usually achieved by working two or more stitches together. To do this, a partial stitch is formed in each of the stitches to be decreased. Then, the partial stitches are combined into a single stitch with a final yarn over and pull through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I perform an invisible single crochet decrease?

To perform an invisible single crochet decrease, follow these steps:

1. Insert your hook into the front loop only of the first stitch.
2. Without yarn over, insert your hook into the front loop of the next stitch.
3. Yarn over, then pull through both front loops.
4. Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook.

This technique results in a neater, more discreet decrease.

What is the difference between a crochet decrease and an invisible decrease?

A standard crochet decrease combines two stitches into one, which can create a noticeable gap or bump in the fabric. An invisible decrease is a more subtle technique that reduces the visibility of the decrease, resulting in a smoother, more seamless appearance in the finished piece.

How do you decrease stitches in treble crochet?

To decrease stitches in treble crochet:

1. Yarn over twice, then insert your hook into the first stitch.
2. Yarn over, pull through the stitch (four loops on the hook).
3. Yarn over, pull through two loops (three loops remaining).
4. Yarn over, pull through two loops (two loops remaining).
5. Yarn over twice, insert your hook into the next stitch.
6. Yarn over, pull through the stitch (five loops on the hook).
7. Yarn over, pull through two loops (four loops remaining).
8. Yarn over, pull through two loops (three loops remaining).
9. Yarn over and pull through all three loops.

You’ve now combined two treble crochet stitches into one.

What are the steps to decrease in half double crochet?

To decrease in half double crochet:

1. Yarn over and insert your hook into the first stitch.
2. Yarn over again and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook).
3. Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch.
4. Yarn over and pull up another loop (five loops on the hook).
5. Yarn over and pull through all five loops.

You’ve created a half double crochet decrease.

What technique should I use for a single crochet decrease in amigurumi?

For amigurumi projects, use the invisible single crochet decrease technique described above. This method minimizes gaps and keeps the stuffing from showing through, creating a clean, professional finish.

More Crochet Patterns, Tips and Advice – Plus Two FREE Patterns

Sign up to my email list to receive a monthly newsletter with crochet news, tips and advice, as well as details of new pattern releases and exclusive discounts. Plus, receive TWO FREE PATTERNS when you sign up here today.