Increasing and decreasing stitches are two essential crochet techniques that help you control the shape, size, and structure of your projects. They allow you to turn a flat piece into a curved shape, make a hat narrower at the top, create sleeves for a garment, or shape the head and body of an amigurumi toy.

Once you understand how these techniques work, you can follow a wider range of crochet patterns and make adjustments to your own designs. The key is knowing when to add stitches, when to reduce them, and how to keep your stitch count accurate as you work.

This guide explains crochet increases and decreases step by step, with practical examples, common mistakes, and advice for creating smooth, even shapes.

What Are Increases and Decreases in Crochet?

An increase adds stitches to your work, while a decrease combines stitches to reduce their number. Both techniques change the width or circumference of the fabric.

What is a crochet increase?

A crochet increase means working two or more stitches into the same stitch from the previous row or round.

For example, if you work two single crochet stitches into one stitch, you have created an increase of one stitch. The original stitch has produced two new stitches, so your total stitch count increases by one.

Increases are useful when you want your project to become wider or expand gradually.

Common uses include:

• Making flat circles and oval shapes.

• Widening sleeves, skirts, and garment panels.

• Shaping the bottom of bags and baskets.

• Creating rounded heads, bodies, and limbs for amigurumi.

• Adding fullness to decorative crochet pieces.

What is a crochet decrease?

A decrease combines two or more stitches into one stitch. Instead of creating additional stitches, you reduce the total number.

For example, when two single crochet stitches are decreased into one, two stitches from the previous row become one stitch in the new row. Your stitch count decreases by one.

Decreases help create narrower sections and rounded or tapered shapes.

They are commonly used for:

• Shaping the crown of a hat.

• Narrowing sleeves and garment sections.

• Closing the tops of stuffed toys.

• Creating tapered legs, arms, and tails.

• Shaping necklines and decorative details.

Understanding the difference is simple: increases add stitches, while decreases combine stitches.

How to Increase Single Crochet Stitches

The simplest increase is made by working two single crochet stitches into the same stitch. This technique is often written as inc in amigurumi patterns.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Insert your hook into the next stitch.

2. Yarn over and pull up a loop.

3. Yarn over again and pull through both loops on the hook to complete the first single crochet.

4. Insert your hook into the same stitch again.

5. Work a second single crochet into that same stitch.

You have now completed one increase.

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The important detail is that both stitches go into the same opening. If you accidentally work the second stitch into the next stitch, you will not create the intended increase.

Example of an increase round

Suppose you have six single crochet stitches in a starting round and want to expand the circle evenly.

A common next round is:

• Work two single crochet stitches into each stitch around.

• Repeat this increase six times.

Your stitch count changes from six to twelve.

For a larger flat circle, increases are usually spread across successive rounds rather than placed in every stitch each time. This helps the circle grow without becoming excessively wavy.

How to Decrease Single Crochet Stitches

A basic decrease combines two neighboring stitches into one. However, simply completing two full single crochet stitches and joining them afterward will not create a proper decrease.

Instead, you begin each stitch but finish them together.

Step-by-step instructions for a single crochet decrease

1. Insert your hook into the next stitch.

2. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have two loops on the hook.

3. Insert your hook into the following stitch.

4. Yarn over and pull up another loop. You now have three loops on the hook.

5. Yarn over and pull through all three loops.

You have combined two stitches into one.

This technique is commonly abbreviated as sc2tog, meaning “single crochet two together.”

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Why use an invisible decrease?

When making amigurumi, a standard decrease can leave a small bump or visible gap on the surface. An invisible decrease helps create a smoother fabric by working through the front loops of two stitches rather than using the standard method.

To make an invisible single crochet decrease:

1. Insert the hook under the front loop of the next stitch.

2. Without yarning over, insert the hook under the front loop of the following stitch.

3. Yarn over and pull through both front loops.

4. Yarn over again and pull through the two loops remaining on the hook.

This combines the two stitches into one while often leaving a neater surface.

Invisible decreases are especially useful for stuffed toys, but they are not necessary for every project. Follow your pattern if it specifies a particular decrease method.

How Increases and Decreases Change Stitch Counts

Keeping track of stitch counts is essential when shaping crochet projects. A small counting mistake can gradually change the size or symmetry of your work.

Consider a row containing 20 single crochet stitches.

• If you increase once, the next row or round will contain 21 stitches, assuming no other changes.

• If you decrease once, the next row or round will contain 19 stitches.

• If you make two increases and one decrease, the total becomes 21 stitches.

You can use a simple calculation to check your work:

New stitch count = Previous stitch count + increases − decreases

This calculation assumes each increase adds one stitch and each decrease removes one stitch. More complex stitch patterns may use increases or decreases that change the count by a different amount.

Example: Shaping a piece from 24 stitches to 18

If your round begins with 24 stitches and you need to finish with 18, you must reduce the count by six stitches.

You can do this by working six decreases distributed evenly around the round, with the remaining stitches worked normally.

A pattern might describe this as repeating a sequence of single crochet stitches and one decrease. The exact sequence depends on the stitch count and desired shape.

After completing the round, count your stitches before continuing. This is particularly important when making toys or fitted garments, where an incorrect count can affect the final proportions.

How to Increase Stitches to Make a Flat Circle

Flat circles are common in coasters, placemats, baskets, hats, and crochet motifs. To keep a circle flat, increases must be distributed in a way that allows the fabric to expand evenly.

If you add too few stitches, the fabric may curl upward into a bowl. If you add too many, the edge may develop waves or ruffles.

A basic single crochet circle

A simple circle can begin with six single crochet stitches in a magic ring.

A common increase sequence is:

This is a useful starting sequence for a flat circle worked in single crochet, although the ideal increase rate can vary with yarn, hook size, tension, and stitch structure.

How to distribute increases evenly

In each successive round, the number of ordinary stitches between increases generally grows by one in this example.

Instead of increasing in every stitch, you gradually space the increases farther apart. This allows the circle to expand without creating excessive fullness at the edge.

If your circle begins to curl or ripple, check your stitch count and tension before changing the increase pattern. Some yarns and stitch patterns naturally require a different rate of expansion.

Avoid placing every increase directly above the previous one

In some crochet circles, placing increases in the same positions each round can create visible corners or a polygon-like outline.

You can reduce this effect by shifting the placement of increases between rounds while keeping the total number correct. However, follow the pattern if it specifies exact increase locations for a particular design.

How to Decrease Stitches to Shape Rounded Projects

Decreases are essential when a project needs to narrow gradually. They are often used in hats, amigurumi, and other three-dimensional shapes.

Decreasing the crown of a crochet hat

A hat crown typically starts with a wider circular section. Once it reaches the required diameter, decreases can help form the rounded top.

The number and placement of decreases depend on the hat pattern, yarn, stitch type, and intended fit.

A decrease round may alternate ordinary stitches with decreases. As the crown gets smaller, the pattern may include fewer ordinary stitches between decreases.

If you decrease too quickly, the crown may become pointed or sharply tapered. If you decrease too slowly, it may remain too flat or develop excess fabric.

Try the hat on when possible, or compare its measurements with the pattern instructions.

Decreasing an amigurumi body

For stuffed toys, decreases are often used near the top of the head or body to close the shape.

Invisible single crochet decreases can help prevent stuffing from showing through the fabric. Keep the stuffing distributed evenly as you work, and avoid overfilling the piece before the opening becomes too small to manage.

Once the opening is nearly closed, you may need to use a yarn needle to finish sewing the remaining stitches together, depending on the pattern.

Create gradual rather than abrupt changes

When shaping a curved object, a large number of decreases in one round can create a sharp change in direction.

For a smooth shape, spread decreases across multiple rounds when the pattern allows it. Gradual shaping usually creates a more rounded result, while concentrated decreases are useful when a sharper taper is intended.

Increasing and Decreasing in Different Crochet Stitches

The same general principles apply to taller stitches, but the method changes depending on the stitch.

Double crochet increases

To increase in double crochet, work two complete double crochet stitches into the same stitch from the previous row or round.

This creates a wider section while preserving the height and texture of double crochet fabric.

Double crochet increases are often used in shawls, garments, blankets, and decorative motifs.

Double crochet decreases

A double crochet decrease is commonly written as dc2tog.

To work it, begin a double crochet in the first stitch but stop before completing the final pull-through. Then begin another double crochet in the next stitch and stop at the same stage. Yarn over and pull through all the remaining loops to finish both stitches together.

This produces two stitch columns that meet at the top, reducing the stitch count by one.

The same principle applies to many taller crochet stitches: begin each stitch separately, then complete them together.

Follow the pattern’s terminology

Some patterns use abbreviations such as inc, dec, sc2tog, and dc2tog. Others spell out the instructions.

Abbreviations may vary between designers, so check the pattern’s key before starting. Also remember that US and UK crochet terminology use different names for several stitches. For example, US single crochet is called double crochet in UK terminology.

Common Mistakes When Increasing and Decreasing

Even experienced crocheters occasionally lose track of stitch counts. Recognizing common mistakes can help you correct them before they affect the finished shape.

Increasing in the wrong stitch

If you work the second stitch of an increase into the next stitch instead of the same one, your count may not match the pattern.

How to prevent it: Pause after each increase and check that both stitches enter the same base stitch.

Decreasing only one stitch correctly

A standard decrease must combine two stitches into one. If you accidentally complete both stitches separately, your stitch count will remain unchanged.

How to prevent it: Make sure you leave the first stitch unfinished and complete both stitches together at the end.

Forgetting to count after each round

Missing an increase or adding an unintended extra stitch can gradually change the shape.

How to prevent it: Count at the end of every round, especially during the shaping sections of a pattern.

Making increases too close together

Concentrating too many increases in one area can cause bulges or corners.

How to prevent it: Distribute increases evenly unless the pattern deliberately creates a shaped section.

Decreasing too quickly

Too many decreases in a short section can create a pointed or pinched shape.

How to prevent it: Follow the decrease schedule in the pattern and check the shape as you work.

Pulling stitches too tightly

Excessive tension can make increases and decreases difficult to work and create stiff, uneven fabric.

How to prevent it: Keep your loops consistent and use a hook size that allows you to insert the hook comfortably.

Practical Tips for Better Shaping

You can improve the accuracy of your increases and decreases by developing a few simple habits.

• Use stitch markers: Mark the beginning of each round and any important shaping points.

• Keep a written count: Record the stitch total after each round, particularly for amigurumi and fitted clothing.

• Check the fabric frequently: Look at the shape from different angles instead of waiting until the project is finished.

• Use consistent tension: Avoid tightening increase stitches more than ordinary stitches.

• Read ahead in the pattern: Knowing where shaping will occur helps you recognize when the project should begin widening or narrowing.

• Practice on a small sample: Make a simple circle or tube before attempting a complicated garment or toy.

• Undo mistakes early: Correcting one incorrect round is usually easier than compensating for it in later rounds.

Conclusion

Learning how to increase and decrease stitches gives you much greater control over crochet shaping. Increases add stitches to widen or expand your work, while decreases combine stitches to narrow it or create rounded contours.

Start by practicing two single crochet stitches in the same stitch for an increase and single crochet two together for a decrease. Once these techniques feel comfortable, apply them to flat circles, hats, amigurumi, garments, and other projects.

The most important habits are to maintain even tension, distribute shaping stitches correctly, and check your stitch count regularly. With consistent practice, you will be able to create smoother curves, more accurate dimensions, and neatly shaped crochet projects.