10 Ways To Crochet A Decrease | joanieclothing.com

Decreasing is a fundamental technique in crochet that allows you to shape your creations and create intricate patterns. It involves reducing the number of stitches in a row, resulting in a narrower fabric. Master this essential skill to enhance your crochet repertoire and unlock new possibilities for your designs. By incorporating decreases into your projects, you can add definition, contours, and visually appealing details. From simple garments to intricate lacework, the ability to decrease opens doors to a wider range of crochet projects.

There are various types of decreases in crochet, each with its unique characteristics and applications. The most common and versatile decrease is the single crochet decrease, also known as the sc2tog (single crochet two together). This technique involves crocheting two stitches together as one, effectively reducing the stitch count by one. It’s a simple yet powerful decrease that can be used in a wide variety of patterns. Other types of decreases include the half double crochet decrease (hdc2tog) and the double crochet decrease (dc2tog), which decrease by two and three stitches respectively. Understanding the different types of decreases and their applications will empower you to create diverse and captivating crochet pieces.

Understanding the Basics of Decreasing

In the world of crochet, decreasing refers to the process of making your stitches smaller, reducing the width of your fabric. Decreasing is essential for shaping various crochet patterns, creating contours, and adding intricate details. To master decreasing, it’s crucial to understand its basic principles.

Types of Decreases

There are several methods used for decreasing in crochet, each resulting in a slightly different effect. Some of the most common types of decreases include:

Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog): This involves working two single crochet stitches into the same stitch, resulting in a reduction of one stitch.
Half Double Crochet Decrease (hdc2tog): Similar to the sc2tog, but using half double crochet stitches, resulting in a slightly larger decrease.
Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog): Working two double crochet stitches into the same stitch, creating a more pronounced decrease.
Slip Stitch Decrease (sl st dec): This technique involves slipping the stitch onto the hook and then crocheting another stitch into the same stitch, effectively decreasing by one stitch.

Choosing the Right Decrease

The type of decrease you choose depends on the desired effect and the overall pattern. Single crochet decreases are commonly used for subtle reductions, while half double and double crochet decreases create more noticeable shaping. Slip stitch decreases are ideal for closing gaps or creating sharp angles.

Decrease Type	Effect
Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog)	Subtle reduction
Half Double Crochet Decrease (hdc2tog)	Slightly larger decrease
Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog)	More pronounced decrease
Slip Stitch Decrease (sl st dec)	Closing gaps or sharp angles

Single Crochet Decrease (Sc2Tog)

The single crochet decrease (sc2tog) is a simple but effective way to reduce the number of stitches in your crochet piece. It is often used to shape pieces, such as hats or sweaters, or to create decorative details. The sc2tog is worked by crocheting two single crochet stitches together.

To work an sc2tog, insert your hook into the first stitch. Then, yarn over and pull up a loop. Insert your hook into the next stitch and yarn over. Pull up a loop and yarn over again. Draw the yarn through all three loops on your hook to complete the stitch.

Using the sc2tog decrease:

When using the sc2tog decrease, it is important to keep your stitches even and tension consistent. If your stitches are too loose, the decrease will be too loose and the fabric will be uneven. If your stitches are too tight, the decrease will be too tight and the fabric will be stiff.

The sc2tog decrease can be used in a variety of ways to create different shapes and textures. For example, you can use the sc2tog to:

* Create a pointed shape, such as the top of a hat
* Create a rounded shape, such as the bottom of a bag
* Create a decorative detail, such as a lace edging

Sc2Tog Decrease in Detail:

Step	Description
1.	Insert your hook into the first stitch and yarn over.
2.	Pull up a loop. Insert your hook into the second stitch and yarn over.
3.	Pull up a loop and yarn over again.
4.	Draw the yarn through all three loops on your hook to complete the stitch.

Half Double Crochet Decrease (Hdc2Tog)

Step 1: Yarn Over and Insert Hook

Yarn over the hook and insert the hook into the first stitch. Yarn over the hook again and draw the yarn through the stitch. You now have two loops on the hook.

Step 2: Yarn Over and Draw Through Both Loops

Yarn over the hook again and draw the yarn through both loops on the hook. You now have one loop on the hook.

Step 3: Yarn Over and Draw Through the Next Two Stitches

Yarn over the hook again and insert the hook into the next stitch. Yarn over the hook and draw the yarn through the stitch. You now have two loops on the hook. Yarn over the hook again and draw the yarn through both loops on the hook. You now have one loop on the hook.

Step 4: Yarn Over and Draw Through Both Loops

Yarn over the hook again and draw the yarn through both loops on the hook. You now have one loop on the hook. You have now completed the half double crochet decrease (hdc2tog).

Double Crochet Decrease (Dc2Tog)

The Double Crochet Decrease (Dc2Tog) involves working two dc stitches together to create one taller, narrower stitch. This technique is useful for shaping garments, such as creating waistbands or armholes.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Insert your hook into the first stitch and yarn over (yo).
Yo again and pull through the stitch (two loops on hook).
Insert your hook into the next stitch and yo.
**Yo again and pull through two loops on hook**, but instead of pulling it completely through the stitch, leave a loop on the hook.
Yo and pull through the remaining two loops on hook (dc completed).
Yo again and pull through the last two loops on hook (dc completed).

You have now completed one Dc2Tog stitch.

Stitch Count Before Dc2Tog	Stitch Count After Dc2Tog
3	2

Tips:

Keep your tension even to create consistent stitches.
Practice on a swatch before using the technique in a project.
Use a stitch marker to indicate where the Dc2Tog stitch was worked.

Treble Crochet Decrease (Tr2Tog)

To perform a treble crochet decrease (Tr2Tog), follow these steps:

Insert the hook into the next stitch.
Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook.
Yarn over and pull through the next two loops on the hook.
Yarn over and pull through the last two loops on the hook.

The Tr2Tog stitch creates a single treble stitch that is made from two original treble stitches. It is often used to decrease the number of stitches in a row or round.

Here is a table summarizing the Tr2Tog stitch:

Stitch	Description
Tr2Tog	Decrease two treble stitches into one treble stitch
Yarn Over	Wrap the yarn around the hook
Pull Through	Draw the yarn through the loops on the hook

Advanced Decreasing Techniques

Simultaneous Decreases

Simultaneous decreases, also known as double decreases, reduce two stitches into one by working both decreases at the same time. The most common simultaneous decrease is the double crochet 2 together (dc2tog). To perform a dc2tog, yarn over (yo) twice and insert the hook into the next stitch. Yo and pull through the first stitch on the hook, then yo and pull through both loops on the hook.

Bobble Decreases

Bobble decreases create a small, textured bump while decreasing two stitches. The most common bobble decrease is worked as follows: yo, insert the hook into the next stitch, yo and pull through the stitch (3 loops on the hook). Yo, insert the hook into the same stitch, yo and pull through the stitch (5 loops on the hook). Yo and pull through all 5 loops on the hook, then yo and pull through the remaining 2 loops on the hook.

Popcorn Decreases

Popcorn decreases resemble small clusters of stitches and create a textured finish. The most common popcorn decrease is worked as follows: yo, insert the hook into the next stitch, yo and pull through the stitch (3 loops on the hook). *Yo, insert the hook into the same stitch, yo and pull through the stitch (5 loops on the hook). Repeat from * twice more (9 loops on the hook). Yo and pull through all 9 loops on the hook, then yo and pull through the remaining 2 loops on the hook.

Overlapped Decreases

Overlapped decreases are worked over the stitches below to create a smoother decrease. The most common overlapped decrease is the single crochet 2 together overlaid (sc2tog o). To perform a sc2tog o, insert the hook into the next stitch, yo, and pull up a loop. Insert the hook into the stitch below, yo, and pull up a loop. Yo and pull through all 3 loops on the hook.

FPDC/BPDC Decreases

FPDC/BPDC decreases are worked into the front or back strands of the stitches to create different visual effects. The most common FPDC decrease is the double crochet 2 together into the front post (dc2tog fpt). To perform a dc2tog fpt, insert the hook from front to back around the next stitch. Yo and pull up a loop. Yo and pull through the first loop on the hook. Insert the hook into the same stitch again, from front to back, and yo and pull up a loop. Yo and pull through both loops on the hook.

Customizable Decreases

Customizable decreases allow for more control over the appearance of the decrease. This involves using different stitch combinations or heights to create unique effects. For example, a taller decrease can be achieved by using a half double crochet (hdc) or triple crochet (tc) 2 together. You can also combine different decreases, such as a dc2tog and a sc2tog o, to create a more intricate decrease.

Decreasing in the Round

When crocheting in the round, it is important to decrease evenly to avoid puckering or gaping. There are several different ways to decrease in the round, but the most common method is to decrease by one stitch at the end of every other round.

Single Crochet Decrease (sc dec)

To perform a single crochet decrease (sc dec), follow these steps:

Yarn over (YO) and insert the hook into the second stitch from the hook.
YO and pull through the stitch.
YO and pull through both loops on the hook.

This will create a single crochet stitch that has decreased the number of stitches by one.

Half Double Crochet Decrease (hdc dec)

To perform a half double crochet decrease (hdc dec), follow these steps:

YO and insert the hook into the second stitch from the hook.
YO and pull through the stitch.
YO and pull through the first two loops on the hook.
YO and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook.

This will create a half double crochet stitch that has decreased the number of stitches by one.

The following table summarizes the different ways to decrease in the round:

Decrease	Instructions
Single Crochet Decrease (sc dec)	YO, insert hook into second stitch, YO, pull through, YO, pull through both loops
Half Double Crochet Decrease (hdc dec)	YO, insert hook into second stitch, YO, pull through, YO, pull through first two loops, YO, pull through remaining two loops

Creating Evenly Spaced Decreases

To create evenly spaced decreases, determine the spacing desired between each decrease. For example, to reduce 10 stitches to 5 over 5 rows, the decreases should be spaced evenly across the rows. This means working one decrease every other stitch in each row.

If the pattern calls for multiple decreases in a specific row, distribute them evenly throughout the row. For instance, to decrease by three stitches in a row of 15 stitches, work a decrease after every fourth stitch.

Here is a detailed explanation of how to create evenly spaced decreases in a row with 10 stitches, reducing to 5 stitches over 5 rows:

Row	Decrease Locations
1	After stitches 2 and 8
2	After stitches 2, 6, and 10
3	After stitches 2, 4, 8, and 10
4	After stitches 2, 4, 6, and 10
5	After stitches 2 and 6

By following this spacing, you will create evenly distributed decreases and achieve the desired stitch count reduction.

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Decreasing

Issue: Holes Appearing in Fabric

Solution: Ensure you are pulling the yarn through both loops of the previous stitch when completing a decrease. This will close the gap and prevent holes.

Issue: Decrease Not Tight Enough

Solution: Hook the yarn through both loops of the previous stitch, but do not pull it all the way through. Instead, stop halfway and pull it through only partially. Then, pull the yarn all the way through to tighten the decrease.

Issue: Decrease Too Tight

Solution: Hook the yarn through only one loop of the previous stitch, skipping the other loop. This will create a looser decrease.

Issue: Uneven Decreases

Solution: Ensure your tension is consistent throughout the decreasing process. Check that you are not pulling the yarn too tightly or too loosely.

Issue: Skip Stitches

Solution: Pay close attention to the instructions and count your stitches carefully. Make sure you are not accidentally skipping stitches when decreasing.

Issue: Difficult to Decrease in Bulky Yarn

Solution: Use a larger hook size for bulky yarn to make it easier to hook through the stitches. Alternatively, consider using a double crochet decrease, which involves working into the same stitch multiple times.

Issue: Decrease Not Visible

Solution: Use a stitch marker to mark the stitches where you will be decreasing. This will help you identify them easily and ensure you are making the decreases in the correct spots.

Issue: Fabric Curling at Decreases

Solution: Block your work after completing the decreases. Blocking will help even out the tension and prevent the fabric from curling.

Issue: Fabric Puckering at Decreases

Solution: This can occur when decreases are made too tightly. Ensure your decreases are loose enough to allow the fabric to lie flat when blocked.

Issue: Center of Fabric Not Decreasing Evenly

Solution: Use a stitch marker to mark the center stitch and work your decreases symmetrically on either side. This will help ensure that the center of the fabric decreases evenly.

Practice

Start by practicing the single crochet decrease on a small swatch of yarn. This will help you get the hang of the technique before moving on to larger projects.

Step 1: Make a Slip Stitch (sl st)

Insert the hook into the top of the first stitch (st) on the hook and yarn over (yo). Pull the yo through both loops on the hook to make a sl st.

Step 2: Single Crochet (sc) in the Next Stitch

Insert the hook into the next st on the base row and yo. Pull the yo through the st, then yo again and pull through both loops on the hook.

Step 3: Insert the Hook into the Top of the Slip Stitch

Insert the hook into the top of the sl st made in Step 1.

Step 4: Yo and Pull Up a Loop

Yo and pull the loop through the top of the sl st.

Step 5: Yo and Pull Through Both Loops

Yo again and pull the loop through both loops on the hook. This completes the sc decrease.

Application

Single Crochet 2 Together (sc2tog)

The sc2tog decrease is used to reduce two sts to one. Follow the steps for the single crochet decrease, but insert the hook into the next two sts on the base row (instead of one) in Step 2.

Single Crochet 3 Together (sc3tog)

The sc3tog decrease is used to reduce three sts to one. Follow the steps for the single crochet decrease, but insert the hook into the next three sts on the base row (instead of one) in Step 2.

Half Double Crochet 2 Together (hdc2tog)

The hdc2tog decrease is used to reduce two hdc sts to one. Follow the steps for the single crochet decrease, but use the half double crochet stitch in Step 2.

Double Crochet 2 Together (dc2tog)

The dc2tog decrease is used to reduce two dc sts to one. Follow the steps for the single crochet decrease, but use the double crochet stitch in Step 2.

Triple Crochet 2 Together (tr2tog)

The tr2tog decrease is used to reduce two tr sts to one. Follow the steps for the single crochet decrease, but use the triple crochet stitch in Step 2.

How to Crochet a Decrease

To crochet a decrease, you will work two stitches together. This will create a smaller stitch and reduce the number of stitches in your row. Decreases are often used to shape crocheted items, such as creating the waist of a sweater or the neckline of a dress.

There are two main types of decreases: single crochet decreases and double crochet decreases. Single crochet decreases are worked by crocheting two single crochet stitches together, while double crochet decreases are worked by crocheting two double crochet stitches together.

To work a single crochet decrease, insert your hook into the first stitch on the row. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Insert your hook into the next stitch on the row. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will now have three loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook. This will create a single crochet decrease.

To work a double crochet decrease, insert your hook into the first stitch on the row. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook. Insert your hook into the next stitch on the row. Yarn over and pull up a loop. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook. Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on the hook. This will create a double crochet decrease.