How to Decrease in Crochet [Video] Invisible Decrease

Learn how to decrease using basic crochet stitches with this tutorial. In this article, I’ll explain a decrease, when we should use it, and how to crochet two stitches together. We’ll look at how it’s abbreviated in crochet patterns and shown in diagrams. 

After completing these tutorials, you’ll learn how to “crochet 2 together” – or, how to decrease crochet stitches! 

Understanding Decrease

Increases and decreases are used to shape crochet, both on flat planes and into three-dimensional shapes. These manipulations make the row bend upward or downward, changing the shape of the whole project. We use it in various projects, such as doilies, garments, baskets, or amigurumi.

A decrease means joining stitches at the top so that you have fewer stitches in the next row. Usually, ‘to decrease’ means to join two stitches together, but there are projects in which we decrease by two, three, or more at once. 

Step-by-step Video Tutorials

Learn alongside my step-by-step video tutorials. Stop, rewind and replay whenever you want.

Video tutorial for right-handed crocheters

Video tutorial for left-handed crocheters

Decrease Abbreviations in Crochet

While following written crochet patterns, in both US and UK terms you can find these abbreviations:

• dec (short for “decrease”)
• *Name of stitch* two together (example: dc2tog)
• *Name of stitch* decrease (example: dc decrease, or dc dec)

Remember, that the same basic stitches are called differently in US and UK.

Sometimes, the pattern will tell you to join more than two stitches together. In this case, the instructions may look like this:

• *Name of stitch* three together (for example: dc3tog)
• *Name of stitch* four together (for example: dc4tog)

Decrease Symbols in Diagrams

Crochet diagrams use combinations of basic stitch symbols to indicate a decrease. That usually means joining two or more symbols at the top.

Looking at these symbols top to bottom, left to right, we can see:

1. sc2tog, sc3tog; hdc2tog, hdc3tog
2. dc2tog, dc3tog, dc4tog, dc5tog
3. two 2-dc clusters together, two 3-dc clusters together, a 2-dc cluster, and a 5-dc cluster.

How Many Stitches Have I Decreased?

Suppose you work with double crochets and have 18 stitches in the current row or round. The pattern tells you to work a decrease somewhere in the middle. To learn how many stitches you’ll have in the next row, you have to know what your decrease does. 

• To make dc2tog means that we turn 2 stitches into 1, so our overall stitch count will be 18-1=17.
• If our job is to make dc3tog, we turn 3 stitches into 1. Our stitch count will look like this: 18-2=16.
• In the case of dc4tog, we turn 4 stitches into 1. We end up with 18-3=15 stitches.

Of course, you may have multiple decreases placed strategically throughout the whole row. This will significantly change the number of stitches from the previous row or round to the next one. 

Does decreasing always mean I have fewer stitches in the next row?

It usually does, unless you have a combination of crochet increase and decrease in one row. Sometimes, the number of added stitches balances out or is greater than the number of decreased stitches. In this case, the overall stitch count remains the same or becomes even bigger.

The crochet chevron pattern is a fantastic example of balancing increases and decreases to create a zig-zag motif. Despite adding and removing stitches, the edges of the chevron blanket remain parallel. 

Can I Decrease Any Stitch?

Yes, we can make regular decreases with all types of crochet stitches. The most common ways to decrease are through basic stitches, such as single crochet, double crochet, treble, double treble, or multiple stitches.

However, we can also decrease using decorative stitches, such as puff stitches. Often, decreases are “hidden” in clusters, or use advanced techniques, such as front loop only (FLO), back loop only (BLO), or post stitches. 

How to Decrease Stitches in Crochet

To make a decrease with any crochet stitch, you need to master crocheting basic stitches first. Pay attention to what your crochet pattern says, because you need to know what stitch you should make your decrease with.

General Rule for Decreasing

No matter what kind of stitch you work with, the general rule is always the same. However, in practice, the process of decreasing will look different for each stitch.

1. Start with making one unfinished stitch. “Unfinished” means that you have to stop before the last “pull through” – that’s when you have the last two loops on your hook.
2. Yarn over if your stitch requires it, then insert your hook in the next stitch. Proceed as if you were to make a regular stitch, but again, stopping before the last “pull through”. At this point, you should have two unfinished stitches.
3. Crochet both stitches together – you end up with one loop on your hook. 

How to Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog)

This decrease uses a single crochet stitch and is very popular in amigurumi. We often abbreviate it to “sc dec”. When made properly and used in spiral rounds, it turns into an invisible single crochet decrease. Learn how to decrease in single crochet:

1. Insert the hook in the stitch and pull up a loop. You’ve got two loops on the hook. 
2. Don’t finish the stitch; instead, insert hook into the next stitch. You’ve got three loops on the hook. 
3. Grab the yarn and lead it through 3 loops on the hook. 

You can proceed with regular single crochet stitches across the row or follow the instructions. 

How to Half Double Crochet Decrease (hdc2tog)

Decrease in half double crochet requires these steps:

1. Yarn over and insert the hook in the stitch. Pull up a loop, so you have three loops on the hook. 
2. Don’t finish the stitch. Yarn over again, insert the hook into the next stitch, and pull up a loop. You’ve got five loops on the hook. 
3. Grab the yarn and lead it through all 5 loops on the hook. 

You have successfully made “two half double crochet two together”.

How to Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog)

To do the same with double crochet, follow these steps:

1. Yarn over and start working one unfinished double crochet in your nearest stitch. “Unfinished” means that you have to stop before the last “pull through” – that’s when you have the last two loops on your hook.
2. Yarn over, insert your hook in the next stitch, and proceed as if you were to make a regular double crochet, but again, stopping before the last “pull through”. At this point, you should have 4 loops on your hook – two for each unfinished double crochet.
3. Crochet all 4 loops together.

You have now created a dc decrease, or two double crochet stitches joined at the top.

How to Treble Crochet Decrease (tr2tog)

Treble crochet stitches are one of the tallest basic stitches. While crocheting two stitches into one is fairly simple, joining two at the top may be a challenge. Here are the steps:

1. Yarn over twice and start making a regular treble crochet, but stop before the last “pull-through”, when you have 2 loops on the hook. 
2. Do the same thing in the next stitch, again stopping before the last step. You should now have 4 loops on the hook. 
3. Pull through all loops – you are left with one. 

You have now created a tr decrease, or two treble crochet stitches joined at the top. You can proceed with the pattern until the end of the round or row. 

Summary

You are now ready to decrease in all types of stitches and crochet projects. Those who know how to increase and decrease, have greater ease in complex techniques and shaping. These skills make crochet much more enjoyable and manageable. 

FOLLOW FOR MORE

• YouTube
• Pinterest
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Mail