Increase in crochet indicates, that you should crochet two stitches in the same stitch. This way they are joined together at the bottom, so the overall number of stitches increases in the next row or round.
Related terms: Decrease, Amigurumi
Abbreviations
In both US and UK terms you can find these abbreviations:
- inc
- 2 *name of stitch* in the same stitch (for example: 2 dc in the same st)
- *name of the stitch* increase (for example: dc increase)
Remember, that the same basic stitches are called differently in US and UK.
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Where do we use it?
You will find increase in many crochet patterns, because it’s one of the most basic techniques. Increase and decrease appear in three-dimensional projects, such as amigurumi or ornaments, but also in flat crochet works. All of the circular forms, or those which we work from the center out, require the use of increase.
Of course, we can increase with single crochet, double crochet, treble, double treble or multiple stitches. You can increase with decorative stitches, such as puff stitch, or else, too.
The word ‘increase’ used in crochet patterns indicates precisely two stitches worked in one. If the author wants you to make three, four or more, he / she uses the phrase “3 *name of stitch* in the same st” (for example: 3 dc in the same st).
You can encounter two types of increase:
- where you simply crochet two stitches in the same stitch, like in amigurumi.
- where your two stitches are separated with chain stitches, which you can find for example in the corners of flat crochet pieces, worked from the center out.
How-to
In order to make an increase with any crochet stitch, you need to master crocheting basic stitches. Pay attention to what your crochet pattern says, because you need to know what stitch you should make your increase with.
If it’s double crochet, for example, start with working one dc in your nearest stitch. Then yarn over again, but do not proceed onto the next stitch. Instead, insert your hook into the same stitch you already worked in, and make second dc there. You now have created dc increase.
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