How to Decrease in Crochet (dec)

A crochet decrease makes the current row or round that you are working on shorter than the previous one. This technique is essential for shaping your projects and creating tapered or fitted designs. The decrease, abbreviated as “dec” in crochet, might also be called “crochet two together” (e.g., “sc2tog” for single crochet two together). This tutorial will show you how to crochet decreases in all basic stitches.

Step-by-Step Tutorial for Single Crochet Decrease (sc2tog):

1. Insert the Hook:
   • Insert your crochet hook into the next stitch.
2. Yarn Over and Pull Up a Loop:
   • Yarn over and pull up a loop. You now have two loops on your hook.
3. Insert the Hook into the Next Stitch:
   • Insert your hook into the next stitch (you should now have the hook going through two stitches).
4. Yarn Over and Pull Up a Loop:
   • Yarn over and pull up another loop. You should now have three loops on your hook.
5. Complete the Decrease:
   • Yarn over once more and pull through all three loops on your hook. You have now decreased two stitches into one.

Tips:

• Make sure to keep your tension even to ensure a neat and consistent decrease.
• Practice this technique to become comfortable with smoothly integrating decreases into your projects.

Other Decrease Stitches:

• Double Crochet Decrease (dc2tog):
  1. Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch.
  2. Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook).
  3. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook (two loops remain).
  4. Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch.
  5. Yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on hook).
  6. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook (three loops remain).
  7. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.
• Half Double Crochet Decrease (hdc2tog):
  1. Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch.
  2. Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook).
  3. Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch.
  4. Yarn over and pull up a loop (five loops on hook).
  5. Yarn over and pull through all five loops on the hook.
• Treble Crochet Decrease (tr2tog):
  1. Yarn over twice and insert the hook into the next stitch.
  2. Yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on hook).
  3. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook (three loops remain).
  4. Yarn over and pull through the next two loops on the hook (two loops remain).
  5. Yarn over twice and insert the hook into the next stitch.
  6. Yarn over and pull up a loop (five loops on hook).
  7. Yarn over and pull through the first two loops on the hook (four loops remain).
  8. Yarn over and pull through the next two loops on the hook (three loops remain).
  9. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on the hook.

Example in a Pattern:

• If a pattern says “sc2tog,” it means you need to single crochet two stitches together, effectively decreasing the number of stitches in that row or round.

Decreasing in crochet is a crucial technique for shaping your projects. Whether you’re working on amigurumi, garments, or accessories, mastering the decrease stitch will help you achieve the desired shape and fit. With practice, you’ll be able to smoothly incorporate decreases into your crochet projects. Happy crocheting!

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