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How to Crochet Decrease in Basic Stitches?

How to Crochet Decrease in Basic Stitches?

Crochet decreases are crucial techniques that help shape your work. Understanding how to do it correctly will improve your skills with your crochet hook. Whether you're creating a crochet accessory, a comfortable blanket, or even using Tunisian crochet, let's explore these techniques and apply them to multiple projects.

Understanding Crochet Decrease

The crochet decrease is abbreviated as ''dec'' or 'crochet two together'. A simple technique that narrows your work by lowering the number of stitches in a row or round. It is often used to shape hats, garments, and other crocheted accessories. In simple words, reducing means combining two stitches into one. Depending on the stitch you're using, there are various decreases. These are SC2TOG (single crochet two together), DC2TOG (double crochet two together), and HDC2TOG( half treble crochet two together).

Keep in mind, when your pattern instructs 'dec,' it means two stitches together. In other ways, 'dec, sc,' or 'sc, dec,' or SC2TOG.

Crochet Abbreviations

Single Crochet: SC, this term is used in the US pattern, but in the UK, it refers to Double Crochet.

Double Crochet: DC, this term is used in the US pattern, but in the UK, it refers to Treble Crochet (TR).

Half Double Crochet: HDC, this term is used in the US pattern, but in the US, it refers to half treble Crochet (HTR).

Yarn Over: YO

You can refer to our blog on US vs UK crochet terminology to learn more about it.

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How to Crochet Decrease in Basic Stitches?

Check out the list of a few methods that you can incorporate into your projects:

1. Single Crochet Decrease (SC2TOG)

This is the simplest decrease and is created by combining the two stitches. You can work with a single-ended crochet hook from Lantern Moon.

Once you learn how to crochet a single crochet, you can easily use the decrease method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Pull up a loop after inserting your crochet hook into the first stitch.
  2. Pull up another loop after inserting your hook into the next stitch. Your hook should now have three loops.
  3. Pull through all three loops after the yarnover and pull through all the stitches.
  4. Now you are one stitch smaller.

Best For: Amigurumi, crochet accessories such as headbands & mittens, and edging and shaping.

2. Double Crochet Decrease (DC2TOG)

A double crochet decrease is perfect for larger, draper projects such as shawls and blankets. Learn how to double-crochet through our blog post.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Insert your wooden crochet hook into the first stitch after you've finished yarnover.
  2. Pull through the first two loops on your hook after pulling up a loop and yarn over.
  3. Insert your hook into the next stitch after you've finished yarnover.
  4. Pull through the first two loops again after bringing up a loop and yarn over.
  5. Pull through the final three loops after yarnover.
  6. Now you are one stitch smaller!

Best For: Sweaters and cardigans, home décor, and Tunisian crochet garments.

3. Half Double Crochet Decrease (HDC2TOG)

It is a simple way to reduce stitches in crochet. It combines two stitches into one, creating a smooth and subtle decrease.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. YO and insert a hook into the first stitch.
  2. YO again and pull up a loop (you can see 3 loops on the hook)
  3. YO and insert a hook into the next stitch.
  4. YO again and pull up another loop (now, you have five loops on the hook).
  5. YO last time and pull through all the 5 loops.

Best For: Hats, sweaters, and amigurumi.

4. Cluster Stitches as Crochet Decrease

A cluster is working on multiple stitches across a single stitch. You can work with more than two stitches to create a bigger cluster. For example, working with a cluster of four DC stitches, crocheting 4DCTOG is similar to 2DCTOG except you leave the first three stitches unfinished and finish them all together at the same time as a fourth stitch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Firstly, YO.
  2. Insert the crochet hook into the next stitch.
  3. Again, YO.
  4. Pull your yarn through the stitch.
  5. YO
  6. Pull through two loops on the hook.
  7. Repeat the above steps three times. Now, your hook will have five stitches.
  8. YO and pull through all five loops.

Handy Tips for Perfect Decrease

Here are a few tips that you can follow for perfect decreases:

  1. Loose stitches can make your decreases look sloppy, while tight stitches can make it difficult to work into them later. So, keep your yarn tension even.
  2. Before starting a big project, test out your decreases on small swatches.
  3. Place stitch markers where you decrease to keep track of shaping.
  4. A well-matched Radiance crochet hook set from Lantern Moon helps create clean and consistent stitches.

For any crocheter, knowing how to crochet decrease in fundamental stitches is comprehensive. Learning decreases makes it easy to shape your projects, whether you're making winter accessories, sophisticated shawls, or charming amigurumi. You can quickly form pieces with the luxurious crochet hooks from Lantern Moon. Get ready to experiment with decreases now!

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