The knowledge of decrease crochet stitches up endless crafting possibilities. All you need is your regular crochet hooks and yarn. You can work on fitting, interesting shapes, and designs in projects. So, let's get started with the basics. The single crochet decrease is a technique that allows to reduce the number of single crochet stitches in a row or a round. To help you master single crochet decreases, in this blog we'll discuss the different decreases and when to use them, as well as some helpful tips to perfect your skills.
Understanding the Single Crochet Decrease
A single crochet decrease combines two stitches into one, effectively reducing the stitch count by one. You can work with any of the single-ended crochet hooks in your collection. If you are an owner of interchangeable Tunisian crochet hooks, use one but make sure not to attach the cord. This technique assists with shaping, fitting, and designing your crochet projects. Once you've learned to make basic stitches with your crochet hooks and when you begin with a project, the technique comes in handy. While you may not need it for a scarf or a dishcloth, but when you work on sweaters, cardigans, hats, and Amigurumi toys. For example, when working on the crown of the hat or the armholes of a sweater, you will need to work decreases for the fit. It's also essential for a variety of design elements in shawls, scarves, and blankets.
Now, a single crochet decrease (sc2tog) is a US crochet term and is known as the double crochet decrease (dc2tog) in UK crochet terms. The difference lies in the name of the stitch, where a single crochet in the US is equivalent to a double crochet in the UK. So, it's important that you go through the pattern carefully before you get started with a project. A double crochet decrease (dc2tog) in US crochet terms is a totally different decrease that should not be confused with its UK counterpart. The stitch technique is abbreviated as sc2tog, sc dec single, crochet two together or single crochet the next 2 stitches together.
How to Do a Single Crochet Decrease
There are two ways to work on a single crochet decrease stitch. When working on a project where both the right and wrong sides will be visible, the regular decrease stitch is effective and when working in the round, the invisible decrease stitch is suitable.
Before working on a project get some practice and make a chain of 20 stitches. Work on two or three rows of single crochet stitches.
Standard Single Crochet Decrease Technique
The standard single crochet decrease involves working two stitches together. It is a versatile technique used for any crochet project.
Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1. Insert your crochet hook into the next stitch as if you were going to make a single crochet. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Step 2. Insert your hook into the next stitch again, as if you were going to make another single crochet. Yarn over and pull up a loop. You should now have two loops on your hook.
Step 3. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.
With this, you've completed a single crochet decrease! Now, you can proceed with this knowledge to work on double crochet decreases and treble crochet decreases. If you are working on a project with multiple decreases use stitch markers.
The Invisible Single Crochet Decrease
When you need to work a less noticeable decrease, especially in projects where the decrease needs to blend seamlessly with the rest of the fabric. Want to know more? Refer to our blog on how to crochet invisible decreases.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1. Insert your hook into the next stitch as if you were going to make a single crochet. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Step 2. Insert your hook into the next stitch again, but this time, insert it from back to front. Yarn over and pull up a loop.
Step 3. Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook.
The invisible decrease creates a cleaner finish, making it a preferred choice for projects where the decrease needs to be less noticeable.
When to Use Which Single Crochet Decrease?
The choice between a standard and an invisible decrease depends on the desired effect and the project you're working on:
Standard Decrease
The most common decrease works well for most projects. It's often used for shaping garments like sweaters and cardigans, hats, and reducing stitch counts in general.
Invisible Decrease
This decrease is ideal for getting started with amigurumi where a smooth, seamless finish is desired. It's also useful for projects where you want to minimize the visibility of the decrease.
When to Use Decreases
Decreases are essential for shaping crochet projects. For the crown of a hat, the toe of a sock, or the point of a triangle shawl, or shaping armholes and necklines. Decreases are also used to narrow the width of a piece, such as the body of a sweater or a dress or the tapering leg of the pants.
Tips for Perfect Single Crochet Decreases
- Unless the pattern mentions rapid decreases, it is recommended to maintain a consistent decrease often distributed evenly across a row or round.
- Maintain even tension throughout your crochet work, including when working decreases. This helps prevent noticeable gaps or puckering.
- Decide whether a standard or invisible decrease is best suited for your project based on its appearance and the desired level of visibility.
- Keep track of your stitch count as you decrease to ensure you're achieving the desired shape and size. You can work with stitch markers or a row counter
- The placement of your decreases can significantly impact the overall look of your project. Try experimenting with different decrease patterns to find what works best for you.
Get ready to work the single crochet decrease and its variations for your crochet projects. Grab your crochet hook and yarn.
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