To increase in crochet, you create more stitches in a row or round than you had in the previous one, which causes the fabric to widen. This is typically done by working more than one stitch into a single stitch or space from the row below.
What is a Crochet Increase?
An increase in crochet is a technique used to add stitches to your work. This simple yet fundamental skill is essential for shaping your projects, whether you're making flat pieces that need to expand (like a triangle) or working in the round to create circles (like the base of a hat or amigurumi).
Performing a Basic Single Crochet Increase
One of the most common ways to increase, especially when working with single crochet stitches, involves placing two single crochet stitches into the same stitch from the previous row or round.
Based on the provided reference on how to increase for beginner amigurumi:
"...insert my hook into that same Stitch yarn over pull up a loop. And then yarn over and complete the single crochet. And that is an increase."
This snippet describes the action of creating the second single crochet in a stitch where you have already completed the first one. The completion of this second stitch in the same location is what constitutes the increase.
Here are the steps for a basic single crochet increase (sc inc):
- Work a single crochet stitch as you normally would into the designated stitch of the previous row/round.
- Instead of moving to the next stitch, insert your hook back into the exact same stitch where you just completed the previous single crochet.
- Complete another single crochet stitch in that same stitch.
- You have now worked two single crochet stitches into one stitch from the row below, effectively increasing your stitch count by one at that point.
Why Use Increases?
Increases are vital for achieving specific shapes in crochet projects. They allow you to:
- Create Flat Circles: By consistently increasing a set number of times in each round, you can create a flat, circular piece of fabric.
- Shape Garments: Increases are used to shape necklines, armholes, sleeves, and flared sections of clothing.
- Form Amigurumi Shapes: Building rounded or specific forms in stuffed toys relies heavily on strategic increases (and decreases).
- Expand Flat Pieces: Create triangles, trapezoids, or other widening shapes.
Increases with Different Crochet Stitches
While the principle remains the same (working multiple stitches into one location), the specific notation and appearance change depending on the stitch used.
Here are common increase notations:
| Stitch Type | Common Increase Method | Notation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Crochet | 2 Single Crochets in 1 st | sc inc |
Work 2 sc into the same stitch. |
| Half Double Crochet | 2 Half Double Crochets in 1 st | hdc inc |
Work 2 hdc into the same stitch. |
| Double Crochet | 2 Double Crochets in 1 st | dc inc |
Work 2 dc into the same stitch. |
| Treble Crochet | 2 Treble Crochets in 1 st | tr inc |
Work 2 tr into the same stitch. |
You can also work more than two stitches into a single stitch if the pattern requires a more rapid increase, such as working 3 sc in one stitch.
Tips for Successful Increases
- Read Your Pattern Carefully: Patterns will specify where and how many increases to make.
- Count Your Stitches: After an increase row or round, count your stitches to ensure you have the correct number as indicated by the pattern.
- Use Stitch Markers: If you have many increases or are working in the round, place a stitch marker in the first or last stitch of a round, or at the increase stitches, to help keep track.
By learning how to work multiple stitches into one, you gain the ability to shape your crochet fabric and create a vast range of items.
