Crochet Increases & Decreases: Shape Your Fabric
Understand basic crochet increases and decreases, how they change stitch count, and how to use them to shape flat pieces, circles, garments, and amigurumi.
An increase adds stitches, usually by working more than one stitch into the same base stitch. A decrease combines two or more base stitches into one completed stitch, reducing the stitch count.
Mini lesson sheet
Keep the short row instructions on one side and the visual target on the other.
- Use this as a quick check before the full lesson.
- Keep it nearby while you practice the stitch or technique.
Finished result
Key facts
How to do it
01Step 1Check the pattern to identify the stitch type being increased or decreased.
02Step 2For a basic increase, work the required number of stitches into the same stitch or space.
03Step 3For a decrease, begin the first stitch but leave it unfinished on the hook.
04Step 4Begin the next stitch and stop at the stage indicated for the decrease.
05Step 5Yarn over and pull through the remaining loops to complete the grouped stitch.
06Step 6Count the row or round afterward to confirm the shaping changed the stitch count as expected.
Make it easier
- Mark increase points when shaping a circle so placement stays consistent.
- For amigurumi, an invisible single-crochet decrease can reduce visible gaps.
What usually goes wrong
- Working an increase into the wrong base stitch
- Forgetting that a decrease changes the final stitch count
- Using a decrease method for the wrong stitch type
Use this technique in a complete crochet project.
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