Pattern Skills•Tutorial

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.

By CrochetIndex EditorialUpdated 2026-10-21

Crochet Increases & Decreases: Shape Your Fabric

LevelBeginner

TypeTutorial

Learn in10–15 minutes

Updated2026-10-21

Follow the written lesson for each stitch. US crochet terms are used unless stated otherwise.

Quick answer

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.

Quick reference

Mini lesson sheet

Keep each complete first instruction alongside the accompanying reference illustration.

Step 1

Check the pattern to identify the stitch type being increased or decreased.

Step 2

For a basic increase, work the required number of stitches into the same stitch or space.

Step 3

For a decrease, begin the first stitch but leave it unfinished on the hook.

Step 4

Begin the next stitch and stop at the stage indicated for the decrease.

Step 5

Yarn over and pull through the remaining loops to complete the grouped stitch.

Step 6

Count the row or round afterward to confirm the shaping changed the stitch count as expected.

Crochet Increases & Decreases: Shape Your Fabric practice sheet preview

Stitch reference

Follow the stitch instructions for each step.

Use this section as a fast visual check before you work through the full steps.

Use this as a quick check before the full lesson.
Keep it nearby while you practice the stitch or technique.

What you should see

Finished result

Final outcome

Crochet technique image for Crochet Increases & Decreases: Shape Your Fabric

Key facts

Increase = more stitches

Decrease = fewer stitches

The exact decrease method depends on stitch type and pattern style

In practice

Details that prevent common beginner mistakes

Know the stitch math

An sc increase puts two sc into one base stitch (one consumed, two produced). An sc2tog decrease draws two base stitches together (two consumed, one produced). Count around each shaping round.

Step by step

How to do it

Step 1 image
01
Step 1
Check the pattern to identify the stitch type being increased or decreased.
Step 2 image
02
Step 2
For a basic increase, work the required number of stitches into the same stitch or space.
Step 3 image
03
Step 3
For a decrease, begin the first stitch but leave it unfinished on the hook.
Step 4 image
04
Step 4
Begin the next stitch and stop at the stage indicated for the decrease.
Step 5 image
05
Step 5
Yarn over and pull through the remaining loops to complete the grouped stitch.
Step 6 image
06
Step 6
Count the row or round afterward to confirm the shaping changed the stitch count as expected.

Useful tips

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.

Common mistakes

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

Frequently asked

Questions about crochet increases & decreases: shape your fabric

What is an increase in crochet?+

A crochet increase adds stitches, most often by working two stitches into the same base stitch. The pattern may use inc or a stitch-specific instruction such as 2 sc in the next stitch.

What is a decrease in crochet?+

A decrease combines two or more base stitches into one completed stitch, reducing the stitch count. In amigurumi, an invisible single-crochet decrease is commonly used for a smoother surface.

How do increases change a crochet circle?+

Evenly spaced increases add enough circumference for a circle to stay flat. Too few increases can make it cup; too many can make the edge wave.

How do I check that my shaping is correct?+

Count the stitches at the end of each shaping round or row and compare that count with the pattern before continuing.

Continue this topic

Pattern Reading Amigurumi Mini Amigurumi