How to Increase and Decrease Double Crochet

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Welcome to Sofasaurus Crochet! I’m Sofia, and in this beginner-friendly tutorial I’ll guide you through crocheting double crochet increases and double crochet decreases. Whether you’re an experienced crocheter looking to refine your technique or still a beginner eager to dive into the next thing, this step-by-step guide was designed with you in mind. I’ll break down the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps to ensure that you gain the confidence to increase and decrease double crochet without a second thought. Grab your yarn and favorite crochet hook and we’ll get started! Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter for more crochet tips and tutorials.  If you’re interested in a printable, ad-free version of how to crochet double crochet , you can check it out in the shop! Happy Hooking!

In UK Terms, the double crochet is called the treble crochet.

Please note

All instructions are in US terms. Please treat the techniques used in this post as recommendations – crochet is an art form and experimentation is the best way to figure out what works best for you! Also, I only recommend products and services that I would use myself and all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

This post may contain affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

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Video Tutorial

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Written Instructions

Everything you need to understand what, why, and how!

What is a Double Crochet Increase?

A double crochet increase (dc inc) is a technique used to add two double crochet stitches into the same space as one original stitch. This essentially increases the number of stitches in a row, project, or round – allowing you to shape it in interesting ways.

What is a Half-Double Crochet Decrease?

A double crochet decrease (dc dec or dc2tog) is when you crochet two double crochet stitches together to decrease the number of stitches in a row, project, or round.

To decrease double crochet

  1. Yarn over
  2. Insert your hook into the first stitch
  3. Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on the hook)
  4. Yarn over and pull through two loops (two loops on the hook)
  5. Yarn over and insert the hook into the next stitch
  6. Yarn over and pull up a loop (four loops on the hook)
  7. Yarn over and pull through two loops (three loops on the hook)
  8. Yarn over and pull through the remaining three loops.
Tips + Tricks
  • Double crochet increases and decrease are very common across various stitches and projects
  • When working a pattern, a double crochet increase can be annotated as “inc dec,” “dec inc,” “2dc,” or “2 dc in next stitch” to name a few.
  • A double crochet decrease can be annotated as “dc dec,” “dec dc,” or “dc2tog”

Photo Tutorial

Are you more of a visual person but don’t have the patience to watch a video right now? Take a look at this photo tutorial and don’t forget to save it for later!

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Illustrated Guide

Are you more of a visual person but don’t have the patience to watch a video right now? Then take a look at this illustrated guide and don’t forget to save it for later!

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Crochet Chart Symbols

Crochet Charts are a great way to avoid common language barriers and clarify difficult crochet patterns. These symbols are used to help you visualize where stitches go and how they align with one another. Don’t forget to add this image to your crochet toolbox!

More Video Tutorials

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More Project Ideas and Tutorials

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