Are you struggling with bumpy edges or strange-looking amigurumi shapes? Learning the single crochet decrease will solve these problems forever. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to create perfect decreases that look professional and seamless.
I’ve seen how this simple technique transforms beginner work into expert-level projects. You’ll learn:
- Step-by-step instructions with clear photos
- The “invisible decrease” secret technique
- Common mistakes and how to fix them
- A practice pattern to build your skills
If you make stuffed animals, hats, or garments, mastering this fundamental stitch will improve everything you create. Follow along and you’ll be decreasing like a pro by the end of this article.
What Is a Single Crochet Decrease?
A single crochet decrease (abbreviated as sc dec or sc2tog) combines two stitches into one. It’s how you make your work narrower.
Think of it like this: If adding stitches makes your project wider, decreasing makes it narrower.
This technique is essential for creating three-dimensional shapes in crochet. Without decreases, your work would only grow outward! The beauty of the single crochet decrease is its versatility—it works in any project that needs shaping.
You’ll use this technique to:
- Shape curved pieces like sleeves and necklines
- Create corners in blankets and washcloths
- Close up stuffed projects like amigurumi animals
- Make garments fit properly around the waist or arms
- Form the crown of hats and tops of mittens
Mastering this decrease opens up countless project possibilities. Once you understand how it works, you’ll spot it everywhere in crochet patterns.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to master this technique. Just grab:
- Your crochet project
- Appropriate yarn
- Crochet hook that matches your yarn
- Stitch markers (helpful but optional)
- A bit of patience!
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Single Crochet Decrease
Here’s how to do a standard single crochet decrease:
- Insert your hook into the next stitch
- Yarn over and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook)
- Don’t complete this stitch yet!
- Insert your hook into the next stitch
- Yarn over and pull up another loop (3 loops on hook)
- Yarn over and pull through all 3 loops at once
That’s it! Two stitches have become one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made all these mistakes, so you don’t have to:
- Completing the first stitch before starting the second (this creates two separate stitches, not a decrease)
- Forgetting which stitches you’ve already worked into
- Pulling your yarn too tight, making the decrease hard to work into on the next row
- Not counting your decrease as a single stitch in your stitch count
- Working decreases in the wrong location, creating uneven shaping or asymmetrical pieces
Invisible Single Crochet Decrease Technique
Want to level up? Try the invisible decrease:
- Insert your hook through the front loops ONLY of the next two stitches
- Yarn over
- Pull through both front loops (2 loops on hook)
- Yarn over again
- Pull through both loops on your hook
This creates a nearly invisible decrease – perfect for amigurumi and detailed work!
Practice Pattern: Try It Yourself
Ready to practice? Try this simple heart pattern:
Ch 4, join with sl st to form ring
Round 1: Ch 1, 6 sc in ring (6)
Round 2: 2 sc in each st around (12)
Round 3: [Sc 1, 2 sc in next st] 6 times (18)
Round 4: Sc in each st around (18)
Round 5: [Sc 7, sc dec] twice (16)
Round 6: [Sc 6, sc dec] twice (14)
Stop here and make two of these pieces, then sew them together for a cute heart!
Troubleshooting Your Problems
Having trouble? Let’s solve it:
- Problem: Your decrease looks like a hole
Solution: You might be pulling too tight. Try maintaining even tension throughout the decrease.
- Problem: Can’t find the next stitch after a decrease
Solution: Use a stitch marker in the decreased stitch to easily identify it on your next round.
- Problem: Your decreases are all on one side, creating a slant
Solution: Space out your decreases evenly around your work for balanced shaping.
- Problem: Your stitch count is off after a row with decreases
Solution: Remember that each decrease reduces your stitch count by one. Double-check your math when counting.
- Problem: The edge of your work looks bumpy where decreases are placed
Solution: Try the invisible decrease technique, which creates a smoother edge. Also, maintain consistent tension.
- Problem: Your decreases are visible and creating a pattern you don’t want
Solution: Stagger your decreases in different rounds rather than working them in the same spot each time.
The most common issue beginners face is inconsistent tension. When you decrease, it’s easy to pull too tight because you’re working multiple stitches together. Practice keeping your yarn relaxed as you work through the decrease steps.
Tips for Perfecting Your Decreases
After years of crocheting, these tips have helped me most:
- Practice on scrap yarn before your actual project
- Use stitch markers to plan where decreases will go
- Count your stitches after each row with decreases
- For stuffed projects, use the invisible decrease technique
- Keep even tension – not too tight, not too loose
Patterns That Use Single Crochet Decrease
Once you’ve mastered this technique, try these projects:
Amigurumi Animals
These cute Japanese-style stuffed toys rely heavily on decreases to create their rounded forms. Use decreases to shape heads, limbs, and bodies. The invisible decrease works best here for seamless results with no holes or gaps.
Beanies and Hats
Decreases form the crown of any hat. Start with a flat circle, then use evenly spaced decreases to pull the top closed. The smoother your decreases, the more professional your hat will look.
Curved Baskets and Containers
Create beautiful home items with decreases. Start with a flat base, then work straight sides before using decreases to curve the top inward. This creates stylish, functional containers for storage.
Fingerless Gloves and Mittens
Decreases shape the thumb gusset and fingertips. Pay special attention to decrease placement—they determine how well your gloves fit and how comfortable they are to wear.
Heart-Shaped Pillows
Create decorative items using strategic decreases. For hearts, use decreases to create the indent at the top and the point at the bottom. Perfect for gifts and home decor.
Sweaters and Cardigans
Sleeve shaping requires careful decreasing. Work decreases at regular intervals to create the tapered shape that fits your arm properly. Consistency is key for professional results.
Baby Booties
Toe shaping relies entirely on decreases. They transform a flat piece into a three-dimensional shoe shape that fits tiny feet. Keep your tension loose for comfort.
Stuffed Toys
From simple balls to complex characters, all stuffed toys need decreases. They create the curved shapes that make toys look polished and professional rather than flat and homemade.
The single crochet decrease is particularly important in amigurumi. When making a sphere—like the head of a teddy bear—you’ll start with increases to form the bottom half, then use decreases to close up the top half after stuffing.
Advanced patterns might call for decreases to be worked in specific places. Don’t worry if this seems complicated at first! With practice, you’ll understand how decreases affect the final shape of your project.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the single crochet decrease transforms your crochet projects from homemade to professional-looking. It’s the difference between lumpy edges and smooth, polished finishes.
Remember these key points:
- Practice the invisible decrease for seamless amigurumi
- Keep your tension even
- Count your stitches after decrease rows
- Use stitch markers to track your progress
I started just like you—struggling with uneven edges and strange shapes. But once I practiced this technique, my projects improved overnight.
Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. Each decrease gets better than the last. Before you know it, you’ll be decreasing without even thinking about it!
Now go grab your hook and yarn. Your next project is waiting to take shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between sc2tog and sc dec?
They’re the same technique with different names. Sc2tog means “single crochet 2 together” while sc dec is short for “single crochet decrease.”
Why does my amigurumi have holes where I decreased?
Standard decreases can leave small gaps in tight work. Try the invisible decrease method instead, working through only the front loops for a seamless finish.
Can I decrease over more than two stitches at once?
Yes! You can create a sc3tog by working the same technique across three stitches instead of two. This creates a more dramatic decrease.
How do I create left-leaning versus right-leaning decreases?
For left-leaning decreases, work from right to left. For right-leaning decreases, work from left to right. This detail matters in garments and advanced patterns.
Will decreases affect my yarn tension?
Decreases tend to pull your work tighter than regular stitches. Practice keeping slightly looser tension when decreasing to maintain consistent fabric density
