How To Do An Increase In Crochet

Hey there, fellow yarn enthusiasts and curious minds! Ever looked at a crochet project and thought, "Gosh, this is looking a bit... flat?" Maybe your cute little coaster is more like a sad pancake, or your cozy hat resembles a very stylish tea cozy for a very flat head? Well, my friends, it's time to introduce you to your new best pal in the crochet world: the increase!

Think of increases like adding a little sprinkle of magic to your stitches. They're the secret sauce that helps your crochet fabric grow outwards, transforming a simple chain into a beautiful circle, a neat square, or even the gently curved wings of a amigurumi bird. Without them, your projects would just… well, stay the same size. Imagine trying to bake a cake and only ever using the same amount of batter for every layer. It wouldn't quite rise to the occasion, would it?

So, why should you care about these magical little stitch-doublers? Because they are the key to unlocking a whole universe of crochet possibilities! Want to make a perfectly round doily that lies flat like a lily pad on a pond? Increases! Dreaming of a cozy, slouchy beanie that drapes just right? You guessed it – increases! Crafting adorable little stuffed animals with rounded bellies and cute little noses? Yup, you're going to be using increases to shape those lovable critters.

Let's dive into the how. Don't worry, it's not rocket science. In fact, it's much more enjoyable than rocket science, and you get a tangible, huggable result at the end! The most common way to do an increase is by working two stitches into the same single stitch from the previous row. It sounds simple, and honestly, it is simple once you get the hang of it. It’s like giving a tiny little stitch a friend to hang out with in the same spot!

The Basic Increase: Two is Better Than One!

The most fundamental increase, especially for beginners and when working in the round (think of those lovely flat circles), is working two single crochet stitches into one stitch. Let’s break it down:

Imagine you're crocheting along, and you reach a stitch. Usually, you'd just pop your hook into that stitch, grab your yarn, and pull up a loop, then yarn over and pull through both loops to make one single crochet. Easy peasy.

Now, for an increase, you’re going to do that same process, but twice in the very same spot. So, you’ll insert your hook into the designated stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops. And then… you do it again! Yes, right in that same, lonely stitch, you insert your hook, pull up a loop, yarn over, and pull through both loops. Ta-da! You've just made two stitches where there was only one. You’ve effectively told that stitch, "Hey, you’re doing a great job, but you can be even more productive!"

It’s a bit like when you’re making a salad and decide to add extra croutons. Suddenly, that bite is a little more substantial, a little more full. That's exactly what you're doing with your stitches. You're adding a little extra goodness, a little extra oomph.

Why Does This Make Things Grow Outwards?

This is where the magic of geometry comes in, but don't let that scare you! When you work two stitches into one, you are essentially spreading out your stitches. Instead of one stitch sitting neatly in its place, you now have two stitches emerging from the same original point. This pushes the fabric outwards, creating that lovely expansion that we’re aiming for.

Think of it like this: imagine you have a small group of friends standing close together. If each friend suddenly brought along a twin, you’d have a much wider spread, right? The same principle applies to your crochet stitches. Each increase adds another "person" (or stitch!) to the row, making the overall width of your work grow.

This is why increases are crucial for creating shapes that start small and get bigger. They’re the engine that drives the expansion. Without them, your crochet would just be a long, thin strip, like a very boring ribbon. We want our crochet to have personality, to have form, to be something we can actually use and admire!

Different Stitches, Different Increases

Now, while the concept of working two stitches into one is universal, the type of stitch you use for your increase will depend on the stitch you're working. This is super important because you want your fabric to look seamless and consistent.

Single Crochet Increase (sc inc):

This is the one we’ve been talking about! In one stitch, you work two single crochet (sc) stitches. So, if you’re following a pattern that says "sc inc," it means find that stitch, make an sc, and then make another sc in that exact same stitch.

Half Double Crochet Increase (hdc inc):

For this one, you'll work two half double crochet (hdc) stitches into one stitch. The process is the same: find the stitch, make an hdc, and then make another hdc in that same stitch. Your increases will look a little taller and have a slightly different texture, which is perfectly fine and often what patterns call for!

Double Crochet Increase (dc inc):

And you guessed it, this means working two double crochet (dc) stitches into one stitch. Again, the principle remains: hook into the stitch, make a dc, then make another dc in that same stitch. These increases will be even taller!

Most patterns will specify which type of increase they want, so just keep an eye out for abbreviations like "sc inc," "hdc inc," or "dc inc." If it just says "increase," and you're working in single crochet, it's usually a safe bet to assume it means a single crochet increase.

Where to Put Those Increases?

This is where patterns get really specific, and it’s good to pay attention! Patterns will often tell you where to place your increases to achieve a specific shape. For example:

• For perfect circles: You'll often start with a magic ring (or a chain loop) and then increase evenly around each round. This is how you get that beautiful, flat disc shape. Imagine drawing a perfect circle – you're essentially laying down stitches in a way that encourages that outward expansion.
• For shaping amigurumi: Increases are used to create rounded shapes, like the heads and bodies of stuffed toys. You might have sections where you increase rapidly to get a nice roundness, and then other sections where you crochet even to maintain that shape before starting to decrease.
• For garments: Increases can be used to create the flare of a skirt, the widening of a sleeve, or the shaping of a neckline. It's all about guiding the yarn to create the desired silhouette.

Sometimes, a pattern might even say something like "work 3 sc, then increase." This means you crochet three regular single crochet stitches first, and then you do your increase in the next stitch. This little sequence creates a slightly different kind of shaping than just increasing every stitch.

A Little Story to Help You Remember

Picture this: You're at a really popular coffee shop, and everyone is trying to get to the counter to order. If there's only one counter, it gets super crowded and slow, right? But if the coffee shop decided to open up a second counter right next to the first one, suddenly, more people can get served, and the line moves much faster! Your crochet stitches are like those coffee drinkers, and the increase is like opening up that second counter. You’re making space for more stitches, and that’s what helps your project grow!

Practice Makes… Well, Not Perfect, But Progress!

Don't be discouraged if your first few attempts look a little wonky. Crochet, like anything new, takes a bit of practice. Grab some scrap yarn and just experiment! Try making a small circle by increasing every round. See how it grows. Try making a little square. Notice how the edges stay relatively straight when you increase at specific points. The more you do it, the more intuitive it will become. You’ll start to feel where those increases need to go.

So, embrace the increase! It’s your ticket to creating so many more wonderful things with your hook. It’s the little push your yarn needs to go from being just a collection of loops to something truly special. Happy crocheting, and may your projects always grow in the most beautiful ways!