- CraftCrochet
- US abbreviationsc2tog / invdec
- UK abbreviationdc2tog
- Most loops on hook3
What is decrease?
Two stitches joined into one at the top. That takes away one stitch, which is how you make a shape narrower, close up a toy or shape a hat. The invisible decrease is a neater version for toys.
In a pattern you will see it written as sc2tog / invdec in US patterns, dc2tog in UK patterns.
US and UK names. US patterns call this decrease (sc2tog / invisible) (sc2tog / invdec). UK patterns call the same stitch decrease (dc2tog / invisible) (dc2tog). The stitch is the same, only the name changes. The steps below use US names.
How to do it, step by step
- sc2tog: insert into the next stitch and pull up a loop (2 on hook).
- Insert into the following stitch and pull up a loop (3 on hook).
- Yarn over and pull through all 3.
- Invisible decrease (for amigurumi): insert into the front loop of the next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull through both front loops, then finish like a sc.
The mistake to watch for
The decrease leaves one stitch on top of two. On the next round, count that one stitch only once.
If you are left-handed
Hold the hook in your left hand and the yarn in your right. Work rows from left to right, and read any chart diagram as a mirror image.
Practise it on a free pattern
These patterns from Crochet Counter use decrease:
Related stitches
Questions
What is decrease called in UK patterns?
In UK patterns it is decrease, written dc2tog. In US patterns it is sc2tog / invdec. Check near the top of a pattern to see which terms it uses.
What is the most common mistake with decrease?
The decrease leaves one stitch on top of two. On the next round, count that one stitch only once.
How many loops are on the hook?
At the busiest moment of decrease there are 3 loops on the hook.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
The app has this stitch and 31 more in its stitch dictionary, in US or UK terms, with a row counter for every project. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
