Mastering the Crochet Increase: A Comprehensive Guide
Crochet is a versatile and rewarding craft, allowing you to create everything from cozy blankets to intricate amigurumi. A fundamental skill in crochet is the ability to increase stitches. Increases are used to shape your work, adding width and creating curves. Whether you’re working on a hat, a sweater, or a stuffed animal, understanding how to increase correctly is essential for achieving the desired result. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various crochet increase techniques, providing detailed instructions, tips, and tricks to help you master this important skill.
## Why are Increases Important in Crochet?
Increases are the building blocks of shaped crochet projects. They allow you to:
* **Create Curves:** By strategically placing increases, you can create rounded shapes, perfect for hats, sleeves, and amigurumi bodies.
* **Add Width:** Increases are essential for widening your project, such as in the body of a sweater or the skirt of a dress.
* **Shape Garments:** Increases enable you to create well-fitting garments by shaping the bust, waist, and hips.
* **Create Complex Designs:** Intricate patterns often rely on a combination of increases and decreases to achieve their unique look.
## Understanding Crochet Increase Basics
The fundamental concept of a crochet increase is simple: you work more than one stitch into a single stitch of the previous row or round. This adds a stitch to your total stitch count, gradually expanding your work.
The most common way to increase is to work two stitches into one. This is often abbreviated as “inc” in patterns. However, there are many variations of increases, each creating a slightly different texture and appearance.
## Common Crochet Increase Techniques
Here’s a detailed look at some of the most common crochet increase techniques, along with step-by-step instructions and tips:
### 1. Single Crochet Increase (sc inc)
The single crochet increase is the most basic and widely used increase. It’s perfect for amigurumi, flat projects, and anywhere you need a subtle increase.
**Abbreviations:**
* sc = single crochet
* inc = increase (work two single crochet stitches into one stitch)
**Instructions:**
1. **Identify the stitch:** Locate the stitch in the previous row/round where you want to make the increase.
2. **Insert hook:** Insert your hook into the designated stitch.
3. **Yarn over and pull up a loop:** Yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on hook).
4. **Yarn over and pull through both loops:** Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook. You’ve completed one single crochet.
5. **Insert hook again:** Insert your hook *again* into the *same* stitch where you just made the first single crochet.
6. **Yarn over and pull up a loop:** Yarn over and pull up a loop (two loops on hook).
7. **Yarn over and pull through both loops:** Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook. You’ve completed a second single crochet in the same stitch.
8. **Result:** You have now worked two single crochet stitches into one stitch, effectively increasing your stitch count by one.
**Tips for sc inc:**
* **Tighten the first stitch:** When working the first single crochet of the increase, make sure to pull the yarn a little tighter than usual. This will help close up any gaps and create a neater increase.
* **Mark the increases:** If you’re working on a complex project with many increases, use stitch markers to mark the increase stitches. This will help you keep track of your place and prevent mistakes.
* **Practice makes perfect:** The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with creating consistent and even increases.
### 2. Half Double Crochet Increase (hdc inc)
The half double crochet increase creates a slightly taller and looser increase than the single crochet increase. It’s often used in projects where you want a softer drape or a less dense fabric.
**Abbreviations:**
* hdc = half double crochet
* inc = increase (work two half double crochet stitches into one stitch)
**Instructions:**
1. **Identify the stitch:** Locate the stitch in the previous row/round where you want to make the increase.
2. **Yarn over:** Yarn over.
3. **Insert hook:** Insert your hook into the designated stitch.
4. **Yarn over and pull up a loop:** Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook).
5. **Yarn over and pull through all three loops:** Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook. You’ve completed one half double crochet.
6. **Yarn over again:** Yarn over.
7. **Insert hook again:** Insert your hook *again* into the *same* stitch where you just made the first half double crochet.
8. **Yarn over and pull up a loop:** Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook).
9. **Yarn over and pull through all three loops:** Yarn over and pull through all three loops on your hook. You’ve completed a second half double crochet in the same stitch.
10. **Result:** You have now worked two half double crochet stitches into one stitch, effectively increasing your stitch count by one.
**Tips for hdc inc:**
* **Maintain even tension:** Try to maintain consistent tension throughout the increase to prevent puckering or distortion.
* **Consider yarn weight:** The yarn weight you use will affect the size and appearance of the increase. Experiment with different yarn weights to find the best look for your project.
* **Use for texture:** Half double crochet increases can add subtle texture to your work. Experiment with different placement patterns to create interesting effects.
### 3. Double Crochet Increase (dc inc)
The double crochet increase is a taller and more noticeable increase than the single or half double crochet increases. It’s commonly used in garments, blankets, and other projects where you want a more open and drapey fabric.
**Abbreviations:**
* dc = double crochet
* inc = increase (work two double crochet stitches into one stitch)
**Instructions:**
1. **Identify the stitch:** Locate the stitch in the previous row/round where you want to make the increase.
2. **Yarn over:** Yarn over.
3. **Insert hook:** Insert your hook into the designated stitch.
4. **Yarn over and pull up a loop:** Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook).
5. **Yarn over and pull through two loops:** Yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook (two loops remain).
6. **Yarn over and pull through remaining two loops:** Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook. You’ve completed one double crochet.
7. **Yarn over again:** Yarn over.
8. **Insert hook again:** Insert your hook *again* into the *same* stitch where you just made the first double crochet.
9. **Yarn over and pull up a loop:** Yarn over and pull up a loop (three loops on hook).
10. **Yarn over and pull through two loops:** Yarn over and pull through two loops on your hook (two loops remain).
11. **Yarn over and pull through remaining two loops:** Yarn over and pull through the remaining two loops on your hook. You’ve completed a second double crochet in the same stitch.
12. **Result:** You have now worked two double crochet stitches into one stitch, effectively increasing your stitch count by one.
**Tips for dc inc:**
* **Chain 3 substitute:** In some patterns, a chain 3 at the beginning of a row counts as a double crochet. Be sure to follow the pattern instructions carefully when working increases in rows that begin with a chain 3.
* **Use for shaping:** Double crochet increases are excellent for creating dramatic shaping in your projects. Experiment with different increase placement to achieve the desired silhouette.
* **Consider stitch height:** Keep in mind that double crochet stitches are taller than single or half double crochet stitches. This will affect the overall height and proportions of your project.
### 4. Invisible Increase (inv inc) – Primarily for Amigurumi
The invisible increase is a technique used primarily in amigurumi to create a smoother, less noticeable increase. It helps to minimize gaps and create a more seamless finish. This technique is only applicable when working in single crochet.
**Abbreviations:**
* inv inc = invisible increase
* sc = single crochet
**Instructions:**
1. **Identify the stitch:** Locate the stitch in the previous round where you want to make the increase.
2. **Insert hook into the *front loop only* of the stitch:** Instead of inserting your hook under both loops of the stitch, insert it only under the *front loop*.
3. **Insert hook into the *front loop only* of the *next* stitch:** Without yarning over, insert your hook into the *front loop only* of the *next* stitch. You should now have two loops on your hook.
4. **Yarn over and pull through all two loops on hook:** Yarn over and pull the yarn through *all* two loops on your hook. This creates one single crochet stitch that spans across *two* stitches, essentially pulling them together and creating an increase that’s less visible.
**Result:** You’ve created an invisible increase that minimizes gaps and creates a smooth transition.
**Tips for inv inc:**
* **Practice:** It may take a few tries to get the hang of the invisible increase, but with practice, it will become second nature.
* **Tension:** Maintaining even tension is crucial for a successful invisible increase. Avoid pulling the yarn too tightly or too loosely.
* **Use the right yarn:** Invisible increases work best with yarns that have good stitch definition. Fuzzy or textured yarns may make it difficult to see the front loops.
### 5. Other Increase Variations
* **Triple Crochet Increase (tr inc):** Work two triple crochet stitches into one stitch. This creates a very tall and open increase, suitable for lace and other decorative projects.
* **Increasing Multiple Stitches:** Some patterns may call for increasing more than two stitches into one. For example, you might work three or even four single crochet stitches into a single stitch. This creates a larger and more dramatic increase.
* **Cluster Stitches:** While not strictly an increase in the traditional sense, cluster stitches (like a 2-dc cluster) can be used to create a similar effect, adding bulk and texture to your work. A 2-dc cluster means working two double crochet stitches together, joined at the top.
## Placement Strategies for Increases
The placement of your increases is just as important as the technique you use. Strategic placement can help you achieve the desired shape and prevent unwanted distortion.
* **Evenly Spaced Increases:** For gradual increases, such as in a hat or the body of a sweater, distribute your increases evenly around the row or round. This will create a smooth and symmetrical shape.
* **Increases at the Beginning and End of Rows:** Placing increases at the beginning and end of each row is a common technique for creating a wider piece of fabric. However, this can sometimes create a slightly angled edge. To minimize this, try alternating the placement of your increases from row to row.
* **Increases in Specific Locations:** For more complex shaping, you may need to place your increases in specific locations, such as at the bust, waist, or hips of a garment. Follow the pattern instructions carefully to ensure that your increases are placed correctly.
* **Mirrored Increases:** When working on symmetrical projects, such as sleeves or mittens, use mirrored increases. This means that the increases on one side of the project should be a mirror image of the increases on the other side.
* **Avoid stacking increases:** Stacking increases directly on top of each other in subsequent rows or rounds can create a visible ridge. Stagger your increases to create a smoother, more gradual shape. Moving the increase one or two stitches to the left or right in the next row will help.
## Troubleshooting Common Increase Problems
Even with careful attention to detail, you may encounter some common problems when working increases.
* **Puckering:** Puckering occurs when you’re adding too many stitches too quickly. To fix this, try decreasing the number of increases you’re making or spacing them out more evenly. Also, make sure your tension isn’t too tight.
* **Waving:** Waving occurs when you’re not adding enough stitches. To fix this, try increasing the number of increases you’re making or working them more frequently.
* **Holes:** Holes can occur when your increases are too loose. To fix this, try tightening your tension or using a smaller hook size. Also, ensure you are working *into* the stitch, not between stitches.
* **Visible Lines:** Visible lines can occur when you stack your increases. To fix this, stagger your increases in subsequent rows or rounds.
* **Uneven Shape:** If your project is not shaping correctly, double-check your stitch count and make sure you’re placing your increases in the correct locations. Refer back to your pattern frequently.
## Tips for Perfect Crochet Increases
Here are some additional tips to help you achieve perfect crochet increases:
* **Use stitch markers:** Stitch markers are invaluable for keeping track of your increases, especially in complex patterns.
* **Read your pattern carefully:** Always read the pattern instructions carefully before you begin, paying close attention to the abbreviation key and any special instructions.
* **Practice on a swatch:** Before you start a large project, practice your increases on a small swatch to ensure that you’re comfortable with the technique and that your tension is correct.
* **Use the right hook size:** Using the correct hook size is essential for achieving the desired gauge and preventing puckering or waving.
* **Choose the right yarn:** The yarn you choose will affect the appearance and drape of your project. Experiment with different yarn weights and fibers to find the best look for your increases.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** Crochet is a creative art form. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different increase techniques and placements to create your own unique designs.
* **Count your stitches regularly:** This prevents mistakes from compounding and becoming harder to fix later. Especially when learning, check your stitch count after every row or round.
* **Take breaks:** If you’re feeling frustrated or tired, take a break. Crochet should be enjoyable, and taking a break can help you clear your head and avoid mistakes.
## Conclusion
Mastering crochet increases is a fundamental step towards creating beautiful and intricate crochet projects. By understanding the different increase techniques, practicing proper placement, and troubleshooting common problems, you can confidently shape your work and achieve the desired results. So grab your hook and yarn, and start practicing your increases today! With a little practice and patience, you’ll be amazed at what you can create.