How to Dec in Crochet

Are you a beginner in crocheting and wondering how to dec your crochet projects like an expert? Dec is short for decrease, reducing the number of stitches on your hook.

Decreasing, often called “dec,” is an essential technique in crochet that allows you to shape your projects by reducing the number of stitches in a row or round. Whether you’re crafting amigurumi, garments, or accessories, mastering this skill is crucial for adding dimension and structure to your work. You can create smooth transitions, neat edges, and beautifully finished projects by learning how to decrease properly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of how to dec in crochet and some tips for achieving even stitches. Let’s get started!

What Are the Benefits of Decreasing in Crochet?

Decreasing, also known as “dec” in crochet, is a technique used to create smaller stitches and reduce the overall width of your project. It involves joining two or more stitches together to form one stitch, effectively decreasing the number of stitches on your hook.

There are several benefits to incorporating decreases into your crochet projects:

• Creates Shaping: By decreasing at specific points in your project, you can create curves, angles, and other shapes that add dimension and structure. This is especially useful when creating garments or amigurumi.
• Saves Yarn: Since decreases involve using fewer stitches, they also use less yarn. This can be helpful if you’re working with a limited amount of yarn or trying to save money on your projects.
• Improves Appearance: Decreasing can make your crochet work look more polished and professional. It helps create smooth edges and prevents gaps or holes in your work.
• Increases Difficulty: Incorporating decreases into your crochet projects can add a level of difficulty, making them more challenging and rewarding. Once you master the basic stitches, decreasing is a great way to continue improving your skills.
• Allows for Creativity: There are various ways to decrease in crochet, such as single or double decreases, invisible decreases, and cluster decreases. This lets you get creative with your projects and experiment with different techniques.

In addition to these benefits, it’s also important to know when and where to use decreases in your crochet projects.

What Will You Need?

To start, you’ll need some basic crochet supplies such as the following:

1. Yarn
2. Crochet Hook
3. Scissors
4. Tapestry Needle

Once you have these basic supplies, you can begin your crochet project and incorporate decreases as needed.

Where to Use Decreasing?

Decreasing is commonly used in crochet patterns to shape the project, create curves, and form different shapes. It can also add texture and detail to your work.

Shaping: Decreasing is often used to shape the item and create a better fit when creating garments or accessories. For example, when making a sweater, you may need to decrease stitches at the waistline for a more flattering fit.

Curves: In amigurumi (crocheted stuffed animals), decreasing can make rounder shapes, such as heads or bodies. Decreasing a specific pattern can create curves and add dimension to your project.

Shapes: Crochet is not limited to just creating flat pieces. With increasing and decreasing stitches, you can make 3D shapes such as spheres, cones, or cubes. This opens up endless possibilities for creating unique and intricate designs.

Texturing: Adding texture to crochet projects can add visual interest and elevate the piece’s overall look. This can be achieved through techniques such as using different stitch patterns, incorporating raised stitches like bobbles or popcorns, or using other types of yarn like chenille or boucle.

Overall, understanding how to manipulate stitches through shaping and texturing techniques allows for more creativity and versatility in crochet projects.

10 Easy Steps on How to Dec in Crochet

Step 1. Identify Where to Decrease 

Before you begin decreasing in crochet, it’s essential to carefully review your pattern or project requirements to determine the specific locations where decreases are needed. Decreases are typically marked in a pattern using terms like “dec” or “dc2tog” and may be positioned to shape edges, create curves, or add dimension. Visualize the desired shape of your project and identify the stitches or areas where the number of stitches needs to be reduced. This step ensures that your decreases are purposeful and align with the overall design of your piece.

Step 2. Insert Your Hook into the First Stitch

To begin the decrease, insert your hook into the first stitch where the decrease will occur. Make sure to go under both loops of the stitch, as this will create a cleaner and more uniform look in your finished project. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for the decrease, ensuring that the stitches are securely connected and your fabric remains even. Keep your tension consistent as you prepare for the next part of the decrease process.

Step 3. Yarn Over (YO)

To perform a yarn over (YO), wrap the working yarn over your crochet hook from back to front. This motion adds an extra loop to your hook, essential for completing the decrease. Take care to maintain even tension throughout this step, as uneven tension can affect the appearance of your stitches. With the yarn properly wrapped, you are ready to proceed to the next step in the decrease process.

Step 4. Pull Through the Stitch

Insert your crochet hook into the next stitch, ensuring the working yarn remains in position. Perform another yarn over (YO) by wrapping the yarn over your hook from back to front. Then, gently pull the yarn through the stitch on your hook. Depending on the decrease technique being used, you should now have multiple loops on your hook. Keep your tension consistent to achieve a neat and even result as you prepare to complete the decrease in the upcoming steps.

Step 5. Insert the Hook into the Next Stitch

Carefully guide your hook into the next stitch while ensuring you do not split the yarn. Position the hook so it passes cleanly through the center of the stitch, from front to back. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your pattern and avoiding any uneven or misplaced stitches. Once the hook is inserted, ensure that the top loops of the stitch rest securely on the hook before proceeding to the next steps in your project. Keep your movements steady and deliberate to maintain proper tension and alignment.

Step 6. Yarn Over Again

Wrap the yarn over the hook, moving it from back to front. This technique, often called a “yarn over,” is fundamental in crochet and helps create the loops needed for each stitch. Ensure the yarn is snug but not too tight, allowing it to glide smoothly during the next steps. Maintaining an even tension at this stage is key to ensuring your stitches are consistent and your pattern unfolds as intended.

Step 7. Pull Through the Stitch

Insert the hook with the yarn over into the designated stitch of your pattern. Once the hook is through, gently pull the yarn back through the stitch. You should now have three loops on your hook. Keep your hand steady to ensure the loops remain even, as this will influence the uniformity of your final design. This step prepares you to complete the current stitch and proceed with your crocheting project.

Step 8. Yarn Over Once More 

Wrap the yarn over the hook again, ensuring it rests securely. This is a crucial step as it adds loop to your hook, preparing it for the next part of the stitch. At this point, you should have four loops on your hook. Maintaining consistent tension on the yarn will help ensure a smooth and even stitch in your project.

Step 9. Pull Through All Loops

To complete this step, gently pull the yarn through all four loops on your hook. This motion secures the stitch and creates a finished look. Once the yarn is pulled through, a single loop will be left on your hook. Keep your movements consistent and steady to maintain even tension throughout your project. Congratulations, you’ve completed this stitch and are ready to move on to the next!

Step 10. Continue Crocheting

To continue crocheting, repeat the steps necessary for your chosen stitch pattern across your project. Maintain consistent tension and be mindful of your stitch count to ensure even and professional results. If you follow a specific design or pattern, refer to the instructions to verify you are on track. Take your time, and don’t hesitate to pause and review your work. Crocheting is as much about enjoying the process as creating something beautiful!

You can tackle countless patterns and create beautiful shapes and designs by mastering this simple technique! Practice a few decreases and watch your skillset grow.

Conclusion

How to dec in crochet is an essential skill that opens the door to countless creative possibilities.

By carefully following techniques such as “invisible decrease” or “standard decrease,” you can shape your projects with precision and artistry. Whether crafting amigurumi, garments, or intricate patterns, mastering decreases allows you to create beautifully tailored and polished pieces. Remember, practice and patience are key to refining your skills.

With time, you’ll confidently add this technique to your crochet repertoire and bring your creative visions to life.