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Single Crochet Increase Stitch

The single crochet increase stitch is not only easy but an essential technique that every new crocheter should have in their tool kit.  In this article, I will explain what the single crochet increase is and how to do them.  This is likely the next technique you will learn after you have learned how to make the single crochet stitch.

A diamond shape swatch made with single crochet increases and decreases worked in cream colored yarn.

What is a Single Crochet Increase Stitch

Unless you want to crochet rectangles or squares, you are likely to encounter the need for increases.  You can crochet increases in all types of stitches including single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and treble crochet stitches.  However in this tutorial we will concentrate on single crochet stitches to make it a little easier.  

As the name implies, a single crochet increase stitch adds one or more stitches to a row of crochet.  So, for example, if your rows consist of 20 single crochet stitches and you make a single crochet increase stitch, your row will contain 21 stitches.

US vs UK Terminology

In the US, we use the term Single Crochet Stitch (sc).  If you are reading a pattern written in the UK, the same stitch is called a Double Crochet Stitch (dc).  

How Will Single Crochet Increase Stitches Appear in Patterns?

There are best practices for writing crochet patterns, but there is not a standard, universal method that all designers adhere to. Therefore, you may see this increase written in different ways.

Ways to Say Make a Single Crochet Increase Stitch

  • Sc Inc = Single Crochet increase (In the UK, it is written Dc Inc.)
  • Sc 2 in the next st = single crochet increase (In the UK, Dc 2)
  • Inc in next st = work two stitches in next stitch
  • Sc 2 X in next st = single crochet twice in the next st.
  • Inc = crochet a stitch two times into one stitch (could be referring to a single crochet, double crochet or half double crochet stitch)

You may also see this increase indicated by a single symbol.

The symbol for the single crochet increase

How to Increase in Single Crochet

To increase one stitch in single crochet, simply work two stitches into one stitch or space.

  • Insert the hook under two loops of the next stitch.  Make one single crochet stitch.
  • Insert the hook into the same space (under two loops) as the previous stitch.  Make one single crochet stitch.

Where to Make Single Crochet Stitches

You can make a single crochet increase stitch at the beginning or end of a row, or anywhere in the middle of the row. You can also make single crochet increases in a round.

A swatch of single crochet stitches with increases created in the center of the row.
A swatch of single crochet stitches worked in the round and increases made in each round.
A swatch of single crochet stitches with increases worked on either end creating a triangle shape.

These are three examples of places where single crochet increases can be made:  In the center of the row, in the round, and at the ends of the rows.

Can You Make an Invisible Single Crochet Stitch?

Yes and you may want to make your increases invisible.  Here's how it is done.

  1. Work a single crochet into the back loop of the indicated stitch.
  2. Work a single crochet into both loops of the same stitch.
A swatch of single crochet stitches where increases are made using the invisible technique.In this swatch, invisible increases are created every other row and on both sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a crochet increase stitch and a single crochet increase stitch?

All crochet stitches can be increases, half double crochet, double crochet, tremble crochet and single crochet.  The single crochet increase stitch is limited to working these increases in single crochet stitches.

Can you make single crochet increase stitches in the round?

Absolutely.  Your pattern may ask you to increase evenly in a round.  There is an easy formula to use so that your single crochet stitches in the round lays flat:    (Total stitches desired - current stitches) / number of increases needed = stitches between increases. For example, if you start with 6 stitches and want to increase to 12, you would increase in every stitch. If you start with 18 stitches and want to increase by 6, you would single crochet twice, then increase, repeating this sequence.

What is an invisible single crochet increase stitch?

If you want to minimize the appearance of a crochet increase, it is easy to do.  Work the first single crochet stitch increase stitch into the back loop of the next stitch.  Then, work the second single crochet increase into both front and back loops of the stitch.

Last Words

Many crochet projects require beginners to know how to make increases and decreses especially for those who are interested in amigurumi patterns.  Luckily for beginners, the single crochet increase stitch is easy and very beginner friendly.

Single Crochet Increase Stitch:  Pin for Future Reference

How to Make the Single Crochet Increase Pin ImageHow to Make the Single Crochet Increase Pin Image

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