Crochet Increase In Stitch Tutorial Step By Step

In crochet, the increase stitch is a fundamental technique used to expand the fabric, creating a gentle and controlled growth in the piece. It allows the crocheter to shape items like hats, amigurumi figures, sleeves, and more. By adding extra stitches to a row or round, the increase stitch is executed most frequently through making multiple single crochet stitches into one stitch from the previous row.

Crochet Increase In Stitch Tutorial

The result is a larger work that can curve or widen as desired. This technique is essential for achieving the correct form in projects and is a cornerstone in the crocheter's skill set, enabling the creation of a variety of shapes and textures within the crochet craft.

Starting Your Increase Stitch

1. Insert Hook: Place your hook into the next hole (stitch).
   • Make sure you have three strands of yarn over the hook with the hook positioned in front of the working yarn.
   • The tip of the hook should be facing you.

First Single Crochet Stitch

2. Yarn Over: Bring the hook down, below and behind the working yarn to yarn over.
   • Catch the working yarn with the hook.
3. Pull Through: Pull the yarn through the first two loops on the hook.
   • There should now be two loops remaining on your hook.
4. Yarn Over Again: Move the hook below and behind the working yarn to yarn over once more.
5. Complete Stitch: Pull the yarn through both loops on the hook, leaving one loop on the hook.
   • You have now completed one single crochet stitch.

Identifying the Hole for the Second Stitch

6. Locate Hole: Look at the loop on your hook and trace it back to two other loops.
   • The loop that's closer to your yarn-hand traces back to the hole you just worked into. This is where you will insert your hook for the second stitch.

Second Single Crochet Stitch (Creating the Increase)

7. Insert Hook Again: Put your hook into the same hole as the first stitch, from front to back.
   • You should see what looks like three strands of yarn on your hook again.
8. Yarn Over: Move the hook below and behind the working yarn to yarn over.
9. Pull Through: Bring the yarn through just the first two loops on the hook.
   • You should have two loops on your hook.
10. Yarn Over Again: Bring your hook below and behind the working yarn and yarn over.
11. Complete Second Stitch: Pull the yarn through both loops on the hook.
    • There will be only one loop on the hook.

Finishing the Increase Stitch

12. Confirm Increase: You should now have successfully made two single crochet stitches in the same hole.
    • This is an increase stitch in crochet, commonly used to shape your work by expanding it.

Repeat these steps each time you need to add an increase stitch to your crochet pattern.