Want to learn the basics of how to decrease stitches in crochet and specifically the basics of how to double crochet decrease? From dc2tog and dc3tog, to the invisible double crochet decrease stitch, crocheting decreases can seem intimidating at first.
With this blog post, I’m going to walk you through all the necessary steps so you feel comfortable when it comes time to decrease a double crochet stitch in your crochet projects.
We’ll cover topics abbreviation and each type of decrease used in traditional patterns as well as popular techniques like invisible crochet decrease.
Along the way we’ll answer frequently asked questions about decreasing double crochet stitches.
What are double crochet decreases?
Double crochet decreases is a number of stitches or techniques where you reduce the number of stitches on the row or round.
There are many ways to decrease double crochet, including double crochet 2 together (dc2tog), double crochet 3 together (dc3tog), double crochet 4 together (dc4tog) and invisible double crochet decrease.
Each of the methods to decrease stitches with double crochet can be used in all kinds of crochet projects, where you need to reduce the number of stitches to shape the crochet piece you are working on.
It’s common to decrease stitches in different projects from amigurumi patterns to crochet garments like sweaters.
Materials Needed
To decrease double crochet stitches you can use any crochet hook size and weight yarn. If you’re following a crochet pattern, use the crochet hook and yarn suggested to get the correct gauge.
Save on Pinterest!
The Most Common Double Crochet Decreases
Beginners in crochet often come across having to decrease stitches early when learning crochet.
Because of that it’s great to learn the most common ways to decrease double crochet stitches, including dc2tog, dc3tog, dc4tog and the invisible double crochet decrease.
Below you can find links to detailed step-by-step photo tutorials, with a video tutorial for the different double crochet decreases (us terms).
You can also find the video tutorials on my YouTube Channel.
1. Double Crochet 2 Together / dc2tog
Learn how to decrease 1 stitch by crocheting the double crochet 2 together. Learn all you need to know with this detailed step by step photo and video tutorial.
2. Double Crochet 3 Together / dc3tog
Learn how to decrease 2 stitches by crocheting the double crochet 3 together. Learn all you need to know with this detailed step by step photo and video tutorial.
3. Double Crochet 4 Together / dc4tog
Learn how to decrease 3 stitches by crocheting the double crochet 4 together. Learn all you need to know with this detailed step by step photo and video tutorial.
4. Invisible Double Crochet Decrease
Learn how to decrease 1 stitch by crocheting the invisible double crochet decrease. Learn all you need to know with this detailed step by step photo and video tutorial.
Stitch Abbreviations for the Double Crochet Decreases
When it comes to crochet abbreviations for decreasing double crochet stitches, there are a few ways to write them.
- The abbreviation for decrease is dec. In some cases you will find just that abbreviation on a double crochet row and it means to decrease 1 stitch, if nothing else is specified. In that case the most common is the double crochet 2 together, but you can also choose to do the invisible double crochet decrease if you prefer that.
- More specified you can see dc dec. Decrease 1 stitch using the double crochet 2 together or use the invisible double crochet decrease if you prefer.
- dc2tog, dc3tog, dc4tog: These are abbreviations for double crochet 2 together, double crochet 3 together and double crochet 4 together.
- invdec, inv dec or inv-dec: These can be used while crocheting double crochet decreases and means to do an invisible double crochet decrease.
- inv dc dec: This is an abbreviation for the invisible double crochet decrease.
FAQ About Double Crochet Decreases
Can you use the different double crochet decreases for different types of crochet stitches?
Yes, you can use the different double crochet decreases for the different types of crochet stitches, not only the regular double crochet. Including front loop double crochet, back loop double crochet, front post double crochet, back post double crochet and more. Insert the stitch into the same place as you would for the stitch you are crocheting, to make the decrease less visible. Otherwise follow the instructions as for the double stitch decreases.
Decreases for Other Basic Crochet Stitches
Find decreases for the other basic crochet stitches in the main crochet decrease tutorial.
Including decreases for the single crochet stitch, half double crochet and treble crochet.
Enjoy Crocheting All Kinds of Projects With Double Crochet Decreases
As you can see there are many double crochet decreases. The most common technique is working double crochet stitches together, and decreasing the number of stitches as specified.
The most common is dc2tog, dc3tog and dc4tog. However, you can even do a dc5tog, decreasing 4 stitches. The more stitches worked together, the more wavy the crochet fabric will turn out.
If you want a more discrete decrease, opt for the invisible double crochet decrease instead.
Try the different crochet decrease techniques to find your favorite and use them as needed when you are making your crochet projects.
