One of the most important skills to learn as a new crocheter is to learn how to decrease stitches in crochet. The first is to learn how to single crochet decrease; this technique is essential for many projects such as amigurumi, garments and accessories.
In this crochet tutorial I will explain everything you need to know about single crochet decreases including materials needed, abbreviations used, techniques for various decreases such as sc2tog and invisible crochet decreases, and helpful FAQs.
By the end of this post even the newest crocheter will have learned all they need in order to master any project that requires single crochet decreasing!
What are single crochet decreases?
Single 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 single crochet, including single crochet 2 together (sc2tog), single crochet 3 together (sc3tog), single crochet 4 together (sc4tog) and invisible single crochet decrease.
Each of the methods to decrease stitches with single 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.
Materials Needed
To decrease single 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.
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The Most Common Single 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 single crochet stitches, including sc2tog, sc3tog, sc4tog and the invisible single crochet decrease.
Below you can find links to detailed step-by-step photo tutorials, with a video tutorial for the different single crochet decreases (us terms).
You can also find the video tutorials on my YouTube Channel.
1. Single Crochet 2 Together / sc2tog
Learn how to decrease 1 stitch by crocheting the single crochet 2 together. Learn all you need to know with this detailed step by step photo and video tutorial.
2. Single Crochet 3 Together / sc3tog
Learn how to decrease 2 stitches by crocheting the single crochet 3 together. Learn all you need to know with this detailed step by step photo and video tutorial.
3. Single Crochet 4 Together / sc4tog
Learn how to decrease 3 stitches by crocheting the single crochet 4 together. Learn all you need to know with this detailed step by step photo and video tutorial.
4. Invisible Single Crochet Decrease
Learn how to decrease 1 stitch by crocheting the invisible single crochet decrease. Learn all you need to know with this detailed step by step photo and video tutorial.
Stitch Abbreviations for the Single Crochet Decreases
When it comes to crochet abbreviations for decreasing single 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 while crocheting single crochet stitches and it means to decrease 1 stitch, if nothing else is specified. In that case the most common is the single crochet 2 together, but you can also choose to do the invisible single crochet decrease if you prefer that.
- More specified you can see sc dec. Decrease 1 stitch using the single crochet 2 together or use the invisible single crochet decrease if you prefer.
- sc2tog, sc3tog, sc4tog: These are abbreviations for single crochet 2 together, single crochet 3 together and single crochet 4 together.
- invdec, inv dec or inv-dec: These can be used while crocheting single crochet decreases and means to do an invisible single crochet decrease.
- inv sc dec: This is an abbreviation for the invisible single crochet decrease.
FAQ About Single Crochet Decreases
Can you use the different single crochet decreases for different types of crochet stitches?
Yes, you can use the different single crochet decreases for the different types of crochet stitches, not only the regular single crochet. Including front loop single crochet, back loop single crochet, front post single crochet, back post single 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 single stitch decreases.
Decreases for Other Basic Crochet Stitches
Find decreases for the other basic crochet stitches in the main crochet decrease tutorial.
Enjoy Crocheting All Kinds of Projects With Single Crochet Decreases
As you can see there are many single crochet decreases. The most common technique is working single crochet stitches together, and decreasing the number of stitches as specified.
The most common is sc2tog, sc3tog and sc4tog. However, you can even do a sc5tog, 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 single 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.
