Basic Stitches Beginner
Decrease (dec)
Removing stitches from a row or round to narrow the fabric, usually by joining two stitches together.
Decreasing is the opposite of increasing. It is used to taper or close shapes.
Methods
There are several ways to decrease, depending on the stitch and the desired look:
- Stitch Together: The most common method (e.g., sc2tog or
dc2tog). - Invisible Decrease: Preferred for amigurumi to avoid gaps. See Invisible Decrease.
- Skipping Stitches: In some lacy patterns, you may simply skip a stitch to decrease, though this creates a visible hole.
Pattern Notation
Like increases, dec usually implies a single crochet decrease unless otherwise specified.