Learning how to increase stitches in crochet opens up your crochet world to a host of possibilities. Many crochet textures are made by simple increases and skipped stitches. Once you learn how to increase a stitch in crochet, you can start experimenting with textures like bobble, puff, and popcorn stitches. Even the classic granny stitch is really just a series of increases in a space, paired with a few chains. New to the craft? Check out our post on how to crochet for beginners first.
What Does It Mean to Increase a Stitch in Crochet?
The concepts in this tutorial are written for the single crochet stitch, but the same logic applies to any crochet stitch and follows the same pattern format. A 1-stitch single crochet increase is written as “2 sc in st or sp indicated.” If you were increasing 1 stitch in double crochet, it would be written as “2 dc in st or sp indicated,” and so on.
How to Increase Stitches in Crochet (Step-by-Step)
For this tutorial, we're using Mary Maxim's Woodlands Yarn in the color Blossom with a size I-9 (5.50 mm) hook to build a corner-to-corner square through single crochet increases. Pair this tutorial with our decrease guide to finish the square.
Getting Started: Chain 2
Take a look at our video on how to chain if you need a refresher.
Row 1
Make 3 single crochet into the 2nd chain from the hook, then turn. At the end of this row, you should have 3 single crochet stitches.
Pattern shorthand: “3 sc in 2nd ch from hook, turn. (3 sc)”
Row 2
Chain one and make 2 single crochets in the first stitch. Single crochet in the next stitch, then make 2 single crochets in the last stitch. You'll finish the row with 5 single crochet stitches.
Pattern shorthand: “ch 1, 2 sc in first stitch, sc in next st, 2 sc in last sc, turn. (5 sc)”
Row 3
Chain one and make 2 single crochets in the first stitch. Single crochet in each of the next 3 stitches, then make 2 single crochets in the last stitch. You'll finish the row with 7 single crochet stitches.
Pattern shorthand: “ch 1, 2 sc in first stitch, sc in each of next 3 sts, 2 sc in last sc. Turn. (7 sc)”
Reading Increases in a Pattern
Unlike decreases, there isn't one single abbreviation for an increase, so pay close attention when reading patterns. Generally, an increase will be written as “2 sc in next sc.” This same format works with any basic stitch, including double crochet and half double crochet, and a pattern can call for any number of increases.
Tips for Even, Invisible Increases
Many crochet patterns stagger increases so they blend into the fabric rather than standing out. This differs from many knit fabrics, where increases and decreases are often part of the design itself. Increasing evenly across a row or round shapes your fabric evenly, while clustering increases shapes only one part of a piece. For instance, the heel of a slipper.
What's Next? Try the Decrease Tutorial
Now that you've got the single crochet increase down, put it to work and learn its counterpart. Try How to Decrease Crochet Stitches next to finish your corner-to-corner square.
Be sure to follow us on social media for more stitch tutorials — happy crafting!
