Lesson: How to Decrease (dec) in Double Crochet (dc2tog)

Learn how to decrease your double crochet stitches to taper your work!

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  • Yarn
  • Crochet hook in corresponding size
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To "decrease" means to reduce the number of stitches in your row, so that your project can taper or decrease in size. To decrease in double crochet (dc2tog), you essentially connect half of a double crochet stitch with a full double crochet stitch next to it, leaving you with two double crochet stitches that come to a peak with one open stitch on top. If you know how to double crochet, you will find it easy to decrease your double crochet stitches!

Try this technique in our Granny Square Headband Pattern!

How to Decrease in Double Crochet

step one

Yarn over to begin, just like in double crochet.

How to Decrease in Double Crochet

step two

Insert your hook into the next open stitch.

How to Decrease in Double Crochet

step three

Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will have three loops on your hook.

How to Decrease in Double Crochet

step four

Yarn over and pull through two loops. You will have two loops left on your hook.

How to Decrease in Double Crochet

step five

Yarn over and insert your hook into the next stitch.

How to Decrease in Double Crochet

step six

Yarn over and pull up a loop. You will now have four loops on your hook.

How to Decrease in Double Crochet

step seven

Yarn over and pull through two loops. You will now have three loops left on your hook.

How to Decrease in Double Crochet

step eight

Yarn over and pull through all three loops, leaving you with one loop on your hook. (See next photo)

How to Decrease in Double Crochet

step nine

And that's a decrease in double crochet! The result will be what looks like two double crochet stitches with one open stitch space above them.

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Apply your new-found skill to create awesome things! Here’s a round-up of project inspiration.

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